07-11-1988 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD JULY 11, 1988 He feels the things the Council ought to focus on in the future • are: Where Highway 12 will go through Orono if it changes the route that it is on currently. There has been some discussion to that of feet. Mayor Grabek asked for any questions for Mr. Brown and stated that both his commitment to the Community and service to the Commission are very much appreciated. His past record and accomplishments are very impressive. Councilmember Goetten told him that the Council is now looking at a study for• a• new City facility•.and asked what his feelings ,are about that? Mr. Brown stated that he feels that the City should not spend a lot of money on that since he assumes the funds will come from the tax base in the City. If there is a way to minimize the .expenditures in general,. that would- be one thing.. . Perhaps an addition to -the existing structure would be the answer. JAMES H. GILBERT Mr. Gilbert feels that there are a lot of things happening in Orono and has always been active in public politics, not in this area, he has only been here for 2 1/2 years. His family goes back many decades here so he is very familiar with what has been going on in this area. He believes there will be a lot of development pressure happening out in this area because it's a very prime • area, not only with Highway 12 opening up, but with all of the choice real estate that is located here, which he feels will be an area in which the Council will be spending a great deal of time. He ,has had a great deal to do with real estate through hi's law practice and individual development in office buildings and residential buildings. • He feels that the Highway 12 corridor development is a significant issue and that if this was a better economic environment right now we would see all-kinds of development. Not only in this area, but in the Navarre area as well, but with the economy the way it is, he doesn't know how soon that will happen. It is something that the City should plan for so that when it does happen, it happens in the right way. He reiterated Mr. Brown's observation about Navarre being in a bad state of repair. Although he feels it does not have the financial support for the cute shops you see in Wayzata, nor does he see any need for any comprehensive redevelopment plan, unless that City is willing to finance it or fund it. He thinks some cosmetic changes could be done. As far as facility needs for the City. He feels that yes, it is a necessity - the present offices are very quaint but feels it is difficult to get professional work done out of the staff and the coordination of the different departments with the present situation. 11