05-13-1991 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MAY 13, 1991 ( #16)CITY FACILITIES CONTINUED I do not agree with the sewer plant property because that area is residential, and neighborhood opposition has been expressed. Due to the costs involved with splitting the sites, it was my understanding that there would be a savings in the up -front costs of the H:_ghway �12 s .te, as will as the obvious efficiency of having all facilities on the same site. AS I came here tonight, I was of the opinion, that the building would have to go on the Highway 12 site. I am of the opinion, however, that the buildings, if constructed on Highway 12, should be located on the southwest quadrant, rather than on the north side. At this poilt in time, I am now not certain that there will be much of a difference in the up -front costs of the Highway 12 site versus the existing site. Now I am baffled. If the economic reason is not as I thought it was, then I would just as soon locate the buildings on this site." Jabbour reiterated= that he had favored the Highway 3.2 site When had was pert of the Facilities Committee. He based that opinion on the cost '.factors, as well as his opinion that there should be no condemnation involved with this process, the public works facility should nut be placed iJa a residential neighborhood, and -he did not favor the City granting itself Variances. He said, "As a result of those various factors, it became apparent, through process of elimination, that the H:_ghway ,.2 site was most suitable. After being elected to Council, I became more aware of the historical significance of the existing site. I am now in the same situation as Councilmember Callahan. I am still not sure whether we will save money if we construct the buildings on the Highway 12 site." Mayor Peterson stated that she has always favored the existing site for police and administration, and h -id the understanding that the casts for this site and the H=_ghway 12 site would be approximate.'_y the same. She said, "I went back and looked at the Comprehensive Plan, and it makes a statement that the City.facilities should be unpretentious.__.I do not-think the Highway 12 site would facilitate a structure that,- in the eyes :of the Orono residents, would be unpretentious. I believe that our Community has a great historical value in the existing site. ; In my opinion, thoug_z I think I am in the minority, this will continue to be the site I favor for the sake of preserving the character of Orono, and the fact that this site is centrally located. I believe that a police /administration building could be constructed on this site without the need to grant ourselves Variances." Butler asked Mayor Peterson where she would eavision.the public works facility if this site were selected. Mayor Peterson stated that there have been no discussions - 13 -