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 5 of 6 Wendy Lundsgaard, 1462 Hunter Drive, Wayzata, introduced herself as a candidate for Orono School Board. She is running because she brings a strong skill-set that will make an impactful addition to the Board. She is a literacy specialist and former elementary school teacher she brings the unique voice of an educator as well as a strong understanding of teaching and learning. Ms. Lundsgaard shared about her background and history of board experience and stated she has received the endorsement of the Orono Education Alliance and past Board Chairs since 1995. She spoke about Orono’s ranking as the number one traditional public school in Minnesota (U.S. News and World Report) and Ms. Lundsgaard hopes to build on that. The ranking is no doubt a result of the quality of teachers, administrators, staff, and a high- functioning school board. A strong school district is incredibly important to a community and has made Orono a desirable place to live which translates to higher property values and success for local businesses. Jay Nygard, 1386 Rest Point Road, said to the community that Alisa Benson is the way to go. He had a chance to sit down and talk with her for an interview and noted that no other candidates accepted his invitation. Mr. Nygard cannot believe how well Ms. Benson has her pulse on the community and unlike most of the people up here, she has gone out to talk to the community and find out what is important to people. Mr. Nygard would much rather vote for a lady who will go door-knocking and do it herself than let some guy who is already trying to squeeze and ring the City to “pay for me to run.” Mr. Nygard said what a disgrace, to let someone else pay for your campaign the way Matt Johnson and Eddie Rice are is just one more in a line of disgraces brought to this community mostly by the person sitting right in front of Mr. Nygard. He stated as the gentleman earlier said, why do they have to mess with the fire department, why are they looking at an expensive public works building, why all this change in the community that does not want the change? There is no reason to be spending all this money on things they really do not need, no reason to be provoking neighbors, or to cause all this consternation. Mr. Nygard stated there is one man up there who keeps trying to “justify or compensate for his little weenie.” Mayor Walsh apologized to the female high schoolers who had to experience this. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT Printup had nothing to report. Seals noted they will bring Summit Beach back at the next Park Commission meeting. She clarified they have done a handful of surveys with good responses, the last open house was at Summit Beach and it was great to hear resident feedback. Seals noted the public liked the enhancements, buoys and ropes around the swim area, and a small dock off to the side. She spoke about a survey done by a private entity that will not be used as the public made it clear the City should not let a private entity determine what to do with a public space. She noted Staff and Parks have put a lot of time in on the matter. Crosby did some leaf cleanup over the weekend and door-knocking with Eddie Rice which was a lot of fun. Johnson congratulated his niece Julia Johnson who was nominated to the National Honor Society. Mayor Walsh shared about the Orono football playoff and a recent trip to Philadelphia. He noted it is a sad day as a body was pulled out from near the Narrows Bridge earlier in the day. He spoke about the