10-22-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 22, 2001 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES *( #5) REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 8, 2001 White moved, Sansevere seconded, to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 8, 2001, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. PARK COMMISSION COMMENTS — Pauline Bouchard, Representative Bouchard reported the Park Commission has been continuing to receive some donations from the local residents in the City, noting one resident has planted some daffodils in the Navarre Park and the Narrows Saloon has donated the proceeds from a golf tournament held at the end of the September. In addition, Barb Wolf with Lutheran Aid has also donated two benches for the Seven Nations Park. Bouchard stated the Park Commission has not yet received a response back from the MS Society regarding their request for possible funding of a drinking fountain at the Navarre Park. The Park Commission has been approached by a local resident interested in donating money or equipment towards the building of a skate board park on park property. Bouchard stated the Park Commission feels a dedicated skate board park would be frequently used and that the Crystal Bay Park would be a good location for this type of facility, especially if a portion of the road in that area is vacated. • Bouchard indicated the Park Commission does have concerns regarding the funding of the parks in the year 2002, and would like to have a work session with the Council to discuss this issue. Bouchard stated the Park Commission would like the Council to consider possibly allocating any monies received from the cellular telephone antenna tower to the Park Fund. Flint noted the City Council did not approve a cell tower in that area. Bouchard commented the City of Orono is rich in parkland, but the City is far behind in making any type of improvements to these parks to enable the local residents to enjoy these areas. Bouchard noted the City of Minnetonka has approved a multi - million dollar referendum to fund their parks and open spaces. Bouchard inquired whether the letter to the residents near the French Creek Preserve has been sent out. Bouchard noted this item has been discussed for a couple of months now. Bouchard noted a sign has recently been posted saying dogs must be on a leash, which is different from the Park Commission recommendation requesting that no dogs be allowed in this area at all. Flint suggested Public Works Director Greg Gappa be contacted regarding the status of the letter. Moorse stated it was his understanding it was also mentioned in the City newsletter. Lili McMillan, LMCD, commented the French Creek Preserve is a wonderful area for bird watching, with eight to nine different species of birds having been spotted in this park. McMillan concurred that • no dogs should be allowed at all in this area. PAGE 11