09-07-2021 - Park Commission Packet

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Exhibit A. Commission- Looking forward to seeing everyone at Tuesday’s meeting! In reviewing our 2021 goals, we still have much to accomplish this year. There were a lot of happenings during our “summer recess”. I’d like to bring you up to speed ahead of the meeting. 1) Beginning in late May, an Orono resident voiced concern about vandalism in the natural area of Bederwood Park. We discussed this at our last Commission meeting. Since then, the resident has engaged in a campaign to spread misinformation about activity in and plans for Bederwood and Lowry Woods and, in the process, defame the City (including the Park Commission directly). Most of this has been through social media under her name and under an organization named Stand Up for Property Rights, Big Woods and Wetlands. The resident has also sued the City of Orono. We expect to see this resident and others at our meeting Tuesday and may provide public comment. Although Bederwood and Lowry Woods are not on the agenda, I would like to read a statement (as part of my Chairman’s Report) from the Commission to set the record straight about the Commission and these parks. A draft of this statement will be included with meeting materials. Please review and propose edits as part of our Tues meeting. This is not MY statement. It is from all of us. It should not say anything we do not all 100% support. Feel free to call if you have questions about the history, process, or statement content. 2) Last week Jen resigned from the Commission due to her lack of availability. Attached is her resignation letter. I expressed our appreciation for her work on Sandy Beach and Summit – feel free to do the same. So, we are in need of a Commissioner and a couple Alternate Commissioners. Please pass the word – it has proved to be the best way to find qualified candidates. The application is available on the Orono website. 3) Our Parks Supervisor Joey also resigned in August. He left to pursue a new opportunity with a non-profit farm that he was already deeply involved with. Next Wednesday, Joey’s replacement Josh starts. Josh has a similar background golf course management – in fact, Josh was referred to us by Joey. I doubt Josh will be available to meet the Commission on Tuesday. But, we’ll bring him up to date on our parks soon enough. 4) Save the date: September 17th is Golfer Appreciation Day at the golf course. We will have live music, food and other activities from 3-6pm. 5) Save the date: September 23rd is Big Island Grand Opening (3pm). You will soon receive an invitation with details on transportation arrangements. 6) Our meeting Tuesday is a formal meeting. The plan is to follow current masking guidelines: a) mask if unvaccinated or by personal preference, b) unmask when speaking, c) social distance. If you have a concern with that approach and prefer we take additional precautions, please let me know. Thanks, and have a great Labor Day Weekend! -Brian