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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, November 23, 2020 <br />6:00 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Page 6 of 7 <br /> <br />14. THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT – Continued <br /> <br />Seals suggested a work session meeting be scheduled to brainstorm and discuss what is already in the master <br />plan and the business plan and see if the Council would like to change anything. She stated she would <br />personally like to have a driving range but that would probably require buying land. <br /> <br />MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT <br /> <br />Johnson reminded residents the City will be starting the time of sale sewer inspections soon. He stated he <br />knows a letter has gone out but is not sure how widely this information has been communicated to the real <br />estate community and hopes there will not be too many surprises. <br /> <br />Crosby thanked City staff and the City Attorney for helping out with the Second Amendment resolution <br />and thanked the Council for their support. He wished everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving. <br /> <br />Seals stated that she had nothing to report. <br /> <br />Printup also wished everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. He stated a few years ago, around <br />Thanksgiving, he told a story that is one of his favorites in American History that proves to him that God’s <br />hand played a large part in America. He explained that pilgrims, around 1620, were not doing well and <br />survival rates were low from the horrid conditions. When an American Indian boldly approached the <br />pilgrims, they expected a fight was coming but instead he said, “Welcome! Do you have any beer?” The <br />Pilgrims stress level went down and they realized that this was going to be a friendly encounter and replied, <br />“No, but we have brandy.” This started the events of what led to what is now called Thanksgiving. Printup <br />recommended people look up the American Indian called Samoset who was the one who approached the <br />pilgrims and later brought his friend, Squanto to the village who spoke better English than he did. He stated <br />that helped lead to the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, the beautiful Constitution, <br />as well as the beautiful Bill of Rights. He stated that he felt the Council had a really good conversation <br />surrounding the Second Amendment. On another note, Printup asked if staff could contact the local <br />Chambers, including the Twin West Chamber, to find out what local government can do to help the local <br />businesses right now. He would like to know what kinds of things can be done that go beyond the “Shop <br />Local” mantra. <br /> <br />Seals noted she read an article outlining ways small businesses can apply for local grants. She stated the <br />soccer club has applied for one during the lockdown. <br /> <br />Rief explained the article that came out today outlines that the County just approved $15,000,000 in granting <br />for small businesses. He stated the City sent that information to business owners in the community so they <br />will be aware of the options. <br /> <br />Walsh also wished residents a happy and safe Thanksgiving. He stated if people have three families or <br />twenty people over to their home for Thanksgiving, the Orono Police Department will not come knocking <br />at their door and arrest residents. He stated they will not even be looking for that type of activity and will <br />not be enforcing the edicts from Governor Walz. He stated normally he is traveling over Thanksgiving and <br />this is the first year in a long time that he will eat at his own table with his children and is looking forward <br />to that. He stated there appears to be snow and rain coming towards the end of the week and encouraged <br />residents to drive safely.