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Mounds View City Council May 22, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 5 process, and citizens would have the opportunity to provide their input with regard to this issue in the very near future. 9. RESIDENTS REQUESTS AND COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR David Jahnke, 8428 Eastwood Road stated the City has hired an individual to examine expanding the golf course. He indicated the City was having difficulty paying for the golf course as it was, and he did not believe they should invest more money into it because there were bonds that must be paid off, and the City had a $200,000 float. He explained that no one was prepared to guarantee that 18 holes would make any money, and although this had been stated with regard to the 9 holes at the golf course, it did not occur. He stated he was very upset about this. Mr. Jahnke stated he had a problem with regard to amending the Charter. He indicated he was not certain why the City would desire to change the Charter. He explained that he had watched the meeting during which some of the Council Members had indicated why they believed it was a good idea, however, he did not personally believe it was a good idea. He advised that the City has a Charter Commission to watch over government, and he had already made the Council aware of what happened in the city of Cambridge. He indicated he has spoken with many residents in this regard, and there might be some who are in favor of this, however, he has found many who are opposed. He stated he would personally fight this proposal, as well as the proposal to expand the golf course. Ron Nelson, 2174 Oakwood Drive requested the Council consider installing a jump in the park for the children who are currently utilizing the speed bumps on the side of the boulevard as a jump for their bicycles, roller blades and skateboards. He stated he takes walks in this area for his health, and has witnessed several incidents where these children have nearly been hit by the speeding vehicles that travel on this roadway. He stated he understood that the road would be widened, and inquired if the Council would consider this. He pointed out that this could assist in preventing damage to private property as well. Mayor Coughlin stated he would pass this recommendation on to the Parks and Recreation Commission, and would personally write a note to the Chair of that Commission in this regard. He indicated Mr. Nelson could contact staff liaison, Terri Blattenbauer, at the Community Center, to learn how the matter is progressing. Brad Jahnke, 8408 Eastwood Drive stated he attended a school picnic, at which the third grade class was given a tour of the Public Works Department. He indicated he had gone into the facility, and noticed that the City had purchased a brand new Caterpillar backhoe. He stated he had desired to ask a few questions regarding the backhoe, however, it did not appear to be the appropriate time, and he was informed that the City had been down this road before, and when the City purchases equipment of this nature, they purchase the best so that it will last longer. He stated he did not receive all of the information he desired at that time. Mr. Jahnke stated in his understanding, the City traded in a backhoe for the new backhoe. He inquired regarding the trade in amount on the old backhoe, and why the “Cadillac” of backhoes was purchased for a City that does have a great need for it. He inquired if the Council voted on this matter prior to the purchase of the backhoe.