05-11-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 11, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. 15. LIVINGSTON (TOWER) PARK IMPROVEMENT PLAN REQUEST (continued) Other amenities on the site include a port -a -potty, a screen, bike racks, and a water fountain that would be connected into the City's water supply. In addition, the Park Commission would like to add some fencing around a couple of the items, such as the generator and an equipment bank that sits outside the footprint of the sketch and a desire to do some native grass screenings along the fence. Edwards stated those screening improvements may or may not be problematic based on the Homeland Security requirements. Edwards noted he did not depict the plantings and gardens but that those were also part of the vision of the Park Commission. Edwards displayed a picture of what Livingston Park looks like currently. Levang noted she has been working with the Park Commission and that she is in favor of the project. Levang stated there are a number of reasons to raise the profile of Livingston Park, and include the fact that this is a very natural way to the Dakota Rail Trail, connects to the opposite side of County Road 15 in a safe way where pedestrians can seek respite and then continue down County Road 15 to the business district. Levang indicated the Park Commission is talking about a phased approach over time and that a possible partnership with Three Rivers is being explored. Three Rivers has stated that high priorities for the Dakota Trail are bathrooms and water. Levang stated the Council needs to remember that this is a high- density area and that it would serve a great number of people as well as those on the Dakota Rail Trail. Levang stated the City also needs a nexus to the City parks. Levang noted there are a number of new homes on Northern Avenue and that this would create a nexus for them. Printup stated he would like to learn more about the phase approach. Printup asked whether the Park Commission is contemplating that the benches or bike racks will be donated. Levang indicated this is just a rough plan and that the three benches that are currently there do not look at anything and are situated at very odd angles. In addition, the residents are looking into the water plant, which is not a desirable view, and some evergreens on the other side. Levang stated this park is not getting the use it could if it was improved some and that a phased approach could be suggested by Norling's with the input of the Park Commission. Levang noted the telecom equipment is off to the right and out in the open, which presents a certain kind of danger since someone can easily access the panel. Levang stated in her view that needs to be addressed. Printup stated he is okay approving the $850 for a plan, but questioned whether that would commit the City to $20,000 in improvements. Levang stated it does not commit the City, and that if Norling is the contractor awarded the bid, that amount would go towards the project. Levang stated the Park Commission does not know the exact cost of the improvements at this point but that they need a plan if they want to move forward. Printup stated when the City discussed this site approximately four years ago, there were some neighbors who were interested in helping place some plantings around the fence area or do some type of screening. Page 16 of 25