06-12-1995 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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` MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JUNE 12,1995 ( #2 - Park Commission Interviews - Mamie Tin - Continued) • Kelley asked about the two cities' differences. An said Maple Grove's parks were geared to tiny tot lots with a lot of small parks nearby with more apparatus there. Jin said Orono's parks were more natural. She lives in the Casco Point area and is involved in starting the homeowners association. Goetten asked about any specific goals she might have. Jin said she liked a natural environment and liked what the Park Commission has done. She believed in checking plans and looking into the wants of the residents. She is open to new development but feels it is important to preserve land. Jin had not heard of the Saga Hill area She feels she has the time to commit, noting she is on another board that meets during the working day, and her evenings were open. Jin said her family was used to planning around commitments. Jabbour commented on the recent park tour, comprehensive plan, and the park survey. JANELLE PETERSON Peterson said she has lived in Orono for 11 years, 1/2 mile from Wolsfeld Woods, and has used the Luce Line and Bederwood Park. She would like to see land preserved for her children and those that follow. Callahan asked about her view with development noting her position with a builder. Peterson said her work with a developer has made her aware of the preciousness of parks. She said some cities have overbuilt and would like to see that parks and wetlands in Orono don't disappear. She did not have any specific plans for the position but would like to continue to maintain the parks and acquire new park • land. Peterson has not attended any meetings or seen the park survey. She has read the comprehensive plan. Jabbour asked what she felt was the function of the parks. Peterson said there needed to be a balance between recreational parks for the enjoyment of all and the provision of wetlands. She noted that tax dollars come into play and saw no problem with paying more to go towards future parks. RICHARD P. MEYERS Callahan asked Meyers why he had applied for the position and what goals he would have. Meyers said he has an urban planning degree and parks were his avocation. His job is in law enforcement. He noted his work with the Cedar Lake renewal project's bike trail and his service as chair of the citizens advisory committe for the Minnehaha State Park renovation, which was a 10 year, 10 million dollar plan. Meyers said he is intimately familiar with Orono through his work with the water patrol. He would like to see bike trails developed and sees this as a nice legacy to leave behind, noting this knows no politics, and balances his life. Meyers sees Orono as a place with an abundance of swamps, prairies, wetlands, gardens, and water. He would like to see more interpretations on natural areas. He noted while walking around French Creek that it was difficult to get all the way around and felt it should be more accessible to the handicapped, and cited this park as an example for interpretation for people to learn about nature. 3