05-08-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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