05-23-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 23, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 6. 16-3832 CITY OF ORONO, VARIANCE, PUBLIC HEARING (continued) Meyers commented the fence may change the environment a little bit but that there are a lot of natural areas in Orono, such as French Creek and Lowry Woods. Meyers stated whenever there is a change, it can be disturbing to the neighbors, and that he went from having total privacy to having 450,000 people going by his house every year. Milianta asked if the City did a market study to determine the interest. Meyers stated at the intergenerational forum last winter they talked about something that all age groups and all backgrounds could do and bring people together. Meyers stated dog parks are a good communal place. The City already has softball fields and other recreational parks. Meyers stated as far as environmental impact studies, the City does not complete environmental impact studies for natural parks. Milianta commented she is very disappointed and that the amount of work and forethought that went into the decision is very poor. Milianta stated it seems like the City just made a decision to spend $100,000 of taxpayers' money to erect a fence and that she is very disappointed. Meyers noted park dedication fees would be used to fund it. McMillan closed the public hearing at 8:33 p.m. McMillan noted this item will be before the Planning Commission at its June 20 meeting. The City Council took no formal action on this item. 7. LURTON PARK FENCING McMillan stated the City will need to delay this item until after the Planning Commission meeting. Edwards stated the City has received two quotes and that Staff is recommending the low bid. Edwards stated Staff can simply go back to the contractors and resolicit the bids at a later time. Levang stated if the bids are good for 90 days, she would prefer to table the matter so Staff does not have to spend time obtaining new bids. Edwards noted even if it was tabled, he would still need to contact the contractors to see if their bids are still good after the 90 days and that it would be just as easy to solicit new bids. Walsh moved, Printup seconded, to deny the bid for the Lurton Park Fencing. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. Walsh left the meeting to address residents outside the Council Chambers at approximately 8:30 p.m. and returned at 8:38 p.m. Page 15 of 23