11-13-1990 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 13, 1990 a public disclosure for someone on a lawsuit that was ultimately determined by the person that brought it to be without merit. . The other thing I have to say, just so everyone is clear, this wasn't something that Jim Grabek brought to my attention, personally or outside the Council. I had tried a similar case involving the City of Apple Valley. In these cases, when there is a suit against the City, they automatically turn it over to the insurance agency, who turns it over to GAB,, or the adjusters that represent the municipalities. They hire their own lawyers, do their own investigation. It is more a contractual matter that circumvents the need for the Council to become involved until there is investigation. In this case, as I understand it, the case against the City was dismissed without anything further." Goetten stated that it may not be necessary to discuss a particular lawsuit at a public meeting, but that Council should be informed of pending lawsuits. She said, "I would like to be apprised of such matters." Acting Mayor Callahan said, "I agree. I believe the Council should be notified, even though there may be no action taken. I also believe that we were entitled to know what the bills are. In this case, the bill was for work done in the absence of Michael Gaffron. There may be other such bills for work done at other homes during this same period of time." Peterson asked for clarification as to whether or not Mr. • MacKinnon., (the Attorney who spoke at the October 22, 1990 meeting) had in fact represented Landmark Construction. Ms. Swanson stated that Mr. MacKinnon had only initially represented them. Mr. John Farnham, stated that he had a letter to present to the Council which contained a number of concerns and questions from the citizens regarding the City facilities. He distributed the letters to each Councilmember and the public. Ms. Cherokee Ilse commended the Council candidates for running "a clean and above -board candidacy ". She said, "I think we should all be proud of Orono that we did not succumb to things that were happening on the State level. I appreciate the persons who are currently on the Council and congratulate those who did win." PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS: Planning Commission Representative Cohen was not present. - 6 - 0