02-14-2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Please state your reasons for wanting to serve or. this Commission. {Please be as specific as possible. Use additional sheet if necassa.^.) I would like to serve on the Commission for a variety of reasons. First, as one who plans to continue to live in the community for many more years, I want to help assure that parks and public recreational spaces get the support and attention they need, keeping in mind citizens* need for and use of those spaces and the resources available. As a lover of the outdoors and a supporter of organizations whose purpose is promoting and preserving outdoor spaces for recreation and future enjoyment, I have developed a keen appreciation of the need for responsible decisions about the creation, use and preservation of publicly owned lands. Secondly, as a user of public parks and trails, I want to assure that other Orono residents with similar interests have a voice in deciding the future recreational opportunities which Orono can offer. Thirdly, I have extensive knowledge of and experience in dealing with policy making bodies at the federal, state and county level which could contribute to my effectiveness as a Commission member. And fourthly, one of my retirement goals was to volunteer some time to a local government agency. I would like to donate back to a community in which I have so enjoyed living, and try to make Orono an ever more liveable and enjoyable community for all its citizens, young and old. What is your view of the role of the Cc.mmissior? The role of the Commission should be twofold: first, to serve as a vehicle to the Council for public Intput into decisions which affect Orono's parks and trails, and from the Council back to the public; and secondly, to propose to the Council, on behalf of Orono citizens, actions which will support, maintain and improve the City's parks and trails, including the addition of more parks and trails. In addition to whatever other tasks the Council would assign to it, the Commission should explore opportunities to cooperate with other units of government and landowners to help address public needs for rrK>re recreational areas. The Commission should also develop and periodically review a plan for parks and trails, to assure that the City's long term needs are known and addressed. Other Comments: [Use this scacs to Induda any fui^thar LnforrnatJon you would like the Cit/ Council to consider, cr that you fasi is raiavant to the appointment you are seeking. You may also attach othe.'- .materials you would like the Council to consider.) Should the cities of Orono and Long Lake merge, there might be disputes regarding parks and trails which my mediation skills could help resolve. I am particularly interested in the possibility of converting the Dakota Rail Line to recreational use. The fact that County Road 1 5 carries so much vehicular traffic along Brown and Smith's bays adds to the desireability of converting the rail line to a walking trail. If I were to be appointed to the Commssion, I would do whatever I could to help bring that about. Some neighbors who could provide references include: Orono residents: Greg and Kathy Coward (476-0439). Louis and Carol Bloch (475-1364), Ingrid Lenz Harrson (476-8449), Others who know of my volunteer and organizational experience are: Cheri Fischer, (933-5000) Executive Director of the West Suburban Mediation Center and Mayor of Minnetrista; Ann Thies, (476-1234) Long Lake attorney. I understand this appci.nrmo.nt may ba discLSScd a: a public maeiing. t' .a 6'- NOTE: Volunteer commission member's name, address and phone number will become public in forms ticn. 2