Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> April 24,2023 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> attended the event. She noted they did a great job as usual. She also added that she had a chance to meet <br /> their new Chief, which was really exciting. She did talk to residents,both from Orono and Long Lake, <br /> and was struck by the common theme on the subject of fire service that comes up. She feels that Orono <br /> residents and the wider community do not have as good a grasp on this issue as they would like.Fire <br /> service is one of the most vital services that we provide to our residents. It's also one that we as a Council <br /> have the opportunity to elevate to center stage in terms of community awareness and engagement. She <br /> sees a significant benefit to the City of Orono hosting an Open House forum with the community before <br /> any decisions are made regarding the future of our fire service. She noted from her perspective,this is <br /> important for three reasons.First,it's an opportunity to build trust,this Council is aware that members of <br /> the public would like accurate, comprehensive information on this issue. Second, as elected members of <br /> Council,we have a duty to inform our residents about City issues, especially those that can significantly <br /> change their quality of life and their tax burden. The issue of fire service encompasses our community's <br /> history and tradition. Many Council Members have served before those of us who sit here now and many <br /> will in the future. It's essential that we demonstrate for the record and for future generations that we took <br /> the time in this moment to listen to and inform our citizens to the best of our ability. She supports the idea <br /> of a public forum. She would appreciate that prior to any deliberations or votes on this Council. <br /> Johnson said he wanted to give special thanks that the dock on Big Island got put out,noting that Richie <br /> Anderson of North Shore Marina stores our dock. They're a floating dock so they have to stay in the <br /> water. We had damage to them last year.Tonka Built installed the docks and then added rollers on there <br /> to prevent future damage so we can have this dock for a long time but thanks to North Shore for allowing <br /> us to keep them there and to Jake with Tonka Built for getting it installed. <br /> Crosby noted there was a woman in the audience this evening who had comments about decorum and <br /> Council.He stated,he agrees with her wholeheartedly.If things are looked at honestly,he thinks the <br /> Council has held itself in check remarkably well, due to the onslaught of slander,viciousness,lies, <br /> threats,physical harm, and so forth. We conduct ourselves in this manner for our community because we <br /> represent the community of Orono.He added,when we're slandered on a regular basis, and lied about in <br /> social media, it gets a little old, folks and it's damaging. He noted the irony of it is they don't even live in <br /> the community.He noted that he agrees with the remarks made those things should be conducted in a <br /> kind manner. He also added that the questions were already answered previously,months ago. So those <br /> things have already been addressed. The object is to get City's business done in a respectful manner,to <br /> handle each other in a respectful manner. That's for the benefit of every citizen and everybody in our <br /> community.He said along with Councilmember Benson,he would like to commend Long Lake Fire <br /> Department for another great breakfast. He wasn't able to make it,unfortunately,but those events are <br /> always fantastic to go to and they appreciate your support. <br /> Walsh said he was also at the pancake breakfast. It was a great event.He got to meet the new Chief and <br /> talk to a whole bunch of the firefighters and just great people.He said he also attended the Northwest <br /> Hennepin League of Municipalities and met with the new Sheriff of Hennepin County,Dawanna Witt. He <br /> met her last year when he was helping her get elected.And she's a great lady. She has run into the same <br /> problems that he thinks all the law enforcement agencies have run across. They're down 30 percent and <br /> they've had to turn down two cities that needed help with their policing because they just do not have <br /> enough staff.He added Orono is fully staffed to 30 officers. So we have walked the walk and talked the <br /> Page 9 of 10 <br />