04-25-2022 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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