07-09-2007 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 25, 2007 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ (3. SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES, Continued) Withart stated they have visited with Minnetrista and Spring Park. Bremer inquired what type of interest the other cities have expressed. Withart indicated the reception has been warm but they have not received formal commitments from either of those two cities at the present time. Murphy thanked the members of the Gillespie Center for the services they provide to the community and commented that the services the center provides will continue to be important to the senior citizens in the future. Murphy noted that approximately 90 percent of the citizens that receive services currently from Gillespie are residents of Mound. Withart noted the facility is located in Mound and that they will also be asking the City of Mound for the $6 per resident contribution. Withart pointed out the City of Mound provides other services to the center at no cost, such as snow plowing in the winter. Jim Lundberg, Vice President of the Gillespie Center, noted the Tamarack Center has now closed and that the Meals on Wheels program for that area of Orono has been assigned to the Gillespie Center. Withart stated the majority of senior citizens now live in suburban Hennepin County rather than in Minneapolis or St. Paul and that a large number of retirees are also moving to this area. The Gillespie Center expects their services in the Orono area to continue to expand. Murphy inquired why the Tamarack Center was not able to make it financially. Withart stated the Tamarack Center lost approximately one-half of its funding last year and that they determined it would be more feasible to shift a couple of the more popular services to the Gillespie Center rather than continue to run the Tamarack Center at a deficit. Withart also indicated a number of Orono seniors also use the Plymouth Creek Senior Center. White noted the City would be starting their budget process in August and that they would be discussing this item at that time. Smith invited the Council members and City Staff to visit the Gillespie Center. Withart requested the Council also give some consideration to appointing a representative to work with the Gillespie Center. The City Council took no formal action on this item. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS – DICK KROEGER, REPRESENTATIVE Kroeger had nothing to report but stated he would be available for questions. PAGE 2 of 6 Item #02 - CC Agenda - 07/09/07 Approval of Council Minutes 07/25/07 [Page 2 of 6]