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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Tuesday,January 18,2022 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> community,the proposal before them tonight represents a percentage of community-members.As a <br /> community they have the responsibility to look out for the good of everyone,not one select group or <br /> interest no matter what it is.Ms.Benson asked to speak about the nature park proposal she presented to <br /> the Park Commission in Orono back in November 2021. It is important that everyone understands basic <br /> facts.First,the proposal was made by Ms.Benson as an alternative option to a plan that the Park <br /> Commission already had in the works for a standard play structure built of metal and plastic at Summit <br /> Beach Park. Given Mr.Dayton's commitment to preserving natural spaces the idea of having this <br /> structure at the park seemed a less-than-ideal fit and she spent a lot of time,and was happy to do it, <br /> talking to Park Directors and Staff in at least three different Minnesota parks who have made significant <br /> changes to their parks.As part of her research,Ms.Benson asked each one if they could do it differently, <br /> what would they do;the theme was community engagement from the beginning. Second,Ms.Benson is <br /> in no way personally invested in changing the landscape of Summit Beach whether for a natural <br /> playground or something else. She is interested in listening to the desire of the collective community. She <br /> has learned things about the sport of rowing such as teamwork,communication,coordination,and timing <br /> are very important...in a nutshell,working together.These are all great things,unfortunately these skills <br /> have not been employed effectively thus far and what has been done cannot be undone.However, as a <br /> community they can write the story of their town going forward and rather than a story of conflict it can <br /> become a story of celebration.Ms.Benson asked them to imagine Summit Beach in the future and that <br /> everyone,regardless of age,ability,means, influence,or recreational interest can gather and enjoy the gift <br /> of this land in the spirit in which it was given. <br /> Jay Nygard, 1386 Rest Point Road,was a Planning Commissioner and on the City Council. It was always <br /> important to him to visit the property so he could understand what was going on.This is especially true in <br /> this case,until one gets to the property to see the trees,hill,and beach, one does not really know what <br /> they are looking at.One concern with this project is that Orono did not provide any deed,covenants,or <br /> restrictions in the application which he thinks would be imperative for a park project that was donated.To <br /> him,private entities are not allowed to build on public land.There is a process to go through where the <br /> City builds and leases it out or one purchases the land and then builds on it.Another concern is that the <br /> proposed lease was not put in the packet.How can people look at what is going on without it?Especially <br /> because there is a clause that says the rights of the LLRC supersede any sale of the property which <br /> basically makes the property unsaleable.The lease needs to terminate when the property is sold and to <br /> give someone those kinds of rights is just silly. Orono should hold the keys to that property not the LLRC. <br /> Mr.Nygard does not think the LLRC has any standing to apply for a variance on City property. He cannot <br /> apply for a variance on someone else's property.He asked how can the LLRC put together a proposal, <br /> claim Orono is applying for the variance,apply for the variance and move forward?It is interesting that <br /> City Staff is pretty negative on the variance for hardcover which he has to agree with as Orono is very <br /> strict in the 0-75 and the LLRC could either make the building smaller or move it back in order to make <br /> this work. If Orono truly was the Applicant which is how a lot of these projects work,there would have to <br /> be an RFP(Request for Proposal)put out with three received back so Orono could choose the best to <br /> build on its property.This is not happening and is the reason Mr.Nygard thinks there was an end-around <br /> done and the LLRC can just go with their guys and make it the way they want to rather than the City <br /> being in control of what is going on. To him,they are actually violating State law by not putting out an <br /> RFP.Mr.Nygard stated the building is just too big,it is monstrous,too tall,will dominate the property, <br /> and will scare people away.He thinks it will probably have more uses than they are suggesting and they <br /> need to be skeptical of these things.He also asked what are they doing removing trees in a conservation <br /> area?Why is there no environmental impact study or study by the fire departments on the width of the <br /> narrow road? <br /> Page 8 of 11 <br />