01-14-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO TRUTH-IN-TAXATION/CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, December 10, 2018 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 19 Seals moved, Crosby seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6930, a Resolution of Appreciation to Wendy Dankey for Distinguished Service as a Member of the Orono City Council. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. 25. STEVE TALLEN – CITY PROSECUTOR Steve Tallen stated he would like to update the City Council on what has occurred over the past couple of years and to answer any questions they may have. Tallen noted the majority of what he does is prosecute misdemeanor offenses, theft cases that are less than $1,000, and domestic assaults. Tallen stated the other item he deals with are code violations and that he has worked with Staff on quite a few things over the years. Tallen stated in his view they have had relatively good resolution of the matters and have been fairly successful in negotiating settlements, which results in fixing the problem rather than just punishing the person. Tallen stated of the ones he has dealt with, most recently was the one concerning a rental property. That person has now obtained a license and paid $1,000 in costs. The maximum penalty had it proceeded to prosecution would have been a $1,000 fine. Tallen stated he tries very hard to resolve them and fix the problem since that is the real issue. Tallen stated in his view he also has a good working relationship with the police department. Over the past couple of years nothing really outstanding or remarkable has happened and there have not been any appeals. Tallen indicated he is here to answer any questions. Walsh noted it has been a year since Mr. Tallen has been hired and that the City has the philosophy that the rules have to be followed, and if the rules are unfair or bad, the City will change them. Walsh noted sometimes the City does not find out there is a problem with an ordinance until an issue comes up. Walsh stated in his view the Council is happy overall with Mr. Tallen’s services. The City Council took no formal action on this item. PUBLIC HEARING 26. LA18-000096 ISD 278, 685 OLD CRYSTAL BAY ROAD, VARIANCE, RESOLUTION NO. 6931 Walsh noted there is no Planning Commission meeting this month and that the City Council will need to pass a motion to waive the review by the Planning Commission. Walsh moved, Crosby seconded, to waive review by the Planning Commission of Application No. LA18-000096, ISD 278, 685 Old Crystal Bay Road. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. Barnhart stated the City has received an application from the School District to replace their existing electronic sign. A variance is required is because the school is proposing a small structure above the existing structure that says Orono Schools and includes the logo or crest of the school district. That improvement increases the height and area above what the 2005 variance permits.