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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-06-1997 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 6, 1997 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Susan Wilson, Commissioners Sherokee Ilse, Andrew McDermott, James White, David Beal, Van Erickson, and Peter Welles. Representing Staff were Public Service Director Greg Gappa, and Recorder Sherry Frost. Chair Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m. (#1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 2, 1997 MEETING Last sentence of paragraph 3 under 2B, page 2, was deleted. Last sentence of paragraph 4 under 3A, page 5, was deleted. The prior sentence "paving" was changed to "base course". Second paragraph of page 7 was changed to read, "An idea for an on-lake rink..........A Maxwell Bay location was discussed at the site of the DNR park. There was concern due to open water conditions around the channel." Page 12, 6th paragraph, first sentence, was changed to "... narrow and would be difficult to build a trail on." Last sentence on page was deleted. Page 13, Sth paragraph, the names of the people on the committee was added, Wilson, Welles, McDermott, and Erickson. Ninth paragraph, first sentence, was added "Brown Road bike trail. The first sentence of the following paragraph was deleted and the other sentence was added to the ninth paragraph, "Gappa said he sees a �ood option available is for use of widened shoulders." Page 14, 3rd paragraph, "dead-end roads" was changed to "smaller residential roads". Beal moved, McDermott seconded, to approve the Minutes of the September 2, 1997 Park Commission Meeting as amended. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. (Ilse and White had not yet arrived.) (Item #2 follows #9.) (#9) SUBDIVISIONS - GAPPA A. GARDEN LANE Jim Waters, representing LGA, the company developing the subdivision called Garden Lane, was present. 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#9A Garden Lane Subdivision- Continued) (White arrived at this time.) Gappa reported that the plan has been revised and is being considered for preliminary plat approval. The Park Commission was asked to determine whether the Park Dedication would be in land or cash fee. Gappa explained the subdivision property location in its relationship to the park land. Gappa indicated a line of property along the ravine with the right-of-way on its other side which could be considered taken for park land. Welles asked Waters how the ravine would be factored into the subdivision. Waters said a amount of the ravine would be required for frontage for a private lot, which requires 144' width, but the ravine would have an easement running across it. Waters said with the additional land grouped together for a .59 acre total, the land would be contiguous to the park land by the ravine through Park Dedication and by easement. Waters said it would require a combination of both cash and land to meet the required ratio. He is concerned, however, with decreasing the size of the adjoining lot. McDermott questioned the purpose of the easement. Gappa indicated that the drainage cannot be altered but felt the easement should be made more restrictive, especially in regards to trees. Wilson said she was concerned with the idea of monitoring what would be a backyard easement. Gappa said the park land also runs into the lot. Waters noted that Garden Lane was not being vacated at this time. Gappa reported that Parcel3 was in private ownership and would require access from Garden Lane. Access from Wildhurst would be difficult with the steep terrain. Wilson did not favor taking land on the side of Garden Lane. Welles indicated that it would be difficult to develop this area with the ravine at that location. Wilson agreed that the ravine cannot be built on. McDermott indicated that the ravine could be changed visually, however, through removal of trees as an example. Gappa suggested the area be protected. Wilson thought it would be appealing if only the road was vacated. Waters reported the Council had considered a possible trade of land with the owner of Lot 3. 2 MINUTES OF TH� REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#9A Garden Lane Subdivision - Continued) Gappa said the subdivision would extend to the cul-de-sac, which would be constructed by the developer, but the developer of Lot 3 would have to extend the road to serve that property. Waters indicated that this would be an expensive endeavor. Gappa said it would only involve a driveway rather than a road. Waters informed the Park Commissioners that a developers agreement would specify the terms of the easement. Gappa added that it would be a drainage easement and limitations would be stipulated. Waters said it would also be delineated as a wetland. He showed the extent of the wetlands to Welles noting the easement extends beyond the wetland. Welles indicated he would be inclined not to take land at that location. Waters responded that he thought it would make sense to take that land as it would be the only opportunity to do so. Wilson inquired