03-11-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 25, 2019 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 7 issues, he will not be supporting this. Printup expressed concern that this will become a black hole and will be never-ending. Crosby commented there are some good possibilities for improving Big Island and that security cameras may help to deter some of the vandalism. Walsh noted a 501(3)(c) has been formed to help raise some funds and that the City has been trying to leverage everything they can with the public/private partnerships. Crosby commented he likes the idea of a flag pole. Seals stated the challenge with Big Island is that no matter what the City does, there will be a portion of the population that is unhappy with it. It is an island in the middle of the lake and it is a logistical nightmare. In reality it should have always been owned by Three Rivers, but that Orono has made a promise to its residents and to the veterans. Currently the trails are not wheelchair accessible, and if the City can make some trails that are more handicap friendly, that is a win. The City does need to be cognizant as the Council debates the details to consider what makes the most sense and how it will be maintained. Seals moved, Crosby seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6950 , a Resolution Requesting a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant for Big Island Park. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 1, Printup Opposed. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT Seals reported this past weekend the Orono-Westonka Winter Melt event was held at the Orono Activity Center. In attendance were over 700 kids and about 800 parents over two days and is the first tournament the club has done. Seals stated she would like to thank the volunteers and the residents for helping with this event and that it is a great activity center. Johnson stated his nephew, Noah Johnson, represented the State of Minnesota on one of the top 12-13 pee-wee teams in the world for a two-week long tournament in Canada. Minnesota made it to the final four, which was the furthest it has ever made it, and played a variety of different countries like Japan and Czechoslovakia. Johnson stated the Public Works Staff has been doing a great job on the roads. Crosby thanked Staff for doing a fantastic job with the roads as well as the private contractors. Crosby thanked Richie Anderson for his donation to the Community Service Dog Program and that it is nice to know Orono is a community that likes to embrace the positive. Crosby stated in light of some issues where women are being stalked or followed, he would encourage women to be aware of their surroundings, especially when in parking lots, malls or gyms. If they feel uncomfortable with going out there alone, they should tell someone. Everyone should be vigilant and know their surroundings and leave with a friend whenever possible. Crosby stated the more people talk about it and keep it in the forefront, the more likely people will have a plan of action.