04-12-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS. OPEN SPACES. AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING Monday. March 1. 2004 7:15 o’clock p.m. Chair McDermott stated that the comp plan identifies Bederwood Park as a neighborhood park which would not be used by organized sports more than two times per week. Rice asked if the park donors had placed these restrictions on the park. Silber stated that a process could be followed to amend the comp plan, if OBA could make a case to the public, the City might be willing to expand the usage to a certain degree. However, she questioned w-hether 5-6 nights per week would be acceptable. Halvorson stated that she was in full support of organized sports for kids. She was disappointed to sec an amenity like Bederwood underutilized. Pesek seconded. Gappa stated that, since the last public hearing was held in 1993, he wasn't sure if the opinion of the neighborhood had changed or whether they would still object to the use. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 1, Chair McDermott dissenting to the motion as presented. Murphy questioned whether there were pictures of the facility in its present state displa>ing its lack of upkeep and use. He suggested that might be useful to the City Council. Gappa indicated that OBA maintains the field within the fence line. He suggested that OBA be allowed to state their case. Silber maintained that the City should encourage the fact that, they have an organization. OBA. who has stepped forward saying they want to take care of the park and its facilities. They are willing to make the investment, at a time when funding is a cntical issue. She encouraged the OBA to consider adopting maintenance of the sign and it’s landscaping as an indication of their good faith. Palmquist stated that he could lake the landscaping of the sign suggestion back to the organization. He believed that, unfortunately, a vocal minority has kept the park from being used, and OBA would like to be given the opportunity to state their case. Pesek reiterated that this request fulfills two of the Park Commission goals, first, to increase utilization of parks, and second, improve the condition of parks. Gappa pointed out that, in general, you don’t sec too many pick-up games in any sport anymore. (#5) FEBRUARY 2004 COUNCIL MEETINGS Rice indicated that, while the CUBmi^^ressed their gratitudet^^h^ark Commission for pointing out that the real estate taxes ii^tO«^re so low Jbii^w^Id prefer the Commission PAGE 4