about the development of Lots 4, 5, and 6. Waters said he is currently reviewing the plans far that and additional property for development. Gappa reported that they were separate applications, and this particular subdivision was not at the point of review by the Commission. Welles said he did not see the benefit of taking land due to the natural area, the impact on the Garden Lane extension, and the protection of land in the area. He preferred to take cash. Beal was informed that the cash would amount to 8% of the assessed value of the 6 lots, which is currently unknown. It was estimated the range would be around $20,000. McDermott favored taking land. Even with the wetland delineation and drainage easement, McDermott thought the easement would be of less value when held up against the private property rights of individuals. He suggested the City possibly condemn Lot 3 and making a continuing park land including the road and this 8% of land. Wilson asked McDermott how he would feel if the City was not interested in condemning Lot 3. McDermott said if there was a driveway to the lot and the property is heavily wooded, he would still feel it would add significantly to the appearance of the area. He voiced concern with the cutting of trees for a yard and additions built such as sheds or swing sets. Welles felt there was adequate protection under the zoning ordinances. Beal thought the decision was difficult without knowing the assessed value. He said he was inclined to take the cash as it would be difficult to get to the land. 3 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#9A Garden Lane Subdivision- Continued) Wilson agreed. She did say, however, that she would possibly change her opinion if the City did acquire Lot 3. Beal said he is concerned with the fact that no tree policy yet exists. White said he would prefer taking cash. He feels it is unlikely that the land would be altered and easement would be an aid. White thought it will be difficult to develop Lot 3 and feels the cash would be of more value than the land. McDermott informed the Commissioners that the Saga Hill Preservation Group also did not think Garden Lane would be developed. Erickson said he preferred to take the cash. Welles moved, Beal seconded, to recommend cash payment of 8% of the assessed land value of the Garden Lane Subdivision for Park Dedication Fee. Wilson asked for comments regarding Lot 3. White said it was not part of this issue. McDermott suggested the City consider acquiring Lot 3. Gappa noted there was a time frame concern. Vote: Ayes 5,Nays 1, McDermott. B. BROOK PARK REALTY Commission reviewed the sketch plan of Brook Park Realty Subdivision in the Navarre area. Gappa indicated the plan under review included a possible future expansion of the subdivision but there are no assurances that the expansion would occur. The subdivision consists of a higher density townhome development. The first concept reviewed by the Planning Commission was over the allowed density levels. The Commission informed the developer that they must hold to the density maximums. Gappa suggested an area that could be considered for taking of land in the subdivision. It was located along a wetland area that may allow for further expansion if the adjacent property was developed. This land would allow for a park to be located in the Navarre area that is of higher density. Wilson noted there was little land available. Gappa said it would require the additional park land in the potential expansion area to make an adequate park. The plan and topography of the land was reviewed. 4 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#9B - Brook Park Realty - Continued) Beal questioned whether the covenants were reviewed. He noted the nature of the community also is a factor. Gappa noted that the developer had considered qualifying for the lower income housing but was unable to meet the $130,000 maximum unit cost with the density level. The Planning Commission will be reviewing the subdivision for preliminary plat approval at their October meeting. The cost per unit is estimated at about $150,000. Welles moved, Wilson seconded, to recommend cash fee for Park Dedication for the Brook Park Realty Subdivision. Beal was informed that Livingston Avenue would be extended into this property. Gappa noted the property size is 10 acres, one half of which is wetlands. Welles said he thought a homeowners association would provide some play ground area for the children living there. Wilson noted there was no location for an adequate playground. Beal questioned whether a trail would be located along this property. McDermott said it would be a connector to the Dakota Rail property if that was developed for a trail. McDermott said he would recommend taking land as he is concerned with the native vegetation and maintaining open space. He indicated this was one of only a few spaces left in the Navarre area with open land. He said the land above the wetlands has significant oak trees and rolling terrain. Welles thought the developer would leave this area as an amenity to the property owners. Beal noted that the developer, however, would cut down alot of trees fo develop the property. White suggested the City could make use of the proposal through a tax increment financing project and use the funds for providing a park in the Navarre area. He explained how such a process worked. Wilson asked if this would be feasible. McDermott thought it should be of interest to the City. Beal was informed that a road will be platted to extend to the western property for future expansion but there is no guarantee that the development will occur. Vote: Ayes 4, Nays 2, Beal, McDermott. 