07-11-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 11, 2016 7;00 o'clock p.m. 7. LURTON PARK (continued) Barnhart stated he has noticed that there are some park users utilizing the park in an ort -leash area and that in Staffs view the variance is the minimal amount necessary to allow use by the public. Barnhart noted the Park Commission recommends approval of the plan, while the Planning Commission recommended denial of the variance. Walsh asked how the fence will work. Walsh stated it appears the fence will be stretched and in a straight line as much as possible. Walsh asked whether it will be necessary to cut swaths to erect the fence. Public Works Director/City Engineer Edwards stated the goal is to make as many straight lines as possible with the fence since any corners will add expense to the project. Walsh asked whether a swath will need to be cut. Edwards stated most fence contractors did say they could minimize the swath but that some areas will need to be cut so they can get access to the fence locations with something the size of a Gator or a skid steer in order to bring in materials. Walsh stated he wanted to make sure they are not going to cut an 8 or 10 -foot path. Edwards stated the goal is to maintain as much vegetation as possible. Edwards stated as it relates to Design No. 3, it has been overlaid with the current trail network, which is the reason for the location of the northern path. The orange line marks the woodchip trail, which will also provide access for installing the fence as well. The green line depicts a pretty well defined dirt trail and the red trail is a fairly well defined dirt trail. Edwards stated the other trails seem to be seasonal. During the Planning Commission meeting, there was some discussion about how someone could navigate the park without going inside the dog area, and if some of those trails are improved, there would be that opportunity available. Edwards noted the blue dots depict a gate. Walsh commented the park is a great asset for the community and that he has met with some of the Park Commissioners and walked through it with them as well as some of the neighbors. Walsh stated having the ability to have input has made all the difference in the world and that he would liken it almost to the Lakeview development and the public comment that was received on that application. Walsh commented everyone has compromised a little to make it work and that in his view, after walking the park, it is a great design. Walsh stated if he would make any changes to the plan, he would take the line and go from the one dot right straight over to the other dot. Walsh stated 130 feet is pretty close to one of the neighbor's house and that he would suggest straightening that line out rather than doing that little L or U. Edwards noted the Park Commission opted for the more northerly route in an attempt to maximum the wooded area for the off -leash area rather than a straight line between the two dots. Rick Meyers, Park Commission Chair, stated they wanted the fence further north because it provided' 8.1 acres for the off -leash area and 7.87 acres for the on -leash dog park. Meyers stated the Park Commission felt that was the best plan and that it would be up to the City Council if they want to change it. The Park Commission was more concerned about putting the drinking fountain and the picnic tables back in the plan. Page 3 of 25