06-28-2021 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday,June 28,202( 6:00 o'clock p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS—Continued Right now in the reserve funds they have$156,978 and at the end of fiscal year 2020 they have$554,000 which includes the General Fund,the AIS Fund, and an Equipment Replacement Fund which are now combined. He spoke about the Save the Lake Fund which are donations that come in for safety,buoys, and education and he would like to focus more on safety.Mr.Anderson said in 2021 they have two dedicated deputies and they worked to raise$84,000;Hennepin County puts in water patrol but those patrols can be pulled off the water for a riot in Minneapolis or other emergencies.Now they have two dedicated officers who will keep the lake safe. They have started a fundraising campaign for the 2022 budget. He read a letter they wrote to Sherriff Hutchinson which said:At no time in the lake's history has pressure on lake safety been driven more by demand and diversity of lake use. This unprecedented demand has placed pressure on every aspect of Lake Minnetonka and commands that we elevate safety to our highest priority. It is to this end that we have assembled an alliance of stakeholders to unite financially to help meet the financial need to support the presence of additional dedicated deputies for Lake Minnetonka. It is with great concern for the safety of the lake that we present the enclosed copies of donations made to empower the Save the Lake Fund to continue contracting with you to provide two additional deputies dedicated to Lake Minnetonka patrol. In addition to which,you will find the names of business owners and companies represented that without hesitation or reservation provided these donations.It is important to note that all those who contributed highly regard your office and the vital role you hold in keeping the lake safe and enjoyable. Mr.Anderson noted they asked for donations of $2,500 and some even stepped up with$5,000. He stated the checks keep coming in and noted that roughly half of those have come from Orono donations.He walked the Council through the funding, goals, and fundraising for 2022. Gabriel Jabbour,985 Tonkawa Road,noted they have 14 cities on the lake and whatever happens on the lake affects Orono profoundly.He spoke about a time in the 1990's when they broke up a party on Big Island and Fletcher's had to close at 9:00 and they experienced a six-figure loss in revenue in one night. When people think what happens on the lake is the responsibility of the County-that is State statute-but he asked at what level of service is the County obligated to provide?With the Orono Police Department having Mound, Spring Park,and Minnetonka Beach,they do get a disproportionate amount of impact. Mr.Jabbour stated they have a selfish reason to keep things under control because they will pay for it one way or another.He stated right now the focus is on Minneapolis unrest;they can be the rich people complaining about noise on Lake Minnetonka but these two auxiliary officers will add more patrol after 1:00 as it is not that easy to get the County to do it. PRESENTATIONS 9. GILLESPIE CENTER ANNUAL REPORT Susan Navratil,President of the Gillespie Center,gave a presentation.The Gillespie Center and Senior Community Services(SCS)have been partners since the 1970's and twenty years ago,the Westonka Senior Citizens became The Gillespie Center. Senior Community Services provides a Home Program, minor repair services,outdoor chores,and housekeeping. They are Medicare Partners,supporting healthy lives by lifting the burden of copays, deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses so receiving healthcare is more accessible for Medicare beneficiaries. Sarah Roberts,their on-site social worker meets with caregivers and seniors that need services and helps them work through the process. CareNextion.org, Page 2 of 6