5 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#9B - Brook Park Realty - Continued) Beal questioned how a subdivision can proceed to this point without a better review. Welles suggested the Planners be continuous engaged regarding development in the City. McDermott and Beal voiced concern with quick reactions rather than taking a proactive approach. Wilson said the Park Commission should also send viable recommendations forward to the Council. Erickson suggested the Commission be involved earlier in the process. Beal asked that the appraised value be established at a earlier time. Wilson voiced concern with the land considered for Park Dedication as being land that was chosen by the developers themselves and may not be the best choice. Wilson felt more open space should be required in these higher density subdivisions. Gappa informed the Commission that they may choose what land to take from a subdivision but would have to be reasonable as to allow the property to still become developable. Wilson suggested the Commissioners visit the sites prior to these reviews. Wilson said the subdivision should be required to have a planting and screening plan with a strong recommendation for reforestation. Beal noted that the tree preservation policy being considered referenced clear cutting on new development by Lindquist. Gappa also noted that this subdivision was a PUD which has more control over what occurs. (#2) REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEETINGS A. SEPTEMBER 8, 1997 - WELLES Welles reviewed what was discussed informing the Council of the delay until spring at Antoine Park for its grand opening. The bike trail review was discussed. Welles noted the Council and Park Commission would schedule a work session to discuss it. Welles said he informed the Council of the need to review what adjacent cities are doing for trails and how they would coordinate with the City's trails. The Council informed him of the negative viewpoint of the community for widening roadways for trails. He said the Council would like to see the Park Commission become involved earlier and consider looking at cooperative efforts with Hennepin Parks. Welles said the Council informed him that the work session could include discussion of open space, and namely, the 394 corridor, and was told to move forward on open space planning. 6 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#2A - Report of 9/8/97 Council Meeting - Continued) Wilson said the open space sub-committee, which consists of McDermott, Welles, and Wilson, should meet prior to the November Park Commission Meeting. Welles said he informed the Council that the Park Commission was monitoring activities at Spring Hill Golf Course. Wilson told Welles that the walk-thru was performed recently. Wilson said the Council would like to see the Commissioners at the Council meetings and remain in attendance for all issues that are pertinent to the Commission. B. SEPTEMBER 22, 1997 -ERICKSON Erickson indicated he was unable to attend the meeting. Wilson stressed the importance of finding a replacement. A schedule for attendance at future Council meetings was established as follows: 10/13 - White 10/27 - Wilson 11/10 - Erickson 11/24 - McDermott 12/8 - Welles (#3) FINANCIAL REPORT - GAPPA Financing report was provided by Gappa on Park Dedication Fund. Wilson asked if there were any comments. Beal noted the expenditures at Antoine were incomplete. Gappa said the costs would total about $30,000. (#4) PARK DEDICATION FEES REPORT AND DISCUSSION A. BEAL -WAYZATA Beal said Wayzata has a 7% Park Dedication with a maximum of$3,450 per housing unit. They have had no court challenges. Wayzata has no park commission but does have a forester. Wilson indicated the possibility of a larger park staff for maintenance. Beal noted that the City of Eagan has developers challenging impact fees on road levies, but this is a separate issue from park dedication. Gappa noted the difference in density between Wayzata and Orono. B. MCDERMOTT - NORTH OAKS McDermott said North Oaks is set us as a private development company and sells land to the developer. Their park dedication is 10% land only, no cash. They have received no challenges. The city chooses the land and can trade it between developments. 