There were approximately 50 signed up to speak. After some debate about process, the Board decided to let everyone have 90 seconds. Speakers went in the order they signed up. I'm sure someone kept a count of the pros and cons - I didn't but my sense is that it was fairly even in absolute count. Because we went in sign up order, you might get 5 speakers in a row on one side, then some on the other - back and forth.
Both sides had visual aids, signs etc. Most of the DeLaSalle speakers were parents, alumni or employees. Some read letters on behalf of other supporters who weren't there (including Council Member Don Samuels). There were many Island residents (including State Representative Phyllis Kahn) speaking in favor of keeping public land public, but many others as well including representatives of the Sierra Club, the Preservation Alliance and at least a couple candidates for Park Board (Scott Vreeland spoke, LuAnn Wilcox, running against Walt Dziedzic, sent a letter). Jason Stone and Jim Bernstein were there but did not speak. In my 90 seconds - I pointed out that the draft Reciprocal Use Agreement (4 pages) is so short, mushy and sloppy that it doesn't even contain a construction bond requirement (sound familiar?). The Board took no action. The Planning Committee will consider the issue on August 3 and, if approved by the Planning Committee, the full Board will consider it on August 17. Most interesting was the Board's attempt to dodge the plain requirement for a Citizen's Advisory Committee on the issue. The Park Board Ordinance (99-101) is clear. A CAC is REQUIRED when a project is PROPOSED. The staff reported that they would comply with the CAC requirement - but only AFTER the Reciprocal Use Agreement had been approved and signed. Presumably, then the CAC could consider such weighty issues as the shade of the astroturf (lime or kelly green?)and bleacher design, but the real issue, the appropriateness of the facility, would be moot - the Board would already have contracted that decision away in violation of its own law. Barry Clegg Nicollet Island REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
