03-10-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MARCH 10, 1997 (Park Commission Candidate Interviews - Continued) 0 Candidate, Irene Silber, is involved in environmental groups through her work for the Wilder Foundation and association with the Saga Hill Preservation Society and Minnesota Land Trust. While gaining interest in the Park Commission through her activities with Saga Hill, Silber said the needs of all the residents need to be considered. She felt other communities could be a source of information. She would like to see Bederwood Park put to greater use. She believes in synergy through public and private relationships. Silber said the good of all needs to be considered when making determinations between the conflicting need for open space and recreational facilities. Candidate, Patricia Affeldt, reported being active in her church and school activities. When asked how she would deal with the conflicts regarding facilities to meet the needs of four school districts. Affeldt said she would determine what people want, see what reality would allow, and find a middle ground solution. Affeldt has read and is familiar with the Comprehensive Plan and Park Survey. She feels Baker Park is a community park for Orono. She believes the City should use the facilities available and keep them updated and acquire land if need be. Affeldt said the majority rule should determine use. While not for higher taxes, she feels a referendum might be required to finance the park needs. Affeldt said the issues should be brainstormed. Candidate, Richard Meyers, related the many various environmental groups he has been involved with and the results. He has experience with comprehensive planning. Meyers said if people believe in a plan, the money can be found to see it to completion. Meyers would like to see improvements made at Navarre Park. He would like to see recreational facilities within walking distance of homes. He would like to see a balance struck between the naturalistic system in place in Orono and the recreational needs. He cited involving citizens as a source of funding and dedication of parks and equipment as incentives. Candidate, John Thimmesh, has a history of working in youth hockey and is currently retired. He is working with his neighborhood towards the goal of improving Antoine Park. He would like to see new equipment installed. Thimmesh said the citizens can be involved in fund raising through contributing their manpower in installing equipment. He sees an ice rink as a positive factor for the park. Candidate, Andrew Roningen, said he has found through his work in marketing that people can do alot more with alot less than is believed. He is on the Casco Point Association. The people enjoy the natural state of the area but would enjoy exercise facilities. He agrees with the Comprehensive Plan. He believes access to parks is important but not necessarily by adding parking lots. He said people can be made aware of parks through use of newsletters and brochures. Roningen said the people on Casco Point are not aware of the Casco Point Beach. He is satisfied with the ice rink. He likes • the parks used by neighboring residents. 2