01-12-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 12, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. (PARK COMMISSION COMMENTS — RICK MEYERS, CHAIR continuer) Meyers stated he is also here tonight to answer any questions the Council may have on the donation policy which was recently approved by the Park Commission. Walsh thanked the Commissioners for dedicating their time and effort on the Park Commission and encouraged the Park Commission to be proactive. BIG ISLAND REPORT — GABRIEL JABBOUR, CUSTODIAN Jabbour stated the Big Island park project started back in 1972 and that a tremendous amount of work has gone into improving Big Island over the years and establishing conservation easements. Jabbour noted the fund is currently running in the black and that they have compiled a three-year management plan. Jabbour stated during the compilation of the management plan, the committee found that many of the principles put forth in the 1970s still apply today. Jabbour stated last summer an effort was made to help educate the general populace on the purpose of Big Island and the need to preserve this asset. Jabbour indicated some improvements have been made in this regard but that there were still some incidents of vandalism. Jabbour stated the biggest issue at the present time is the garbage that is being thrown in the lake. Jabbour noted Three Rivers Park owns approximately 70 acres and that they have placed rip -rap along the shore and replace vegetation on the area near the cliffs. Following the 4h of July, a number of individuals had to spend three days out there cleaning up the area and replace vegetation. Jabbour indicated the vegetation was beginning to die due to the amount of garbage left there and that they brought in another 50 yards of dirt and replaced vegetation. Jabbour stated the garbage is being generated by the younger people who do not want to take their empty liquor bottles back home. In addition, the committee developed signs alerting the public that motorized vehicles on Big Island are prohibited. Jabbour noted Orono developed a new updated ordinance to make sure proper language was in place to help the Water Patrol prevail in the event they have to appear in court. On Saturday all of the posts were inserted five feet into the ground. Jabbour indicated the nuts for the signs will be welded in an attempt to prevent people from removing the bolts for the signs. Jabbour stated his expectation is that the vandalism will continue but hopefully at a lower level. McMillan stated in her view the lake users are coming to realize the wonderful asset in Big Island. Levang stated the historical pamphlet that has been created on Big Island is also quite wonderful. Levang noted the recent LMCD newsletter had an article on the garbage being left and that it will hopefully help people understand the need to not discard their garbage in the lake. Jabbour stated the beach on Big Island is a very nice beach but that the people who are enjoying the beach will eventually destroy the beach if they continue to discard their garbage in the lake. Jabbour stated the aluminum cans tend to sink to the bottom and zebra mussels are attracted to them. Jabbour stated that is another education piece that should be brought to the attention of the general public. Page 2 of 19