05-13-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Orono City Council Work Session Minutes Monday, April 22, 2019 Council Chambers 5:00 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Richard F. Crosby II, and Matt Johnson. Representing staff were City Administrator Dustin Rief, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Adam Edwards, Finance Director Ron Olson and City Clerk Anna Carlson. Meeting Start Time: 5:02 p.m. 1. Orono Planning and Road Funding Mayor Dennis Walsh began discussion of the top roads of focus for 2020. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Adam Edwards presented the potential 2020- 2024 budgeting plan for maintenance, reconstruction, reclamation, and Mill & Overlay for Orono’s roads. Council Member Matt Johnson asked what the plans were for detours during the Tanager Bridge reconstruction project. Edwards shared what he thought could be the main official detour but also mentioned that he would like to consider making the load restrictions on Fox street permanent during the reconstruction of Tanager Bridge due to the current condition of the road. Edwards defined how the City determines the estimates for roads and mentioned that the numbers are conservative and simple. Once Council gives guidance on roads, staff goes out for more details and research and the numbers are recalculated. He reiterated that the numbers here are only related to pavement, other areas such as Stormwater, drainage, etc. would be added at a later date to coincide with the project. City Administrator Dustin Rief described the cycle and process for planning and developing the prospective budget for projects, repairs, and other maintenance of roads. First, the roads are identified and brought to council for guidance. Then, staff gets more in-depth details regarding what to expect for each project and then they bring it back to council. Late fall is normally when we have a preliminary plan for roads then in late- winter. The City will then have an open house to provide feedback on the preliminary plans for roads. 2. City Administrator Update Rief presented an update to the City Council about ongoing areas of focus within the City internally and externally. Council Member Matt Johnson gave input in regards to the City’s Administrative internal and external processes. Johnson added that alignment between Staff and Council should be part of our process. The City may want to focus on formalizing the platform and ensuring each department has a very specific goal to achieve.