09-14-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 24, 2015 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 13 Gaffron stated some wording could be added that says it may be extended for X number of days or times if the Council chooses. Levang stated she would like to see that included. Levang stated from the very beginning of this development there was some confusion over who owned the property and that a number of people believed that the City owned the Lakeview Golf Course. As a result, Levang stated she feels very uncomfortable with a sign that will be soliciting donations given the possibility that people might think the City of Orono is soliciting donations for a park. Levang stated the sign should be very clear that this is not the City of Orono soliciting donations. McMillan stated the language on the sign will be very important but that the Council does not have any proposed language before them. Dr. Tom Mazer, Citizens for Lakeview Preservation Board Member, stated the sign they are proposing will be a descriptive sign pretty much illustrating what the park is meant to be about and will have also a visual of what they anticipate in terms of the pathways that will go through the park and the vegetation, etc. In addition, there will be a small acrylic box on the side that will have little brochures identifying what the park is all about. In the brochure will be an insert for people who are willing to make a donation. Mazer stated there will not be anything specifically on the sign requesting donations but would simply be an insert in the brochures. The sign will clearly state that this is not the City of Orono but rather a citizens group that is creating the park. Levang asked who the group expects to be advertising to since North Arm is not a well-traveled road. Dr. Mazer stated there are a number of people who walk up and down the road and that in their view this will be a park that will be attractive to the residents within a couple mile radius that can walk to the park. McMillan asked if this will be a sign that people will stop to read. Dr. Mazer stated people who drive by may be attracted to the sign and stop by to see it. Mazer agreed that North Arm Drive is not heavily traveled at this point but the people who drive by will be inclined to stop to see what the sign is about. Council Member Cornick asked if the donations will be deductible. Dr. Mazer stated they have received approval to be a 501(c) (3) corporation from the IRS and that the donations will be tax deductible. McMillan asked if 90 days will be sufficient. Mazer stated in his view it will be but that it would also be nice to have an extension available. Levang asked when the sign will be installed. Dr. Mazer stated the plan is to erect the sign this fall, likely in the next week or two, if approval is received tonight.