02-12-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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If f MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 12, 1996 (Park Commission - Continued) • Kelley noted the need to address the new pressures placed on the City for space for such programs with the possible closure of Oak Brook Park, which would be eliminated with the Highway 12 corridor. McMillan said the softball and baseball associations are looking at long range planning. Kelley said Holbrook Field was originally used for baseball but changed to softball 4 years ago for girls and coed play. McMillan said the field is also used for Little League. She also noted the concession stand at Holbrook, which is run by the softball association. Kelley said there are 5 softball fields at the school field and no Little League, which he felt must be kept in perspective with the community at large. McMillan added that the softball association is considering expanding the age groups of the players. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Hawn had no report. PUBLIC COMMENTS Steve and Joan Valek, 4720 Tonkaview Lane, asked to address the Council regarding the tax forfeit parcel near Saga Hill. Steve Valek was under the impression that a 1/2 acre piece of land was to be given to the Valek's, which was approved at a Council meeting in November, 1994, by a resolution giving the Valek's the opportunity to acquire the 1/2 • acre parcel. Valek said the County has yet to receive the resolution and has been working with City Staff to get the issue resolved since last summer. Valek said he has spoken with Pat O'Connor of the County Tax Forfeiture Department. He was informed by O'Connor that the City has two options, one to present a resolution stating the metes and bounds of the property to allow the sale to the Valek's, or the option to purchase the property. Callahan asked Valek if he was aware of the effort by the public to gain property in the Saga Hill area for a park. Valek said he was aware of this. Callahan said the City was under the impression that the County was going to give the 9 -1/2 acre tax forfeit parcel to the City, who made application to gain the parcel. Callahan told Valek that the County had informed the City that they did not wish to donate the property but asked the City to purchase it instead. Callahan said the City does not wish to purchase the 4 -1/2 acres (the other five acres would be given to the City) but want it also donated. Callahan said the City and County are in negotiations on the matter, which he said did not focus on any arrangement with the Valek's. • 2