Update from Orono City Council Meeting 2/14/2022

Good Morning Friends of Summit Beach Park - The Orono City Council met last Monday, February 14, 2022 at 6PM CT. During that meeting, the subject of Summit Beach Park was brought up several times, first by members of the public during the “Public Comments” section, and afterwards by a number of City Council members.

We would highly encourage you to watch the Public Comments section of the meeting, as many notable comments were made, especially by Park Commission Chair Brian Roath (4:52-11:00). Park Commission Chair Roath’s comments provide insight as to how he might approach a ‘Master Plan’ for Summit Beach Park (see Council Member Seals comments regarding a 'Master Plan' below). A link to the meeting can be accessed here.

After Public Comments Section was complete, Council Member Victoria Seals provided a very comprehensive update on future plans for Summit Beach Park. Her comments can be found here, from 23:45-30:30. The most notable statements from Councilwoman Seals are summarized below:

“Between [the] last meeting and this meeting, I did talk to Parks and I did talk to Planning… and I wanted to update all of you…

First, there is no plan for the LLRC Plan to come back. I think they know and I think we know that what they presented and… the trail we got there… there’s probably not a good route to get what they want and what they proposed.

What we chatted about and determined is going back to what was talked about a few years ago… and it actually was the Parks Commission that actually used the phrase ‘Master Plan.’

What that means is the Parks [Commission] sits down, and they really talk about the Park.... What can [we] do? What makes sense? What do people want?

Essentially, I’m punting this back to the Parks Commission to do what we originally planned to do, which is a ‘Master Plan.’ Within those elements, I’m asking that there be several public open houses… that would be the forum to share feedback on ideas… Are there [opportunities] for partnerships? 

I don’t know what the outcome is going to be. It’s going to go through… a process, where it goes to Parks [Commission], they will put together some ideas, it will be in the Public Forum, they will actually have Public [Open] Houses where you can provide feedback. That will be the plan.

Also, the best way to be notified is to get on Orono’s public ‘ListServ.’ That will tell you about all meetings and all updates. This will hit the Parks Commission and that is where [you] will be notified. The Public Open Houses will be coordinated through the City, so you will hear about it through [ListServ].”

After Council Member Seals’ update regarding Summit Beach Park, Both Council Members Richard Crosby and Matt Johnson also made comments specifically regarding Bruce Dayton’s donation of Summit Beach Park. Those comments can be viewed from 31:45-36:46.

What’s next?

With this definite direction from City Council regarding how the ‘Master Plan’ of Summit Beach Park will unfold, there are two actions that community members can take to remain engaged:

1. STAY INFORMED - SIGN UP FOR ORONO’S LISTSERV

Steps to subscribe to the City of Orono Updates:

Step 1. Visit https://www.ci.orono.mn.us/list.aspx
Step 2. Enter your email address and click “Agendas & Public Meeting Packets” under “Notify Me.”
Step 3. Look for a confirmation email in your inbox (takes 2-3 minutes to arrive). Subject Line will be “Information on Your Subscriptions (Confirmation Needed).” Please click on the link in the email to verify your email address and start receiving emails from the City of Orono.

***Please remember to set your spam blocker to allow email from listserv@civicplus.com.

2. GET INVOLVED - APPLY FOR A POSITION ON ORONO’S PLANNING COMMISSION

The City of Orono is seeking applicants for an open position on their Planning Commission. This is a great opportunity for Orono residents to get more actively involved and provide direction on future development projects throughout the City of Orono.

For interested City of Orono Residents - PLEASE APPLY HERE.

As always, Friends of Summit Beach Park will continue to share pertinent updates as related to Summit Beach Park.