Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Monday,April 11,2022 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> PUBLIC COMMENTS <br /> James Elder, 195 South Brown Road,stated that in Orono they only have two providers of trash <br /> management which is an oligopoly as all of the smaller waste management companies have been gobbled <br /> up by the larger companies.He has nothing against capitalism and thinks it is the core of the country; <br /> however,when powers get so strong they reduce service and increase prices,which is what is currently <br /> happening.Mr.Elder would like to ask the City Council to encourage smaller competitors to enter the <br /> market.He noted he did not get his trash picked up for 8 days and finally had to pick it up in his truck and <br /> bring it to Delano,MN. <br /> Mayor Walsh noted they discussed this in the work session prior to the meeting and Mr.Elder's name <br /> came up. He appreciates the thought and the conversation about reaching out to other companies,as well. <br /> Alisa Benson, 1220 Lyman Avenue,noted it is spring and Orono clean-up day is coming on April 23, <br /> 2022. She shared that she will be handing out milkweed seeds from Noon-2pm; she is working with the <br /> school to get kids more involved in planting initiatives and a small packet of milkweed seeds can do a lot <br /> to support native wildlife. She shared about the book Nature's Best Hope by Douglas Tallamy and <br /> creating micro-waste stations outside of parks and schools for insects and monarch to receive food and <br /> rest the community is doing a lot to support the ecosystem. <br /> Darrin Rosha spoke with the Mayor earlier regarding his client Brad Erickson who would like to address <br /> the City Council. <br /> Brad Erickson,2485 Independence Road,noted he was on a bumpy road for a long time and is blessed to <br /> have the Patel family in his life as they delivered him from the clutches of God knows what.He also <br /> wants to honor Shelli and Tyler Maxwell Haft,the grandchildren of the original settler to the area.Mr. <br /> Erickson noted the City is named after Orono,Maine, and a very proud and dignified Indian Chief <br /> brought the name to Minnesota through Captain George Brackett. He thinks it is important to bring that <br /> history forward as well as the history of the founding fathers.Mr.Erickson is honored to have his brother <br /> Mike present,and also wants to touch on the Nygard family and that Mayor Walsh has made Mr.Nygard <br /> a very important member of the community. Mr.Erickson was blessed to feel the Nygard's <br /> companionship early on.As the City knows they crossed a bit of a line with Mr.Erickson on that deal and <br /> he took one on the chin for them.He stated they need to figure out as a community and a City how to <br /> heal.Mr.Erickson stated the City has 30 days. If in 30 days Mr.Erickson comes here and they have not <br /> settled the matter with this family(pointing to the rear of the room),he stated to believe him when he says <br /> "you will not be there the day after."He stated that is a promise, it is not a threat. <br /> Mayor Walsh stated they are done. <br /> Mr.Erickson replied he will be back. He shouted from the back of the room(inaudible). <br /> Jay Nygard approached the podium and said for anything related to the Nygards or anyone who is <br /> contrary to the Mayor/City Council,that is what happens but he has never seen them pull the clock on <br /> anything else. It is funny how angled they are with that.He knows what Mr.Erickson is here about and <br /> many others do,also.Mr.Nygard was born in Orono and noted it is hard to hold his emotions in when <br /> Page 2 of 9 <br />