Minutes - Council - 02/12/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Pearson replied that in the last five years, the City, under the direction of David Hartlcy, progressed more than it ever had and he felt it was proper and fitting that he get some type of recognition. Mayor Gilbertson added that in the same token, Arnie Cox spent eight years working with the bridge. Mr. Pearson suggested that the whole picture would have to be looked at as far as what Mr. Cox had accomplished. If someone came up with a petition and there were several names on it in support of naming the bridge after Mr. Cox, then it should be considered. Douglas Fountain, 15255 Garnet Street N.W., Ramsey - stated that in regard to Mayor Gilbertson's comments about Arnie Cox, that he was the only Councilmember convicted of fraud and felony and in his estimation, Mr. Cox doesn't deserve any such honors. Mayor Gilbertson asked what if the bridge was named for Arnie Cox before this problem. He also added that he didn't know what the "big deal" was in naming this portion of the park anything for that matter. Mr. Fountain exclaimed that it is a big deal. He said the City of Ramsey~ under the leadership of David Hartley, made more progress than since it became incorporated as a'City. He added that this is a "political football" because of personal feelings. He stated it is not uncommon to honor people by naming something after them. He felt that if the City Council is here to serve their people, then they should vote yes to naming the park after David Hartley as that is the people's wishes. Mike Auspos, 15255 Hematite Street N.W., Ramsey - declared he had not intended to speak with regard to this case; however, he felt Mr. Fountain's comments reprehensible. He explained that he and Mt'. Cox did not part on the best of terms, but Mr. Cox did, in fact, spend a lot of time and effort for the City. His business and dealings conducted on the outside had nothing to do with the City and he felt it unfair they be brought up. With regard to the progress made in the five years under the leadership of David Hartley, he commented that the City Staff also contributed to that progress. The simple fact that you did your job does not rank getting a park named after you. Norm Hohn, 5519 Industry Avenue N.W., Ramsey - believes that normally when a park is named after an individual, it is a long time after the person's deed is done. With regard to Arnie Cox, he was not a disgrace to tile City of Ramsey and he was very instrumental in the construction of the park and bridge. He added that the subject property was given to the City by Art Raudio. In response to Jason Williams suggestion, he commented that maybe the park equipment could be named after Mr. Hartley. He also felt that you don't dedicate something to someone who was paid for what they did, especially since the rest of the staff contributed as much as Mr. Hartley did. He commented he was against naming the park for lVh-. Hartley. Mr. Raudio indicated he didn't agree with Mr. Cox's method of operation, but if it wasn't for his work, there wouldn't be a bridge or the parkland and added that Mr. Cox did benefit the City. He commented that he was neither for or against naming the park after lVh-. Halley. Thomas Williams commented that former Councilmember Cox had dealings with Waste · Management. He feels that itl this City, doing the job you're getting paid for is rare and that the City Staff does only what they can get by with and nothing extra. He declared that in this case, Mr. Hartley went the extra mile and he's perceived as "doing his job". He did his job in a City that was not allowing that to happen. City Council/February 12, 1991 Page 7 of 12