7 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#4B - Park Dedication-North Oaks - Continued) (Ilse arrived at this time - 9:02 p.m.) C. ILSE - WHITE BEAR LAKE Ilse said she called the Cities of White Bear Lake, Roseville, and Mahtomedi but did not have the information with her at this time. D. WILSON - SHOREVIEW � Wilson said Shoreview has a similar Park and Open Space Commission. Park dedication is charged only for subdivision. The percentage of park dedication is dependent upon the type of land and must be usable land. The fee is 10% on developable land for subdivisions only. A credit is received for wetland mitigation and trails. Their park commission sees all plats and have not been challenged. Wilson said Shoreview's philosophy is similar to that of Orono. E. WELLES - EDEN PRAIRIE, PLYMOUTH, AND LONG LAKE Welles said Plymouth has a Park and Recreation Advisory Council. They charge a $1400 per unit flat fee but have higher density levels. There is a separate ordinance for commercial and industrial properties requiring $4,200 per acre, which is not contingent on subdivision. Gappa indicated that nothing is received if not subdivided. Welles said Eden Prairie has a Parks Recreation and Natural Areas Division and require $1,400 per unit. If land is taken, the number of units is multiplied by the per unit cost and divided into the land value. Long Lake has a Park Commission and has a 5% flat fee of gross land area for subdivisions only. F. ERICKSON - MOUND Erickson said he is awaiting a response from the City of Mound. Independence has a five tier approach; 0-4.99 acres is 10% is appraised market value; 5- 9.99 acres is 8%, 10-14.99 acres is 6%; 15-19.99 acres is 4%; and 20+ acres is 2%. Wilson noted that Independence shows incentive for larger lots. Welles said he would like to see how this is in relationship to their comprehensive plan. 8 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#4F - Park Dedication- Mound - Continued) Shorewood has a flat $1,000 per lot for subdivision. If there is an existing homestead, a $1,000 credit is given to the owner towards the subdivision. Erickson said Shorewood is not developing any new parks. It was noted that Independence is reviewing building its first park and performing a city- wide survey. There is a five person park committee but have a more relaxed format. Bike trail plans have been laid out, and they have indicated they would like to compare these trails with those of Orono. G. WHITE - INTERNET White said he reviewed information over the internet and found park dedication to be between 5 and 10% with no challenges. Wilson was informed that none of the cities have changed their fees. Gappa noted the fees are established as part of the zoning ordinance. Wilson asked for comments regarding a cap on the fee. McDermott said he felt the reasoning was unfounded. Ilse said she found no support for such a cap. (#5 follows the public comment.) (#12) PUBLIC COMMENT Lisa Olsen, 3580 Bayside Road, asked to speak with the Commission regarding her property on Stubbs Bay, which adjoins the City boat dock property. The City has in the past used their property for dockage. When this came to the awareness of the City, the dock was moved onto their own property, but people are still using their property to gain access to the dock and the lakeshore. Some time in the past, gravel was placed on the property for easier access to the lake. This gravel access is still used and people are being confrontive to the Olsen's when any attempt to made to impede this access on their property. They would like to improve relationships but are concerned with the liability issue and with snowmobilers during the winter months. They are in the process of riprapping their shoreline to give it a more residential feel as well as pursuing their right to their own private property. Olsen asked for the advice of the Park Commission. Wilson clarified the current dock location and problem with access. Gappa said the problem will have to be reevaluated. He indicated the dock may aid the existence of the problem. Gappa said people assume the area used for access is on public property. Gappa noted that the gravel area lines up with the eastern lane, while the City property is in line with the western lane of the road. 9 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#12 - Public Comments - Continued) Ilse was informed that the public access was 33', part of which is wetlands. Gappa said the property was surveyed and marked. The problem with snowmobilers arise from the desire to be on the east side as the west side is steeper. He said he is concerned with how it should be handled. Wilson noted the importance of maintaining the public access. Gappa said the land should be graded in aid the access to the west. Wilson said the need of maintaining the access should be assessed or the land graded where it should be for use by bikers and walkers. McDermott suggested extending a narrow pathway or boardwalk. Gappa noted that fencing cannot be located in the 0-75' lakeshore setback but tree planting may suffice for the Olsen's. They would have to go through a permit process in order to grade and remove the existing base. Wilson suggested the City remove the gravel if they were the ones that initially installed it. Ilse thought the gravel was placed there during the early 1990's