02-23-2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 23, 2004 7:00 o'clock p.m. (2. LINDA KOBLICK, COUNTY COMMISSIONER — PRESENTATION, Continued) Koblick stated that, while Hennepin is the largest County, it is also the most in need, which may warrant consideration of funding alternatives. She indicated that they are investigating this as an option, while not imposing on Native American rights. Murphy thanked Koblick for supporting the hot links project, noting that the east coast had initiated this program long ago. On the other hand, he discouraged her from supporting ownership of the program by the contractors, since this selling off of infrastructure can be detrimental to the public. In addition, Murphy asked Koblick where she stood on the conceal and carry legislation. Koblick stated that she had voted against the legislation as related to the County. Murphy questioned why local police departments cannot access who has conceal and carry permits. Police Chief Good stated that permitting most often occurs at the Sheriff's level; however, the intent to set up a statewide database for this information has not come to fruition to date. Koblick recognized that there are many problems with the conceal and carry legislation. She stated that she was adamantly opposed to it, especially since it imposed additional cost constraints upon the County. Once again, an unfunded mandate that local governments cannot control and contains many holes. Koblick stated that she would look into database access for local authorities. C. Moorse thanked Koblick for her support in retaining the Ridgedale court facility. . Koblick stated that they were able to get additional funding to keep the Ridgedale facility open. Once again, she stated that Resolutions from local communities help to retain that service and others. Koblick notified the Council that residents would be feeling 2004 budget cuts far more than those taken in 2003 as additional dollars need to be trimmed from the budget. APPROVAL OF MINUTES *5. Regular Council Meeting of February 9, 2004 Murphy moved, McMillan seconded, to approve the Minutes of January 26, 2004, as presented. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. PARK COMMISSION COMMENTS — Andrew McDermott Chair McDermott reported that the Wayzata Heritage Preservation Society would be holding a seminar the next weekend for communities interested in preservation. He indicated that he would try to attend and invited Council members to meet him. McDermott stated that the Commission was striving to rank park priorities and improvements using a contrived matrix with assigned values to help the City Council to plan for future improvements. He added that the Commission was contemplating holding an abbreviated spring park tour followed by a work session. • PAGE 4 of 14