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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br /> Monday,March 2nd,2020 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Roath asked if Mr. Burrell could comment on the rough patch in the rowing club's history that was <br /> mentioned and if it was financial. <br /> Mr. Burrell said he had no comment about the rough patch and that it was pre-2013.He has been involved <br /> with the second evolution of the club and it has nothing to do with the club now.It was a different culture <br /> and a different time, and there were some bad things that happened,but the people part of this club had <br /> nothing to do with it. <br /> An unidentified audience member stated there has never been a rough patch with the Long Lake Rowing <br /> Crew. That was the previous entity, and this club had to rebuild confidence in the community. <br /> Roath asked for comments/concerns based on the information regarding the rowing club and potential <br /> partnership. <br /> Ruegemer said she does not have any problems with the rowing club, it sounds like a wonderful <br /> organization,but that does not mean it is a good fit for Summit Beach. Her concern is this is a nature park <br /> and a swimming beach and this would change the use of the park. She would not feel safe if her children <br /> were swimming there and rowboats were coming and going. She noted Bruce Dayton was an <br /> environmental advocate and feels it would be a disservice to him to cut down old-growth trees to put in a <br /> boat storage facility. Part of the Park Commission's job is to protect the environment in addition to <br /> serving the public. She does not feel it is in the best interests of the park to cut down old-growth trees to <br /> build a place to protect boats. She loves seeing the boats on the lake and wished the LLRC the best. <br /> Roath asked Ruegemer if she had problems with public-private partnerships. <br /> Ruegemer said she does not and a lot of times they work out great. It is a well-used park and this would <br /> change that use. She does have a concern that the building would be 100%private and the City would not <br /> have access to the building. <br /> Roath noted he heard there would be access through community education for the general public.He also <br /> recalled hearing earlier the deck would be open to the public and asked if that was still in the plans. <br /> Mr.Burrell said right now the deck is not in the plan.When they reduced the square footage,they could <br /> not get around potential liability and vandalism issues. <br /> Carter said he has no concern about the club activity or public-private partnerships.He would love to see <br /> their community and boat club come to the Commissioners with a presentation to say why they think it is <br /> a good idea. He stated if he had to choose right now between the proposal and not doing it,he would <br /> choose to not do it for a lot of reasons. <br /> Klaahsen stated she has no concerns with the rowing club. She noted Mr. Burrell has listened to concerns <br /> and questions from the Park Commission and the community outreach has been adequate. She has no <br /> concerns club-wise and the approach to the proposal. <br /> Roath asked for input on the design/location of the building. <br /> Ruegemer said the building has a huge footprint and the park basically consists of wetlands,which the <br /> City is already mowing,and old-growth woods.It would take down a big chunk of old-growth woods. <br /> Page 10 of 20 <br />