10-12-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 12, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. 4. WESTONKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY (continued) Vandam stated they tend to be more focused on the Minnetrista area and the Orono area that is close to Lake Minnetonka. McMillan suggested the City put a little blurb on the City's website advertising donations of historical items and mementos to the Historical Society. Vandam stated they would encourage people to submit their old photographs, old letters, and military uniforms that can be shared with the rest of the community. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS — REPRESENTATIVE JON THIESSE Thiesse stated he had nothing to report but would be available for questions. PUBLIC COMMENTS Brad Erickson, Orono Shopping Center, 2160 West Wayzata Boulevard, stated he would like to start by personally thanking Council Member Aaron Printup for taking the initiative to contact him the day after the last Council meeting and set up a meet and greet with Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart. Erickson stated he has come here tonight to talk about the events that have transpired over the past couple of weeks regarding Jay Nygard. Erickson stated he would like to point out that while the Long Lake City Council was approving another 5 -year contract with the Wayzata Police Department, Orono was busy robbing a member of the Orono community of his physical freedom over a chunk of concrete underneath the ground in his own background. Erickson stated he hopes the irony is not lost on any of the Orono Council Members. Erickson stated approximately one week ago Jay Nygard spent four days in jail over a broken up remnant of concrete. Erickson stated although the turbine and pole at issue were gone since June, the City found pursuing the matter irresistible, and while this might make sense to some of the Council, from a moral and ethical standpoint, it was wrong. Erickson stated in his opinion Mayor McMillan is personally responsible. The hostile, punitive and petty nature in which Mayor McMillan runs the City has brought shame and disgrace to the Orono community. Erickson stated he speaks from his own personal experiences as well. Erickson stated it is no secret that hundreds of thousands of dollars and resources have been squandered on such a trivial matter. Every time the Mayor had the chance to lead, she chose legal action instead, which was good for the City Attorney. Erickson stated even while Jay Nygard languished in the Hennepin County Jail, the Mayor was given a chance to show humility and compassion but instead told the local paper three times that Jay Nygard got what he deserved. Erickson stated the Mayor's eagerness to prosecute, coupled with her noncompromising approach, indicate a serious lack of leadership. According to the MN Constitution, which the Council has sworn to uphold, it states the purpose of government is to protect its own people. Erickson asked who the City is protecting from the broken up concrete in Jay's back yard. Erickson stated this is an example of where the City could have stepped up and protected Jay and his family from harm but chose retaliation instead. Page 2 of 37