by the City. She would like to see the City property clearly defined. She noted people are also using her dock, which is nearby. Olsen said she would be interested in a boardwalk noting people would have to slow down. She would like to see her own property restored to a residential use. Olsen said signs and stakes were placed, but their existence offended people, who removed them. Wilson saw the problem as being two fold; identifying the City property, and restoring the Olsen property. Gappa said the City property will have to be graded and designate the access for snowmobiling. Olsen was concerned that the riprap would cause problems for snowmobilers as it would not be visible. Welles suggested the access be delineated with posts instead of the typical park signs which would be less obvious. lo MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#12 - Public Comments - Continued) Ilse suggested the use of signs and arrows. She asked that parking also be considered as there is no area for parking. Gappa suggested that reason should be one for removal of the dock. Wilson noted people could park nearby at Bederwood. Ilse said people are currently parking on the Olsen property. McDermott suggested the possibility of posting for no parking. Beal questioned whether snowmobiles have the right to go across any public property. Gappa said it was part of a regional trail and provisions could be made to restrict it with signs. He noted that would create an enforcement burden. White suggested making a snow-type rampway. Welles suggested a sign be placed by the edge of the lake, reflective in nature, so it can be picked up by headlights. Ilse noted that would only aid the snowmobiling problem during the winter months. Welles said the boardwalk could be an extension of the dock and removed during the winter months. Olsen asked who she should contact regarding alteration of her land. She was informed to speak with City Staf£ Wilson asked that Staff aid Olsen as they had misidentified the public access. Gappa informed Olsen she should send a letter to the Council stating her concerns, apply for a riprap permit from the MCWD, and make application to the City for land alteration and grading. Wilson asked Olsen to contact Mike Gaffron or Liz Van Zomeren on the Planning Staff. Welles moved, McDermott seconded, to recommend installation of a boardwalk over the wetland in line with the dock on the public access on Stubbs Bay Road; install appropriate signage delineating the east and west corners of the public access with signage, reflective in nature, visible from both the lake and road sides. Park Commission is interested in the City maintaining the public access with further evaluation in the future. Park Commission believes the dock should be located on the City property and maintained thereon. Gappa to check on ADA requirements necessary. If it is determined that the gravel base was installed by the City, the City should remove it at City expense and restore it to original condition. Elevation is to be restored at same level before placement of gravel. Olsen said she is unclear how to eliminate access from her property noting, with the dock out of the water, more people are using her property. McDermott informed her she has the right to plant trees or shrubs to delineate the property. Gappa noted a letter to Council should aid in this problem. Vote: Ayes 7,Nays 0. l� MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#12 - Public Comments - Continued) Welles questioned the funding of the Olsen project. Gappa said maintenance dollars would be used. He noted the boardwalk would be dealt with in the spring and be a capital improvement. (#5) REVIEW OF INDIVIDUAL PARKS A. SUMMIT BEACH - IMPROVEMENTS (MCDERMOTT & WILSON) Wilson reported that McDermott and she visited Summit Beach. She suggested work be completed in spring to provide better signage, add sod, move dumpster and port-a-potty, and remove the numerous sized posts. Wilson questioned whether a dumpster was necessary. A list of recommendations will be made. Gappa suggested the dumpster be removed. B. CRYSTAL BAY - SEEDING & WATERING - GAPPA Seeding has occurred and watering is satisfactory at this time. C. HIGHWOOD TRAIL - ILSE Gappa noted trees are down along the trail and will have to be cleared. The bridge will be installed this fall. Ilse noted the students at the Lake Minnetonka Environmental School were awaiting word for helping establish and clean up the trails. D. ANTOINE - GAPPA Grand re-opening will occur in spring, 1998. SPRING HILL GOLF CLUB It was noted that there is a problem with getting the trail across the ridge along CoRd 6 at Spring Hill. Council Member Flint is working with Gaffron on this situation. (#6) LONG TERM FUNDING - WHITE Due to a time constraint, this item will be discussed at a later date. Erickson suggested long term funding be discussed at a work session. 