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City Council Study Session — 08/16/04 DRAFT Minutes - Page 28 Mr. Meyer noted that his organization had just begun to make use of the HANC for combining arts and environmental/nature education. Mr. Meyer further noted the numerous things going for the City's parks program, and the award-winning recognition it was receiving. Mr. Meyer opined that loss of a full-time Naturalist, and the HANC's full-time operations would hurt his organization, and diminish the desirability of continuing to work with the HANC. Mr. Meyer further opined that the HANC was an extremely valuable asset for the City of Roseville, and offered the assistance of the Arts Council in making the HANC more useful for the City and the Arts Council to continue providing arts and nature education. Carole Erickson, 2925 Mildred Drive Ms. Erickson spoke in opposition to the City's sale of any park land or green space within the City of Roseville; and spoke in support of raising the tax levy this year, not waiting until next year. Ms. Erickson opined that, even if used as "passive" park land, they were still important to neighborhoods and valuable to the community as a whole. Ms. Erickson further opined that the golf course's senior golf league fee was a"steal," and encouraged Councilmembers to raise fees at the golf course. Joel Fischer, 2984 Marion Street Mr. Fischer requested that the City Council not mimic the state's short-sighted response to their budget deficit, and investigate the long-term impacts of their actions as it related to the recommended sale of park land. Mr. Fischer further noted that he had taken a canoe into the area discussed previously tonight, and while it didn't serve as a"Boundary Waters experience," it was a unique experience. Roger Ettel, 2735 N Griggs Street Mr. Ettel concurred with comments made by Mr. Davies; and opined that the City needed to implement more marketing of the HANC, suggesting that a monthly column in the Review would make people more aware of the HANC. Mr. Ettel opined his support of additional taxes to continue service levels as now being provided. He noted that the normal response was that citizens wanted everything, but they weren't willing to pay for it; but noted his willingness to pay for the services provided.