05-11-1998 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL AND PARK COMMISSION JOINT WORK SESSION HELD MAY 4,1998 Councilmember Kelley indicated that if, as part of the Highway 12 project. Long Lake's Holbrook Park is moved to property adjacent to Willow Drive, Orono should plan a park adjacent to the new Holbrook Park so that the park can be provided as cost effectively as possible, i.e. the two parks could share a parking lot. Councilmember Goetten suggested that the Park Commission members and subcommittees need to be careful what they commit to in relation to the Highway 12 corridor. The Highway 12 preliminary design process is a delicate, complex and fluid process. Orono needs to be careful to maintain a positive working relationship with the City of Long Lake. Councilmember Kelley indicated that getting Highway 12 located on the currently proposed corridor with no access except at the two ends is his highest priority. Once this is done, other issues can be brought forward. Chair McDermott indicated the Park Commission began its work related to trails along the Highway 12 corridor with good intentions. The Commission did not want to be without answers if someone asked for their input about trails in relation to the Highway 12 corridor. Commission Member Use indicated there is no funding now for parkland acquisition. The park survey completed several years ago indicated residents would be willing to have some tax increase for parkland acquisition. It was suggested that specific parcels for parkland and specific uses of the land to be acquired need to be identified. Criteria should be established for "significant" parkland. Councilmember Flint suggested the Park Commission identify three priority parcels, but also identify other parcels, so that the City can be opportunistic about acquiring other parcels such as when a developer comes in for a subdivision. Councilmember Flint also suggested that having a trail plan is important so that the City can acq .ire the right-of-way for trails when opportunities arise. Commission Member Silber indicated the probability of tlie City being successful with its Saga Hill grant application looks very high. She suggested the City should be submitting applications for other grants, such as for ballfields, etc. Mayor Jabbour reiterated tliat if the Park Commission disagrees with the Council about an issue, it is important the Park Commission be straightforward about bringing this to the Council's attention so that the two groups can address the issue.