10-22-1990 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD OCTOBER 22, 1990 CITY FACILITIES CONTINUED Nettles stated that it is necessary to provide the public • with the information from the Citizen's Committee pertaining to their review process and recommendation. He said, "I also think it may be interesting to have the public tell us what kind of tax increase they would agree to." Goetten stated that she is not ready to make any decision on this issue at this point in the process. She informed everyone that the Citizen's Committee had met only four times. She said, "While the Citizen's Committee has provided a considerable amount of good information, there is more to be done before the option is exercised." Callahan said, "I favor this present site more than the Highway 12 site. The cost differential is a major factor. Also, I have not been totally convinced that it is necessary to have all of the City operations located on one site. If it can be determined that the Highway 12 site is more economically feasible, I would give that consideration. I do agree that the basic cost of the building will be approximately the same, regardless of whether it is constructed o_z Highway 12 or here. However, there are other aspects of the project, such as landscaping, etc., that must also be included and from a cost standpoint, are unknown at this time. If it is possible to construct a building that has lesser square feet than shown by the schematic drawings, this site may be appropriate. However, I • understand that it would still be necessary to construct a Public Works facility elsewhere. It would also be necessary to provide an additional source of water to provide a sprinkler system for the building. All of this has been discussed previously at public meetings. I want the opportunity to review whether or not the City needs to have a facility with all of the features shown in the schematic drawings. -I do not believe that Council should spend $60,000 for design work until that has been determined. I am not prepared to vote on a site selection. Even if it could be determined that the Highway 12 site is the most feasible site, I would not vote to exercise the option because I believe that should be done just prior to beginning construction. The term 'referendum' could refer to a form of bond referendum, or a method of gathering public opinion. If it is the public intention this evening to have a referendum to provide public opinion, I would favor that. It may not be necessary to have a bond referendum, however. That would depend on the method of financing that is chosen.. There is little doubt that the building could be entirely paid for by the City. However, the money used for the building would greatly affect the operating budget for the City and may have a tax impact on the City. This information would have to be explained to the public at a later time." - 12 - •