Laserfiche WebLink
ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD OCTOBER 22, 1990 <br />CITY FACILITIES CONTINUED <br />• <br />majority of citizens. He said, "We are approaching this project <br />in a manner that is commonly used by municipalities. This <br />meeting has been scheduled to provide the opportunity for public <br />input now that Council and Staff has determined the need for a <br />new facility. We have only begun the process." <br />Mr. Quady asked whether Council will allow the public to <br />vote on this issue. <br />Bernhardson stated that a public vote on this is an option <br />available to Council. <br />Mayor Grabek added, "The size and location of the facility <br />make little difference, as such projects can only be funded <br />through tax revenues. The issue then is whether there is a new <br />facility or whether we continue to ask our employees to work <br />under the poor quality conditions now existing." <br />Walter Pemberton, 1720 Shadywood Road, asked whether Council <br />has the authority to raise taxes for fifteen years. He also <br />asked for the opportunity to poll the Council regarding their <br />position on raising taxes. <br />Mayor Grabek stated that the Council does have the authority <br />to raise taxes. <br />• Callahan stated that he believes a new facility is necessary <br />and that there ought to be input from the citizens regarding that <br />project. He said, "Yes, I would fund a new facility by raising <br />taxes if it is necessary to do that. I agree with Mr. Quady that <br />the City should determine a location and a design so that the <br />public can be accurately informed of what the City intends to do <br />and how much it will cost." <br />Mr. John Farnham asked for the Councilmembers' comments <br />regarding whether or not there should be a referendum on this <br />matter. <br />Callahan said, "I am willing to commit the taxpayers to <br />paying for the facility over a 10 or 15 year time period. I am <br />inclined toward a referendum, but am not totally committed to it. <br />If there is no referendum, I believe there should be sufficient <br />public meetings so that the City is aware of what the public <br />wishes to do." <br />Peterson said, "I do not think that anyone can disagree that <br />a new facility is needed. I do feel that a referendum should be <br />held. I would not have a problem with asking the taxpayers to <br />fund the new facility if the referendum indicated they were in <br />favor of doing so. In the initial discussions of this topic, I <br />understood that information would be sent to the general public <br />• <br />5 - <br />