08-03-1998 Park Commission Minutes

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ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 3, 1998 (New Business - Saga Hill, Continued) Diann Goetten, City Council Representative, stated the City Council is waiting to hear whether access through Fairview Covenant Church will be granted before more money is delegated towards this project. Silber stated the people in the community are more interested in funding a park rather than just open space, noting a master plan would be beneficial in raising funds for this project and to show the residents that this is a true community project. McDermott stated the public needs to be involved when a park is being developed. Community Play Field/Central Park McDermott stated City Council has recommended the Eisinger Property, which consists of 27 acres, as a community park. McDermott commented he was unsure how much of that property is usable land. Gappa remarked a lot of fill was hauled in on the property. White suggested the soils be evaluated. McDermott inquired whether the land should be leased, which would mean the owner of the property would remain responsible for the prior fill. Diann Goetten stated the resolution passed on that property required clean fill. Gappa stated this site was formerly a landfill, but could be utilized for ballfields. Erickson stated testing of the soils should be the next step. McDermott suggested appointing someone from City Staff to approach Eisinger. White inquired when this site was utilized as a landfill. Gappa stated it has been at least ten to fifteen years ago. Erickson recommended utilizing this property for organized sports and keeping the neighborhood parks for unorganized sports. McDermott recommended investigating further the impact of the landfill on the property. White stated monies might be available for cleanup if the City purchased the property. McDermott requested this item be put on the agenda for the next Parks Commission meeting. Page 6