Hello All, It seems as though the discussion of crown hydro has created all kinds of discussion of cell phone towers in the parks! I, for one, am not supportive of putting cell phone towers in any of our city or regional parks. Who wants to see antennas in our parks? I have the same reaction to these as to commercial signage.
There are new technologies that can save the Park Board money immediately, and ultimately result in greater service to citizens and greater potential revenue in the future to the Park Board. Such agreements would also offer more flexibility. For example, the wireless discussion for parks which I and Phyllis Kahn initiated is certainly not dead! We spend approx. $75,000 per year on web service hookup to each of the recreation centers at the Park Board. An ultimate wireless agreement would likely eliminate or certainly reduce this cost and provide a web hotspot in each neighborhood for residents. The potential savings at most is more than double the revenue from the Crown Hydro project with no risk to the falls! Also, since much phone service is going to be over the web, can we ultimately reduce our phone service costs by using voice over web technology? Also, recently Annie, Walter Dziedzic, and I initiated a comprehensive look at how we could bring more solar powered energy into parks. Can we put solar panels on lights to help light dog parks in remote areas? Can we put solar panels on parkway lights to reduce energy costs? Can we put solar on recreation centers to provide more security lighting and reduce electrical costs for each center? This discussion is happening with the Green Institute to see how we might be able to partner to get some grants to support this. Frankly, I think we could have additional greater revenue if we do a better job of enforcing speed limits on parkways better and whether people using dog parks do, in fact, have paid licenses! I bet you, this in itself would provide significant revenue! As far as the discussion of basketball net removal. . . . .I think it is ridiculous that any nets are removed because kids are using them!!! Crazy! We have them there to be used! If there is activity that is occurring that is unlawful, then that is a separate issue and involves our Park police and ultimately increased surveillance. I will respond to some of the other recent comments by Scott Vreeland (good post), the mayor, Mike H. and Lisa McDonald today over lunch after I get some work done! But, thanks to all of you for taking the time to discuss some of these issues! I know that Annie and I always appreciate them! Sincerely, John Erwin City-Wide Park Board Commissioner REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email 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 City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
