05-13-1991 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MAY 13, 1991 (#16)CITY FACILITIES CONTINUED opinions on this issue. Mayor Peterson advised that the only issue Council would consider aild vote on this evening pertained to the facilities site. S:ie further advised that there would be several additional Public: Hearings scheduled pertaining .o the actual-buildings and costs. John Farnham commended Council on their efforts to improve the facilities site selection process from that which was taking place last simmer a:zd f•311. He stated that, in his opinion, Council was too dependent on its professional advisors. Farnham believed that the recommendation made by the Facilities Committee may not have represented a consensus of the entire Committee, nor did is represent the opinions of the Community at large. Farnham stated that there was no Press coverage, or Press Releases for the Facilities Committee and Planning Commission meetings, and felt that there has beea a lack of communication between the City and the Public. He asked that Council provide the residents with more information pertaining to all the factors that went into the recommendation, and to then have a referendum or poll to get input from the general public. Mike Ellis, 1020 South Old Crystal Bay Road, disagreed with the statements made by Farnham, and indicated that he would like to see Council make a decision on a site so that the process can continue. Ellis stated that he would like to see Council exercise their option on the Highway 12 property. Butler agreed with Mr. Ellis, that it is time for Council to make a decision and get on with the process. Rich Wysocki, 2770 Rainey Road, ask,ad - how the purchase of the property will be f•.inded, and how much the Highway. 12 property will cost. Mayor Peterson replied, "The purchase price of the Highway s.2 site is $292,000 and the City has set aside enough money to purchase that property if that site is selected." Jabbour indicated that he wished to respond to some of the :statements made by Farnham. He stated that he sought election to the City Council because he did not believe there was sufficient communication between the City and its residents. Jabbour said, "I belierae that this Council has gone to extensive measures to keep the Public apprised of what we are doing. The Councilmembers matte themselves accessible to the public. I do not believe it is in.the c-itizens' best interest to d::lay our site decision any longer. The economy is such that we are in an advantageous position at this time. I urge my fellow Councilmembers not to adjourn this meeting until we have selected a site and given direction to Staff to proceed with the projec.t."