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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, June 8, 2020 <br />6:00 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Page 2 of 21 <br /> <br />PUBLIC COMMENTS <br /> <br />None. <br /> <br />PRESENTATION <br /> <br />11. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOGNITION <br /> <br />Walsh read a Resolution of Appreciation to John Thiesse for distinguished service as a member of the <br />Planning Commission: Whereas, John Thiesse has served this community with distinction as a member of <br />the Planning Commission since his appointment on December 13, 2010; and whereas, his nine years of <br />service have been marked by responsible research, thoughtful review, quick wit, compassion, and <br />consistent, constructive contributions with the community’s best interests in mind; and whereas, he served <br />as the Planning Commission Chairperson from 2016 until 2019; and whereas, he has earned the <br />appreciation, admiration, and respect of those with whom he has worked; and now, therefore, be it <br />resolved, that the City Council of the City of Orono does hereby express its sincere appreciation to John <br />Thiesse for his distinguished service to the community and does also rightly commend him for the <br />manner in which he has served his community. Be it further resolved, that the City Council extends to <br />John their best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors. Adopted by the City Council of <br />Orono, Minnesota, at a regular meeting held this 8th day of June, 2020. <br /> <br />Seals moved, Printup seconded, to accept the Resolution No. 7105 A Resolution of Appreciation to <br />John Thiesse. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. <br /> <br />John Thiesse thanked Staff members Oakden, Barnhart, Curtis, etc., the Planning Commission members <br />he has worked with, and also the City Council members. <br /> <br />12. GILLESPIE CENTER ANNUAL REPORT <br /> <br />Deb Taylor, CEO of Senior Community Services (SCS) and acting President of the Gillespie Center, <br />stated Orono continues to grow in population. In 2000 it was at 9%, 2010 it was at 12%, and 2018 it was <br />at 18%. SCS partnered with the Mound Senior Club/Westonka Senior Citizens, Inc., which became the <br />Gillespie Center 19 years ago. SCS continues to contract with Gillespie to provide senior programming. <br />She described the services provided such as the HOME Program, which is available to residents aged 65- <br />plus, all incomes, and a subsidy provided for those in need and services which are on a sliding fee scale. <br />She said many people only need a little help to stay in their homes and most people want to stay there. <br />With the advent of COVID-19, everyone wants to stay in their own homes. In response to COVID-19, <br />they have additional phone calls and support for running errands and grocery shopping. The Medicare <br />Partners Program is for Medicare beneficiaries. They have Memorandums with hospitals/clinics <br />throughout the State; they will accept Medicare payment for people who are having a hard time affording <br />their supplement (s). The hospitals/clinics have agreed to waive the copay and accept Medicare in full. <br />She indicated they have a social worker who helps older adults find services while they are aging in place <br />who has been particularly busy because of COVID-19. They have seen an increase in caregiver services, <br />and Gillespie/SCS is a great resource. She described a tech tool called CareNextion which is similar to <br />CaringBridge; it is for family caregivers and free. There is an ability to set up an online care team; there is <br />a calendar and journal feature. Since COVID-19 hit in March, there are an additional 4,000 caregivers <br />using the site to coordinate care for their loved one(s). <br />