03-02-1998 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH Z, 1998 {#3 - �BA at Bederwood -Continued) Ilse agreed that the OBA is a great organization. However, she is concerned about retracting an agreement noting the importance of making our words worth what they say. She emphasized that this would apply to any organization. Ilse indicated she suggested before that the 4BA look to the future needs for fields. She felt the neighbors wou}d be disappointed if the contract was not upheld. Regarding needs changing, Ilse said she would understand that in the future but the contract was only established in 1994. Welles felt 20 years was a}ong time for a contract and saw the need to re-negotiate it. He noted his frustration with the lack of use of Bederwood. Wilson agF-eed that baseball is a great use of the park and not detrimental to the neighborhaod. The problem, however, is with the contract. She felt if the majority af the neighbors remain opposed to the change in usage it should be upheld. She suggested the OBA determine where the neighbors viewpoints lie and advance to the ne�ct step by determining what the majdrity af the neighbors felt. David Leash said he has boys in baseball and beIieves Bederwood is a great place to play ball. He feels discussions about the March for Parks and use ofBederwood is inconsistent if baseball is limited at the park. Leash felt the park should be used in a manner that is best for the community at large. It was clarifi�d that the OBA was to use Bederwood ternporarily while the Lee Carlson Fields were being buiit. �Velles suggested if the matter could be on the Council agenda, the public hearing format wauld allow far peopie to be heard. He said he is unsure what the general feeling is of the neighbors. Kiemen noted that the OBA is a good tenant at Bederwood and cares far tne property. He said a noise concern had been an issue which has turned out to be false. Welles moved, Erickson seconded, to recommend the Council hald a public hearing to modify the terms of the lease to allow OBA to use the facilities three nights a week for a period of time not to exceed three years with the OBA performing nightly clean-up and demonstrating a good faith effort that they are pursuing other alternatives. If this is not upheld, the play would revert back to twQ nights a week. McDermott said the Commission cannot mandate the Council to hold a public hearing. He sug$ested a field be established by Crystal Bay Park. He was inforrtied that there was not adequate room far such use at Erystal Bay Park. 7