03-13-2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Please state your reasons for wanting to serve on this Commission. {Please be as specific as possible. Use additional sneet If necessaryj I would like to scn/e 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 anu 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 ycur vievy of tha rcla of tha Cc.mmission? 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 more 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: iUss th/s space to includa any further informatd.n you would like the City Council to consider, or that you fsel Is relevant to the appointment you are seeking. You /t7£?v a/so attach other .materials you would J:ke the Couned to consider.) Should the cities of Orono and Long Lake merge, there might be disputes regarding parks and trails which my media: on skills could help resolve. I am particularly interested in the possibility ov converting the Dakota Rail Line to recreational use. The fact that County Road 1 5 carries so much vehicular traffic along Brown and Snnith'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 Harrison (476-8449). . Others who know of my volunteer and organizational experience are: Cheri Fischer, (933-5000) Executive Director of the V/est Suburban Mediation Center and Mayer of Minnetrista: Ann Thics, (476-1234) Long Lake attorney. I undarstsnd this appcintmc.n: rr.2y ba discussed a: a public meeting.n t- sup- Oy.i ’‘NOTE:Volunteer comm/ss.hn member's name, address end phone number will become public informetion. 34.15?: