03-13-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 27, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 17. BIG ISLAND DOCK PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT (continued) Joe Wytovick, Bloomington, stated he read in the paper about the last Council meeting that one of the Council Members insinuated that it would be alright for the veterans to jump off the boat onto the shore. Wytovick stated the only place he knows where servicemen jumped off a boat was at Normandy and Omaha Beaches and that half of them got killed. Wytovick stated he just wants to remind the Council of the veterans with this forget-me-not flower. Wytovick requested the Council put their forget-me-not where they can see it every day just so they can remember what the veterans have done for this country and them individually. Doug Schmidt, 1475 Shoreline Drive, stated he is not a veteran but he appreciates all their great service. Schmidt stated he uses the docks and the island for pleasure and he would like to propose the City add two more docks. Schmidt commented going to Big Island is similar to going to the Apostle Islands. Michael Mason, Spring Park, stated a frequent term that is used is thank you for your service. These are the words that people recognize veterans with. Mason stated when he grew up, he learned that actions speak louder than words. Mason stated having said that, he would like to thank the Council for their service but that they should do it with actions that honor the veterans in the community. Lloyd Day, 25 Pleasant Avenue, Tonka Bay, stated he is here tonight representing Clarence Cloffer, Post 259, Shorewood. Day stated what the audience is trying to do tonight is gain some opportunity. Day stated he works at the American Legion and that he has an opportunity to do some wonderful things to help the veterans that come through the door. Day stated a large number of veterans suffer from TBI and PTSD and that one of the best things to do for them is to get them outdoors. Day stated they need to have this opportunity for the veterans to utilize Big Island and that these docks will allow that. Day stated the docks are not exclusive to the Minnehaha and that this is about veterans and the opportunity to give veterans what they need. John Kakenaut, Brooklyn Park, stated he grew up in Minnetonka and was on the lake all the time as a child. Kakenaut stated he wants to say that he appreciates everyone bringing this up and that it was a heck of a hornet's nest that was stirred but it is good it is being discussed. Kakenaut stated in his view the Council is not antimilitary by any chance and that he knows the mayor has hired veterans, has a veteran for a partner, and takes it seriously with the Wounded Warriors. Kakenaut stated he is sorry the Council is getting a lot of flack but that he knows they will do the right thing. Michael Stedman, Coldwell Banker, stated in 2006, he had the privilege and honor of representing Dean Acheman, Bill Ruly and the veterans of the state to help them sell Big Island. Their main goal at the time was to help the GIs as they came back with health care needs. Stedman stated as was referenced by Gabriel Jabbour, the veterans had a very solid transaction to sell the island but they took a step back and worked with the City and Gen Olson and the state to do the right thing. Stedman stated it was a win/win situation and they were able to keep it as a park. Stedman requested the Council do the right thing. Walsh stated he would like to thank all the veterans here tonight and that it is nice to see such a great group of people. Walsh stated as a six-year-old he received his grandfather's flag and that it sits in his house every single day. Walsh stated he also had a relative who fought in the Revolutionary War. Walsh stated he takes the veterans and their service very seriously. Page 9 of 23