At its May 28 meeting, the Mound Council was introduced to the BeLikeTommy Project, created by Kevin and Nicole Nash following the sudden and tragic loss of their son Tommy to cardiac arrest in December 2021.
Kevin Nash explained that the BeLikeTommy Project aims to care for the hearts of others, both physically and emotionally. One way it seeks to make a difference is by donating Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machines to Mound Westonka High School (MWHS), where the Nash’s daughters attend and where Tommy would have been a junior this year.
Tommy used to joke with his parents, telling them he was going to be an Olympic speed walker. In honor of his memory, the Nash family decided to start an Olympic Speed Walking event in 2022 as a fundraiser and community gathering. This year’s speed walk will take place on June 15 starting at 9 a.m. at MWHS. The family-friendly 1.2 mile event will conclude with an after-party with many kid-friendly activities.
According to Kevin Nash, a new feature of this year’s event will be a mascot speed walk with appearances from Crunch from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Goldy Gopher from the University of Minnesota, and Mudonna the pig from the St. Paul Saints.
The proceeds from Tommy’s Olympic Speed Walk will be used to purchase an outdoor AED machine for the new MWHS football stadium, ensuring 24/7 accessibility to life-saving equipment.
Another agenda item for the council was the approval of a two-lot minor subdivision of property at 5123 Waterbury Road. The owner, Michael Greer, first introduced the subdivision proposal at the council’s Feb. 28 meeting, and it was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission.
Greer plans to demolish the existing non-conforming house on the property and construct two new single-family homes for sale.
Additionally, the council reviewed a concept plan presented by Carl Runck and Jim Gooley for developing the properties at 2400 and 2420 Commerce Boulevard. The proposed project includes three four-unit buildings, totaling 12 owner-occupied condominium units. The properties are situated on the east side of Commerce Boulevard with frontage on Lost Lake.
According to Jim Gooley, the envisioned project features two-story walk-up buildings with a modern Tudor design, overseen by a homeowners association. The buildings would be walkable to downtown Mound and the Dakota Regional Trail and have dock access to Long Lake.
Architect Tim Whitten explained that each unit is designed to encompass an owner suite, guest bedroom, den, kitchen/living/dining area, and a private terrace all on one level. There would also be a common staircase, elevator, and below-grade enclosed parking garage accommodating two cars per unit.
While the council expressed support for the project, concerns were raised about the availability of parking for visitors. The next step for the project involves preparing the necessary preliminary plat and coordinating with other involved agencies.
The council also continued its discussion from the May 15 meeting regarding trailer parking at Surfside Park on the weekends. Over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the city’s Public Works Department set up cones as a visual cue to prevent trailer parking. The Orono Police Department also deployed a signage trailer and increased patrols in the area. Only one citation was issued.
As of June 1, Orono has a new Community Service Officer who will provide enforcement on Saturdays throughout June. The council plans to monitor the situation for the month before deciding on further action.
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