07-22-1991 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JULY 22, 1991 ($14)CITY FACILITIES CONTINUED_,_ - efforts in trying to minimize the costs for the new City facilities. He stated that he, and persons he has been authorized to represent, have that same goal in mind. Farnham asked for Council's permission to make a brief presentation that will confirm the need for Council to continue their cost containment efforts. He stated that after he has --shown the Council statistical information, he would like to make a recommendation for reducing the cost of the facility. Farnham displayed statistical information comparing the City of Orono to the City of Plymouth and the City of Coon Rapids. The information compared population, staff size (excluding public works personnel), and. the square footage of the existing facilities, for Plymouth and Coon Rapids,* with population, staff size and the proposed facilities for Orono. In summarizing the statistics, Farnham said, "Orono has approximately 1 /7th the population of the other two Cities, and 1 /4th the city staff. The facility for the City of Coon Rapids is approximately 23,000 square feet, Plymouth has about 22,000. This includes police and administration. The City of Orono is proposing approximately 17,000 square.feet. The public works.facility for Coon Rapids is approximately 29,000 square feet, Plymouth has ..about 23,000 square feet, Orono will have 29,000 square feet. The Cities of Plymouth and Coon Rapids have approximately 200 miles of streets, . and very extensive municipal water and sewer services. Coon Rapids employs 61 persons in their Public Works Department, Plymouth has 50, and the City of Orono has 11." .Jabbour wanted to assure Mr. Farnham that he has been attentive to the concerns he has raised, and had read the letter Mr. Farnham had published in the various local newspapers. He said. "After "reading Mr. Farnham's letter, I visited Coon Rapids and Plymouth; and talked . with, their officials., in an attempt to learn how they are managing, given their staff numbers in relation to the size of their facilities.. As we are sitting here this very, moment, the .City of Plymouth is holding a Public Hearing to expand their inadequate facility." Farnham stated that he is aware of that. Jabbour stated that he talked with the Finance Director for the City of Coon Rapids, and he indicated that because their facility has inadequate space, they are now utilizing space within the existing council.chambers and council meetings will be held in another building. He said, "The City of. Coon Rapids tried to build a' new police department, new council chambers, and a new fire department. They put the issue to a referendum-and-it failed. I find it hard to believe that Mr. Farnham Ls comparing us with two cities that are trying their hardest to get out of the inadequate situation in which they now find themselves." - 11 -