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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Monday,June 20,2016 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> the need for a variance for the fence and that otherwise a review by the Planning Commission was not <br /> necessary for the dog park. <br /> Meyers stated he makes it a point at the Park Commission meetings not to talk about the Planning <br /> Commission and disparage what they da Meyers stated the concept of an off-leash dog park was <br /> investigated by the Park Commission and that the family approached the City and suggested it. <br /> Meyers stated it is also not right to say that the City is wasting money since park dedication money is <br /> being used for this project. Park dedication money can only be used for capital improvements, such as to <br /> purchase parks or improve parks. <br /> Schoenzeit stated there should be a bigger discussion before having the City get involved in the dog park <br /> business. <br /> Meyers stated the Park Commission voted 7 to 0 to recommend approval of a dog park and the City <br /> Council voted 5-0 to approve a dog park. <br /> Schoenzeit commented it is not a good idea. <br /> Meyers noted the Park Commission also had public hearings and that the representation that this was <br /> done in some kind of slipshod manner was not accurate. <br /> Thiesse noted he did state during the meeting that this was done in accordance with the City's policies. <br /> Thiesse stated to his recollection he has not ever had a variance not come to the Planning Commission, <br /> but that he appreciates what the Park Commission does and that they have done what they were supposed <br /> to do. <br /> Meyers stated he was not part of the discussion about whether a variance is required. Meyers stated as <br /> part of the Park Commission's fiduciary duty,they try to save money wherever possible,and if the GIS <br /> data can get them within the intent of the rules,that is something that should be used. Meyers noted they <br /> are talking about a fence, which tends to be a very low impact thing. <br /> Meyers stated the Park Commission researched dog parks,visited a number of dog parks, and that this <br /> was not something that they pulled out of their hat. Meyers noted the family approached the City wanting <br /> to see more use of the park. Meyers stated the City also has 24 parks in the system and that people can go <br /> to a park specifically designed for the recreation they would like to do. <br /> Meyers noted the Park Commission can actually recommend spending money and that they set it up with <br /> the public good in mind and what would serve the most good in the City. Meyers stated it makes the Park <br /> Commission look bad to be dragged through the mud at one of the Planning Commission meetings and <br /> that he would not editorialize on the Planning Commission's job at one of the Park Commission meetings. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if there was a Council line item to invest$150,000 in a dog park. <br /> Meyers stated it was $115,000 and not$150,000. The bid for the fence was$70,000. <br /> Schoenzeit asked how the public is supposed to weigh in on it. <br /> Page _ _ _ <br /> _ _- ._ _ _ <br /> ___ _.__ <br /> 23 <br />