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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 /> 14. THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT—Continued <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 /> MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT <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 /> 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 /> Seals stated that she had nothing to report. <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 /> 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 /> 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 /> 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. <br /> Page 6 of 7 <br />