is what was called away on the ship I served on back in my Navy days when an imminent threat was detected. That threat is now before us. On Tuesday March 7, 2017, at the meeting scheduled to start at 7 pm, Hanover City Council will be re-voting on the resolution to accept the ball field renovation donation from the Hanover Athletic Association. That’s right! The proponents of this project, after failing to achieve the super majority required by law to accept the donation in February, have decided they deserve a “do over.” Rather than convene a public hearing or form a committee to determine if this would be the best action to move forward, they based their decision on a question and answer session during the mid-February Council Work Session that was primarily directed at the supporters of the project. I’m curious just how many “do overs” they’ll expect if the resolution again fails to pass. I encourage those of you who have followed this saga and are supporters of saving the trees in Settler’s Park to please attend this meeting! Tell your friends, family members, and neighbors. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A HANOVER RESIDENT TO ATTEND. This is an open meeting with a Citizen’s Forum where you’ll be allowed to speak, albeit, you may be limited to 2 minutes. Show your appreciation and support for the 2 council members who initially voted against the donation resolution and ask that they do so again. Don’t be afraid to ask your City Council members the hard questions such as: Why hasn’t there been a public hearing on this issue? What is the Hanover Athletic Association’s involvement and why won’t they support an alternate location? Why is there a lack of input from the Planning Commission as it relates to the Comprehensive Plan? Why isn’t this project addressed in the Capital Improvement Plan? Where and how did they come up with the cost estimates in the agenda package? Are they going to hold a bake sale to pay for the $196,500 irrigation system and lights? Don’t hold back. Be creative. It’s as simple as filling out the form provided at the table when you walk in. If you’re uncomfortable speaking in public, a simple declaration of support for the trees would be sufficient. If you’re really uncomfortable speaking in public just show up for the meeting. And finally, if you can’t make the meeting, send an email to city hall asking that your concerns be read aloud during the meeting. Here’s the email address to city hall: cityhall@ci.hanover.mn.us This is a unique opportunity to be a part of Hanover’s History. My wife suggested everyone wear something green to show you’re a supporter of the trees. If you have signs, feel free to bring them. I have some signs that will be available at the meeting. I have contacted the local news stations. Whether they come or not will be up to them. At the very least, it should be an entertaining civics lesson. Unfortunately, I really don’t own anything green but I’ll be easily recognizable as the “somewhat” portly gentleman wearing a USS Long Beach Navy ball cap. I truly appreciate all of the support everyone has provided and, for the sake of the trees, I sincerely hope we are successful on Tuesday evening. Michael Kehn President Hanover Historical Society