Park Commission Summary, City Council Meeting this Monday 2/14
Good morning Friends of Summit Beach Park - The Park Commission met last Monday to discuss Committees and Goals for all of Orono Parks, including future plans for Summit Beach Park. During the Public Comment section of the meeting, several community members raised concerns regarding the recently proposed development at Summit Beach Park.
(THANK YOU to those that participated in ‘Public Comment’ and provided a voice for our community!)
After the Public Comment section closed, Park Commission Chair Brian Roath made a statement to clarify that the Orono Parks Commission had been relieved of responsibilities regarding the proposed development at Summit Beach Park, and that Councilwoman Victoria Seal’s “small, cross-functional group” would “respond to any future proposal” for Summit Beach Park.
That statement can be seen on the 2/7/2022 Parks Commission video, from 25:25-27:30. The full statement is also summarized here:
“We have not taken this up for two years… two years ago when we met, March 2020, we had somewhat of a proposal that we could consider, but it had so many unknowns, it had not been flushed out, other entities within Orono here… hadn’t weighed in… we said, ‘this is really too soon to say anything.’ So if you go back to the meeting minutes… we didn’t have enough to either support it or stand in the way; or deny it. And that’s where it stands.
It has not come back to us, it may never come back to us, it’s moved on and it’s up to… other entities outside of the Parks Commission. We are an advisory committee to the City Council. Right now, the City Council, [Councilwoman] Victoria [Seals], is going to start a small group, cross-functional group, to respond to any future proposal that comes from the rowing club. Right now, there isn’t even a proposal on the table. So I just want to explain to you that is not currently on our docket, it may never be on our docket. I appreciate all of the comments that you made, they have been noted…. for the City Council, and for Orono… so it wasn’t a waste of breathe tonight… I just want to explain how the process works.”
- Park Commission Chair Brian Roath, regarding the proposed development on Summit Beach Park.
It appears that the Orono Parks Commission lacks the authority and ownership to represent the greater community’s desire to maintain Bruce Dayton’s vision for Summit Beach Park. As such, our community needs to ensure that the new Special Committee receives input and feedback ensuring the continued preservation of this local gem.
CALL TO ACTION - PUBLIC COMMENT AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING THIS MONDAY
The next Orono City Council Meeting is Monday, February 14 at 5:55PM CT. It is preceded by a Orono City Council Working Session at 4:55PM CT. Both meetings are open to the public; ONLY the City Council Meeting (5:55PM CT) provides the opportunity for Public Comment. Location and time details below:
Orono City Council Work Session (Agenda) - 4:55PM CT
Orono City Council Meeting (Agenda) - 5:55PM CT (Arrive early!)
Orono City Hall
2750 Kelley Parkway
Long Lake, MN 55356
During the City Council Meeting’s Public Comment Section, community members should speak up regarding the formation of the Special Committee assigned to Summit Beach Park; specifically, community members should confirm with the Orono City Council that the Special Committee lead by Councilwoman Victoria Seals will abide by MN Statutes Sec. 13D.01 and 13D.04. These statutes dictate that the Public must receive appropriate Notice of any upcoming Special Committee meeting time/place, and that the Special Committee Meeting will also be open to the public, with minutes recorded and attendance noted.
Lastly, our community encourages Councilwoman Victoria Seals and the members of the Special Committee to host an Open Forum that allows the public to voice ideas and hopes for the future of Summit Beach Park.
It’s going to be Valentine’s Day on Monday… let’s show some love for Summit Beach Park!