11-14-2022 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 24, 2022 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 6 Printup moved, Crosby seconded, to approve Resolution #7304, Certification of Delinquent Utilities. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 9. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR HENNEPIN COUNTY SPORTS FACILITY GRANT FOR PICKLEBALL COURTS AT ORONO GOLF COURSE, RESOLUTION #7305. Edwards noted they are in the middle of a feasibility study, however the deadline for this grant will come and go before the next City Council meeting, and they need the Resolution to make the packet complete when they submit the application for the grant. Mayor Walsh clarified the City is not approving pickleball courts but they are applying for a grant. Jane Delaney, 1315 Woodhill Avenue, understands the pickleball court is not up for approval but asked if in the application process they must specify a location. Edwards replied the pickleball court would be at the golf course. Ms. Delaney read a statement about pickleball and shared reasons why Orono Golf Course is not the right location. She noted the beloved golf course will be 100 years old, it is a historic piece of property, and is located in the middle of an established residential neighborhood. Many open spaces are disappearing in nearby areas and they must be more judicious in choices regarding preservation and respecting the open spaces, as once it is developed it is gone. The estimated cost of the sports facility is somewhere in the $400,000 range with grants being sought from Hennepin Youth Sports program and/or donations; any remaining costs would be shouldered by taxpayers. Ms. Delaney requests the City Council table this matter until the City can be more informed about costs, alternate sites, and input from the community and local neighborhood. This request includes removing the application for the grant at this time. Ms. Delaney stated cities all over the country are being challenged by residents living near courts about the noise and long hours that the courts are being used. The City has an obligation to make sure all citizens have a say as to what goes on their public lands. She asked the City to please let the public know when they can get a copy of the Bolton and Menk plan as well as the accompanying documents and application. Jack Reily, 2130 Shadywood Road, thinks the Council is trying to balance best use of land resources and financial resources. Mr. Reily noted a pickleball facility (which he is in support of) will take about an acre of land for six courts, and there are issues as just outlined. He asked to clarify that putting in the application for $200,000 is not finalizing the plan. Mr. Reily stated they do need to gather the neighbors’ thoughts, balance it versus other requests, and noted applying to see if they can get the possibility of the money seems to be a proper next step as they are not making the final decision. Mayor Walsh agreed this is one step and the City will look at whether they can get the money and perhaps other dollars and look at the scope to see if it is even a financial possibility. He noted this step does not commit the City to anything but it is a logical step.