12 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#7) SKATING RINKS - GAPPA After talking with maintenance workers, Gappa recommended ice rinks be maintained at Casco Point and Hackberry. Bederwood was recommended for elimination due to the poor ice conditions due to water conditions. He noted Bederwood is secluded and has received little use. Snowmobilers also run their machines across this area. Ilse suggested Hackberry also be eliminated. Erickson and Ilse recommended a proposal far ice time to be provided at the Orono Ice Arena. A proposal has been worked out with Mark Engebritson for every Saturday morning between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., October 11-March 28 and including Christmas Eve Day, 12/24/97, for a total of 48 hours at a cost of$125/hour, which totals $6,000. Ilse said this would aid the ice arena in their financing efforts and provide the residents with quality ice conditions for skating and be good public relations for the City. There would be no cost for children to skate during these time periods. Gappa noted that there would be no savings in eliminating Hackberry ice rink as the maintenance hours would be used elsewhere. Erickson indicated that other ice times were available if the City was interested. Ilse said she could approach other communities for their involvement. Welles suggested starting the season later than October 11. A starting time in November was suggested and running through school spring break. The rink should be for open skating only, no hockey sticks allowed. The open skating would be advertised in the newspaper. Beal moved, Ilse seconded, to recommend the outdoor ice rink at Casco Point be maintained and elimination of the rinks at Hackberry and Bederwood due to inadequate water for quality ice. The Park Commission recommended indoor ice rink time be bought as a public service to the residents of Orono from November 1 through March 28 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. each Saturday at a cost of$125 per hour or approximately $5250. The Park Commission views this recommendation as a means of showing support to the ice arena. Welles suggested the ice time could possibly be purchased at a discounted rate. McDermott suggested the recommendation show the request for purchase of a block of ice time with the City determining the cost. Wilson asked if City funding occurred for the construction of the ice arena. Erickson replied that no City funds were used. Vote: Ayes 7,Nays 0. 13 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#7 - Skating Rinks - Continued) Wilson asked that this item be placed on the October 13 agenda of the Council. (#8) TREE PRESERVATION UPDATE - GAPPA This item will be discussed at a later date. (Item#9 was discussed after#1 above.) (#10) NEW BUSINESS A. LETTER FROM BEN HITCH Wilson indicated that the letter to the Council from Ben Hitch was sent earlier and had been mislaid. She asked that such information be passed on to the Park Commission in a timely manner. Wilson said Ben Hitch was asking for a response from the City in regards to a freestyle park. Ilse said her sons were in favor of such a park. Welles said he has had several conversations about the park with Hitch. It would be used for bikes, roller blades, and skate boards. Erickson was concerned with the issue of liability. Ilse said she has attempted to contact the City of Roseville, who has a similar type park in their city. Welles was concerned with this type of park fitting in with the Comprehensive Plan. Wilson questioned whether the City of Orono was the type of community for such activity. Ilse suggested this type of park would not have to be built to the extent that Roseville's park is but could contain a few ramps. Welles noted that residents from other areas would show an interest in using this park and may require curtailing the amenity. He suggested Bederwood as a location. Ilse suggested an industrial type area around Hwy 12 noting the need far a fair amount of land. Erickson said signage could be critical. Beal questioned whether this is an appropriate use. 14 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1997 (#1 OA -New Business Regarding Letter- Continued) Welles questioned whether there were paved areas not presently being used that could house such activity. Ilse noted the loss of green space with this activity and thought a commercial area would best fit this activity. Gappa noted that the suggested location was in Long Lake. Such activity would require a change in the philosophy of parks in Orono. Ilse said the project could be a joint effort. Erickson agreed. Wilson said she did not feel the activity was appropriate for Orono. She said she would write a letter to Hitch in response noting the philosophy of open space in Orono and with neighborhood parks. She noted the limited budget but would mention the possibility of working with another community. There are other issues that are of higher priority for Orono. Wilson asked if Welles would investigate appropriate areas for such use and work with Hitch. (#11) OPEN SPACE PLAN This item will be discussed at the work session. Wilson suggested the sub-committee schedule a meeting on this topic. ADJOURNMENT Wilson adjourned the meeting at 10:30 p.m. � ` � \ r , - �� �; / �j ��'/�.. � usan Wilson, Chair 15