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MINUTES OF THE ' <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING • <br /> Monday,October 28,2013 <br /> 7:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (BIG ISLAND PARK REPORT&AIS UPDATE—GABRIEL JABBOUR, CUSTODIAN, Continued) <br /> McMillan noted a number of cities are talking about milfoil but that the discussion should perhaps focus <br /> more on what new AIS is coming down the road. McMillan asked what the likelihood of new AIS in <br /> Lake Minnetonka? <br /> Jabbour stated he is attempting to make Lake Minnetonka a lab or the focus place that can be studied by a <br /> number of scientists. The United States Army Corps of Engineers,with the help of the Watershed <br /> District,has received a grant from the State of Minnesota, is doing a big study on zeganox on Lake <br /> Minnetonka. Jabbour stated if those agencies remain involved,the City would be very fortunate. <br /> PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS—DENISE LESKINEN,REPRESENTATIVE <br /> Leskinen stated she had nothing to report but would be available for questions. <br /> PUBLIC COMMENTS <br /> Donna Hager, 4580 West Branch Road, noted she and her neighbor Terri Eastman, sent out a letter <br /> recently and that they are here tonight regarding the Lakeview Golf Course. Hager stated they would like <br /> the golf course to remain as open space. If the area is kept as open space, it could be used for year-round <br /> activities. Hager commented that perhaps the City or Hennepin County could consider purchasing the <br /> property. <br /> Hager stated in her view part of the problem is that a majority of the citizens do not know about the <br /> proposed change. Hager indicated she did not know about it until she read in the paper that it was being <br /> sold. Hager noted the sale is contingent upon the rezoning application and without that change it could <br /> stay as open space. <br /> Hager stated the owner of the property; Grant Wenkstern would like to sell the property,which is <br /> understandable. Hager indicated she purchased her property that adjoins the golf course in 1959 and has <br /> raised her family there. Hager commented the area is a place that is very personal and very much home. <br /> Hager stated she personally as well as the neighbors,would like to see this area kept as open space. The <br /> area could have a tennis court, swimming pool,run/walk paths, mini golf, or a 9-hole golf course, a <br /> clubhouse,which already exists, and a parking lot. In the winter there could be cross-country skiing, a <br /> sliding hill, skiing, and snowshoeing. <br /> Hager stated having been engaged in recreational activities all of her life, she is very interested in <br /> recreation for children, adults and the whole community. Hager stated the open green space invites <br /> people to live here and that she likes the fact that Orono prefers open space. Hager stated in her view the <br /> majority of the residents would like to keep Orono pretty much as is,but that the residents need to be <br /> informed about what is occurring in their community. Hager stated if the residents lose this 120 acre <br /> parcel of property of open green space, it will be gone forever. <br /> McMillan noted the City Council will be discussing that application in depth at the November 12th <br /> Council meeting and that her letter will be taken into consideration along with the other letters the City <br /> has received. McMillan stated Ms. Hager is welcome to attend the November 12 meeting. <br /> Page 4 of 14 <br />