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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br /> Monday, June 1, 2020 <br />6:00 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Page 6 of 9 <br /> <br />Klaahsen indicated that it was going to be added to the last Work Session but it ended up being cancelled. <br />She said there were some Orono swim beach standards developed in 2014, which was when some docks <br />were removed. She noticed a few things are not being done on the standards such as the recommendation <br />that all beaches should have a picnic table, bench, and bike rack. She knows not all of those things are at <br />Sandy Beach. It also indicates swim buoys should be placed in front of each beach area. She would like to <br />discuss reconsidering the beach standards and either try to adhere to them or revise them. <br />Roath stated there is nothing that can be done this year. He suggested adding that item to a future <br />agenda/meeting, and in the meantime, get some background information, work with Edwards, and then <br />give a presentation at the appropriate meeting. <br />Klaahsen agreed to do so. She noted Sandy Beach has experienced more use because of COVID and <br />social-distancing. It is only about a 30-foot wide beach, and if there was a small dock, at least two <br />families could enjoy the beach social-distancing -- one on the dock; one on the beach -- so it seems more <br />relevant this summer than in past years, and it would be nice to put something quickly in place. <br />Roath asked Edwards if that was a possibility and whether there is a dock available. <br />Edwards stated he would probably have to secure a dock. He has dock sections, but he has been using <br />them for maintenance for existing docks at lake access points. He said the first step may be to change the <br />beach standards, noting that was a point of contention when the Commission first stood up in 2014. He <br />said things can be adjusted; it’s just a matter of getting something from the Commission and getting it <br />before the Council, as far as procuring additional docks, etc. <br />Roath asked if the Park Commission was meeting in July. <br />Edwards stated there is a Work Session set for July 6 at 6:00 p.m. <br />Roath noted that it could be worked on in June and something brought to the Commission in July, unless <br />Klaahsen had another idea. <br />Klaahsen said she did not have another idea at this time. <br />Roath said the Commission can plan on working on it in June, and if the Commission wants to do <br />something for this year, they can see if they can go forward or if they have to wait until next year. He <br />noted the golf course money could also roll over to 2021. <br />Edwards said Roath was correct. He noted that the money stays in the CIP in the Parks fund, so if it is not <br />used, it is still in the fund the following year. That is how almost $1 million was built up over 5-6 years <br />prior to the latest spending spree. <br />STAFF REPORTS <br />4. Public Works Parks Update <br />Edwards stated they have gone through the spring transition of getting all of the parks and lake access <br />points from winter to summer mode. A gradual opening in line with COVID-19 guidelines has been <br />occurring at the golf course, currently with an 80% capacity. They are renting carts and doing tee times