02-14-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, February 14, 2011 7:00 o' clock p.m. • (6. WESTONKA SCHOOLS UPDATE, Continued) Borg stated the state has recently moved to require that Algebra I in eighth grade be the new standard, so there will be a drop off across the state. Algebra II requires a mastery of content and the districts are attempting to find ways to get the students to master those more advanced concepts. Borg stated the number of school districts in the Orono area provides a healthy atmosphere for competition. LMCD REPORT — ANDREW MCDERMOTT, REPRESENTATIVE None PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS —KIM KANG, REPRESENTATIVE Kang stated she had nothing to report but would be available for questions. Kang noted that House Law No. 52 dealing with variances that is being supported by the League of MN Cities will be heard on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. before the operations committee. Kang invited the City Council members to attend the meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS • Ralph Kempf, Orono, addressed the City Council regarding the City of Navarre and the possible trail connection to the Navarre playground and business district. Orono's 2000/2020 Community Management Plan describes on Page 4 the City's philosophy regarding rural parks, open spaces and trails. Item number one on that page states that providing rural open space will primarily be the responsibility of each landowner. The description under urban parks and open space policies state that the City will attempt to provide sufficient recreational facilities in existing parks to meet the needs of all residents. Item number three states the City will seek to improve local access to and between recreational facilities. Kempf displayed a map depicting the rural and urban portions of Orono. Kempf pointed out there is currently a clustering around the City of Long Lake and a couple of pieces over by Wayzata. By and large the largest portion of the urban area runs from the southwest between the Bay of Lake Minnetonka and down into Navarre. Kempf next displayed a map depicting open spaces, trails and recreational spaces. Kempf pointed out that Orono residents have the ability to enjoy the amenities of Baker Park, Orono Schools and their recreational facilities, Spring Hill Golf Course, Wayzata Country Club, Woodhill Golf Course, the Orono Golf Course, the Luce Line Trail, Hackberry Park, Seven Nations Park, Cygnet Park, and a number of other recreational areas. The Navarre area has a nice little neighborhood park, a trail, and Tower Park. The area from Navarre on down is the most urban and densely populated area in the City but it is also the most unrepresented area in the City in regards to park amenities. Kempf suggested that any leftover monies in the Park Fund be designated to the Navarre area since this area is in need of additional recreational facilities. In addition, • Page 4 of 18