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) Walsh stated he would echo that sentiment as well. Walsh noted the City Council removed the well and some other items at their April 25 meeting and that all of those things add up to probably $17,000 or $18,000. Walsh noted the City will be saving some money with fencing, and that if the City is going to do this, he would like to do it right the first time. Walsh stated he would rather finish the park and do it well and that he would be in support to include that back in the plan. Meyers stated if the fence is erected and the well is then added in later, the fence would need to be taken down and then put back up. Meyers stated it would not cost the City any more money by doing it right from the beginning and that he would like to move forward with the plan with the amenities added back in. Meyers noted the well would be located in the parking lot area. Edwards stated they do not know the exact location of the well at this time but that it would be located in an area where there is a transition from the on and off leash areas. Meyers stated one of the purposes of the park is to provide a socialization place for people as well as the dogs, which is why the shade structures and the picnic tables are desired. Meyers stated it would provide a place where people of all ages can gather. Council Member Cornick asked if there is any possibility to hook up to the City water line that is located on the other side of the road. Edwards indicated it would cost considerably more than a small residential sized well since the water line is located almost a quarter of a mile away. Cornick asked if the City has a plan for enforcement of the permits and other operational items. Edwards stated Staff started to draft some operation guidelines after the May meeting and the idea was that the seasonal parks employee would be utilized to help keep the park clean similar to the City's other parks. The original plan for the permitting process was that the parking lot would be a parking lot solely for the dog park, but with the revised plan, Staff will look at possibly having some on -leash and off -leash parking. Cornick asked if this is considered a 24-hour park. Edwards indicated it would follow the same hours as some of the other City parks, which would be either 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. or sunrise to sunset. Council Member Levang stated based on the comments that have been received, a good compromise with the neighbors has been reached. Levang stated the fence has been moved, an area has been created for people to walk that do not have a dog, and the small dog area has been relocated to a better space. In addition, the City has honored what the family has asked of the City. Levang stated in her view what has been accomplished in the end is the best and provides the highest use for the park. Levang stated what she means by that is allowing the park land to get more use in accordance with the wishes of the Lurton family. Page 4 of 25