HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-14-2022 Council Work Session Minutes Orono City Council Work
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Session Minutes Monday,
February 14,2022
Wee"'lc-Est-10-(c' Council Chambers
5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Richard F. Crosby II, Victoria Seals, and
Matt Johnson. Representing the Parks Commission were commissioners Brian Roath,and Gordy
Stofer. Staff members present were City Administrator/Engineer Adam Edwards,Police Chief
Correy Farniok,Public Works Superintendent DJ Goman,Finance Director Ron Olson, Parks and
Golf Course Superintendent Josh Lemons and City Clerk Anna Carlson.
1. Parks Commission Update
Park Chair Brian Roath began with a brief overview of the Park Commission goals for
2022.
There was some discussion about preparations for a playground equipment grant and
application through Hennepin County.
Roath went on to discuss plans for trails, golf course and other events they anticipate to
take place for 2022. He asked Council for input regarding those plans.
Council Member Victoria Seals mentioned that there are no plans or interest in
establishing mountain bike paths in Lowry Woods at this time. She also added that it does
not make sense to have a beautiful park with no access. Seals asked if the Park
Commission knew what kind of space the mountain bike team is looking for.
Roath noted that he does not think there is a specific location or space in mind at this
time.
Gordy Stofer explained the Parks Commission aspirations to re-brand the golf course to
attract more people to use the course.
The overall feedback received from the Council was positive.
Stofer also relayed that the Commission will be meeting with contractors and the health
department to get feedback for what would be needed for the Clubhouse kitchen in order
to broaden its use.
Roath finished discussion with future goals for defining a vision for Hackberry and
Crystal Bay Parks.
Mayor Dennis Walsh reiterated the ideas from the Parks Commission and thanked them
for presenting.
2. Police Chief Update
Police Chief Coney Farniok gave and update to the City Council regarding burglaries
taking place in the area. He noted that the department has been noticing that people have
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Orono City Council
Work Session Minutes
Monday,February 14,2022
44-Es uo0"
Council Chambers
5:00 p.m.
been less likely to report incidents when they are taking place due to fear. He noted the
department is putting the message out there for people to be careful and to call. If you
see something say something.
Farniok also reported that the hiring of new recruits is increasingly getting more difficult.
The department is seeing that the eligibility lists are full of recruits that are already
spoken for. He voiced his concerns associated with recruiting, and noted that
competition is rising with neighboring communities to secure new recruits and that hiring
wages and marketing is a common denominator. He asked the Council for input
regarding positive ways to market current opportunities.
Walsh offered for the chief to discuss with the Human Resources committee and together
they may be able to develop a plan for marketing and capturing new recruits.
Adjourned: 5:39 p.m.
CITY OF ORONO:
VITEED7
ATTEST:
OF
Dennis Walsh,Mayor
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Anna Carlson, City Clerk
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