Just a couple quick comments to Andrew's Post 1) The $75,000 I referred to before is for all the rec centers internet access citywide. This access allows thousands of people - mostly kids - to access the internet even though they don't have service themselves relatively close to their homes.
2) The existence of wireless equipment in the park board buildings does not mean we are in the telecommunications business! This is a cost savings measure that could benefit more than the park board. Increasing internet access for Minneapolis citizens while reducing internet costs to the Park Board is simply a win-win for everyone! 3) We are looking for grant dollars and donations at this time for solar energy equipment and it looks hopeful. There are also programs in existence where you pay the same as the cost of electricity against the cost of the unit. This turns into a long term savings with little/no up front cost. 4) BY law, we cannot cut all the milfoil out of the lakes - DNR. FYI - we have not reduced milfoil harvesting at all this year - as per the last meeting. Having said this, the cost of trying to keep the milfoil in check has gone up dramatically since there is so much more milfoil! Milfoil harvesting is not a low priority of this board! 5) The Park Police are needed as a separate entity. We will simply disagree with each other on this. There is next to no efficiency savings in combining - where would it come from? Reduced admin. . . .nope - have checked. The savings do not simply exist. Regardless, I think that enforcement could and should be increased as well as more foot and bike patrolling. 6) North Minneapolis is not a low priority with me! I am trying to bring much needed resources to that part of town. Just this year, I have worked to bring a doubling of the tree planting on the north side, a skate board park, an increased winter rec program in Wirth, and increased policing to north Minneapolis. Most of this was through additional dollars acquired outside of our base budget. Although you may be frustrated with the Park System or Board, realize that we all care deeply for the park system and are working hard to stretch the resources to maintain what we have and improve the system for the future. Although I have had differences and disagreements with some Commissioners, I believe every Commissioner on the Park Board is very committed to the park system without exception. Sincerely, John Erwin City-Wide 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
