02-26-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 26, 2001 ROLL The City Council met on the above - mentioned date with the following members present: Mayor Barbara Peterson, Council Members Jim White, Jay Nygard, Richard Flint and Bob Sansevere. Representing Staff were City Administrator Ron Moorse, Planning Director Michael Gaffron, Zoning Administrator Paul Weinberger, Assistant Zoning Administrator Wendy Bottenberg, City Engineer Tom Kellogg, City Attorney Tom Barrett, Public Services Director Greg Gappa, and Recorder Jackie Young. Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. ( #1) Park Commission Interviews Peterson thanked the applicants for applying to the Park Commission and serving the community. Peterson noted there is one vacancy open on the Park Commission at the present time. Paul Kerr, 4680 West Branch Road, indicated he has accessed the City's Web site and reviewed the Parks and Trails section of the Comprehensive Plan. Kerr stated his understanding of the Comprehensive Plan lays out a philosophy of a rural or bucolic setting, bigger lots, and a slower push towards development. Kerr stated since he is fairly new to the community, he is unsure exactly what direction the City is • headed, but feels that Orono is going in the right direction generally. Kerr commented he has attended the past several Park Commission meetings and has familiarized himself with the local parks. Sansevere inquired what Kerr would make a priority if he were selected to be on the Park Commission. Kerr stated he has no personal agenda, but would be interested in improving some of the parks by adding play equipment. Kerr indicated he does a lot of bicycling and likes to ski, so he would prefer the parks in this area remain more natural and undeveloped. Kerr stated he would like to know how the residents feel about the parks and what they would like to see for the parks. Nygard noted Kerr resided in Excelsior for a number of years, and inquired how long Kerr has resided in the general community. Kerr stated he lived in Excelsior for ten years, and is excited about the many opportunities that exist in the Orono community for parks. White inquired what Kerr thought about the Dakota Rail to Trail project. Kerr indicated he is familiar with the proposed Dakota Trail and supports alternative means of transportation. Kerr stated in his view the Dakota Trail would provide a safe way to get around the area. Kerr indicated he is very supportive of trails. In response to a question by White, Kerr indicated he has been involved with fundraising • activities while a resident of Excelsior. Kerr noted a possible source of revenue discussed by the PAGE 1