07.b Tom Newell letter to City CouncilMonday, June 13th, 2022
Dear Mayor Maefsky
RECEIVED
JUN 13 2022
CITY OF SCANDIA
According to the map of the Scandia Comprehensive Plan the Pedestrian Walkway that runs
from Oren Ave to Goose Lake is 100% within the Village Neighborhood. It needs to be
preserved for future generations of the Public. Once it's gone, it's gone forever.
Mr Simpson has filed a Petition that does not represent the Public interest. He is asking you to
"Give away" a pedestrian walkway that was given to Scandia Township. Simpson would
financially benefit from this "Give away" and the Public would lose a walkway that has existed
without issue for the past 20+ years.
Mr Simpson states and implies things in his Petition that are misleading or simply untrue.
Mr Simpson's Petition states the easement is under "deep water making it impassable"
but members of Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails had very little trouble walking the
easement after a very wet spring. Over 96% of the easement is dry year round.
Mr. Simpson's Petition states "the easement is/has been illegally used by: 4 wheelers,
snowmobiles (exhibit b, 2022)". Exhibit b, 2022 is a picture of my driveway, 500 feet
from the easement. Simpson's exhibit b, 2022 is a deliberate attempt to give you false
information in his Petition. The deliberately false information is reason enough to vote
the Simpson petition down.
The liability or risk to the City of Scandia is no greater than any other recreational area owned
or controlled by the City. The easement has existed for 20+ years without any police calls or
incidents. The section of dock was legally placed in the area by the family of Bruce Swenson
20+ years ago. Simpson states "this petition is in the interest of the public" but neglects to tell
you how he would financially benefit. Benefits for Simpson at the Public's expense.
The Petition before you is filled with misleading and false information. I ask the Mayor and City
Council for three things.
1. Vote No, because a No vote is in the Public's best interest.
2. Make the easement part of the City Trail system
3. Tell Mr. Simpson you will not be giving away the rights of the Public for his personal gain,
now or in the future. He should not be allowed to file similar petitions in the future.
Please feel free to contact me if I can answer any questions or concerns. I encourage all of you
to walk a beautiful easement and see for yourselves the false and misleading information being
presented.
Respectfully
Tom Newell
tomnewelll@mac.com