10-22-1990 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD OCTOBER 22, 1990 CITY FACILITIES CONTINUED as the stages progressed." • Bernhardson commented, "It was my understanding that a Committee would be appointed and that a package of information, including location, cost, etc., would be prepared and presented to the public. The package of information would answer as many questions as possible." Peterson said, "If that is the case, then why are we trying to push for this option to spend nearly $300,000 without having public input." Bernhardson replied, "Council directed Staff in August to proceed with obtaining the option. Council agrees that a facility is needed, therefore, location becomes the next issue. The potential location has been narrowed to two sites. Those sites have been compared and it makes little difference in the cost if the facility is located on one site or the other. The next step in the process is the design stage, which will cost approximately $60,000. Staff did not feel it made sense to spend $60,000 to design two facilities on two different sites when only one site will be used. There really is little information that could have been provided to the public prior to this point." Peterson explained that she and Councilmember Callahan had initially voted no for the motion to pursue the option. She • said, "It was a two to two vote. Another motion was made and it was my understanding that we would pursue the option, but that we would have six months to prepare information and receive input from the public. I voted in favor of that motion. It is now two months later and nothing has been done, with the exception of obtaining an agreement on this particular property. I do not know what will happen this evening, whether Council will vote to spend $300,000 to purchase the property, I will not." Goetten stated that she too strongly agrees that a new Facility is needed. She said, "I have been concerned about the escalating cost of the project which started just under two million dollars and is now over three million. Should taxes be raised to fund a new facility? If it will cost over three million dollars, I guess that will be necessary. I am still waiting for information pertaining to the Highway 12 site and the option. I agree that more public meetings are necessary and that the process has bean lacking in the area of providing information. I will not vote to exercise an option this evening. I believe there should be a referendum." Nettles said, "I have -been a Councilmember for two years. This project pre -dates me. I became aware of the project in 1986, just after moving to Orono. It does seem that there is consensus among the people of the Community that a facility is - 6 - •