04-09-1990 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD MARCH 26, 1990 LITTLE LEAGUE/BEOERWOOD PARK CONTINUED Mr. Hilbelink added that he had an estimate of $30,000.00 to get that site properly prepared. $20,000.00 to Mr. Gary McPhearson, representing OBA, submitted the petitions that had been received by OBA with 408 names supporting the use of Bederwood. Mr. McPhearson read several letters that had been received from Orono citizens supporting the upgrade of Bederwood. (The letters were from Sylvia Stroup, Douglas Nash, and Dave & Sherry Guimond.) Ms. Arlene Undlin, Minneapolis, said, "I am interested in this because my grandparents were the Larsons that farmed that piece of land. The park was intended to be used exactly as Holland Berglund indicated. At the time the park was to be developed, none of the neighbors were in favor of it even though it would raise the value of their homes. You are in a residential area and the park use should remain as is." Ms. Judy Brown, 3S5 Stubbs Bay Road, said, "One issue in this matter is that the CBA is requiring the park 5 nights a week. That is a prime time for the residents to use the park." Councilmember Goetten asked Mr. Hilbelink if it is necessary for them to have the park 5 nights a week from 2:00 p.m. to dark. Mr. Hilbelink replied that they will need the park 4 nights a week this year and 5 nights a week next year. As to the time of day needed, Hilbexink stated that 3:30 to dark would be acceptable. Mr. Hilbelink noted that the Soccer League has used Bederwood the last couple of years. There were twice as many games end consequently people and cars, yet the Park Commission received no complaints. Hilbelink said that after the first week in July, Little League will end. The only possible use they may have for the field after that point would be practices by one team if they advance to the All Stars. Mr. John Lehmeyer, 320 Crestview, asked how much money the OBA intended to invest into Bederwood Park to make this upgrade. Mr. Hilbelink replied, "Approximately $15,000.00." Mr. Lehmeyer suggested that it would be more prudent to use that money and the $6,000.00 that will be raised by the neighbors to upgrade the School property. Ms. Linda Fleming, 680 Minnetonka Highland Lane, said that safety should come first. She felt that the concession stand, dugouts, and bleachers were not necessary, especially if this is a temporary arrangement. She agreed with Mr. Lehmeyer. Mr. Rich Anderson, 3205 Crystal Bay Read, suggested that - 7 -