06-28-2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING , Monday, June 28, 2004 7:00 o'clock p.m. ' (3. Representative Barb Sykora — House District 33B, Continued) • Sansevere stated that he found it difficult to accept a decision based strictly on the bottom line, given a new generation of vets was being created as we speak and the camp provides a nice amenity for those users. Senator Gen Olson, also in attendance, stated that she had been receiving numerous phone calls speculating over the motives of the sale. She stated that, in reality, the commissioners and appointees voted unanimously to sell the property at a recent board meeting and filed the paperwork May 24 "' to allow the sale to proceed. Olson explained that the land used to belong to the State, and was deeded to the vets for their use, if sold the money would go into a trust for the veterans. Olson stated that, though valuable, she knew of many vets from all over the metro area who spend time at the camp and have expressed a great deal of concern if it were closed. She pointed out that the Governor's office knew virtually nothing of the controversy nor decision and the Senate Chair of Vets Committee has been hearing a number of different stories. Although some type of action might be taken later, until research can be done to determine the process, Olson asked the City Council what their opinion of who would be responsible for the camp over the next two years might be. She asked what Orono's concerns might be. Sansevere voiced his concern that anyone would consider saying no to the vets by closing their sanctuary on Big Island. He felt that any politician who failed to support the vets' rights to keep the camp would be making an unpopular decision. Olson agreed that the Big Island Camp was a beautiful rare resource which the government ought to know whether it makes sense to retain in perpetuity; however, she pointed out that the veterans' • own representatives voted to close the camp and put it up for sale. Sansevere maintained that the use that goes on at Big Island is worth it, and pointed to many members of the public in attendance who would concur. Sykora asked what the status of the Highway 12 project was. Sansevere stated that he would defer to committee representatives Gabriel Jabbour and Council member Murphy, absent this evening, to advise Sykora of the status. Jabbour interjected that settlement of the Carlson property acquisition by Mn/DOT from the City was in ongoing negotiations currently, and other concerns include the timing of various bridge closings with school commencing in September. McMillan asked if a special session would be scheduled and whether the bonding issue would be addressed. Sykora stated that scheduling of a special session was yet to be determined and bonding would not be discussed without a special session. Bonding would likely be discussed in the next session come January. • PAGE 2 of 19