06-25-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 11, 2018 7:00 o'clock p.m. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT City Attorney Schutt stated she had nothing to report. Walsh moved Crosby seconded, to add Item No. 19 to the Agenda. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. 19. LONG LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT Walsh noted the Orono City Council did not approve the purchase of the fire truck but the Long Lake Fire Department went ahead and purchased it. Walsh stated the Fire Department has had a number of issues that have come to light since then regarding gas cards being declined, having to pay cash only at the parts store, and approving other purchases they do not have authority to do. Walsh stated Orono needs to begin negotiations with the Fire Department to get the new contract taken care of. Walsh stated his biggest issue is the integrity of the current contract and what the responsibilities of the parties are that are not being followed as well as the new issues that have recently come to light. Walsh stated the letter from the City Attorney would be a letter to get the conversation started essentially and that the City Council should take a moment to review a copy of the letter. Crosby stated he would like added to the letter language about reaching out to the Long Lake City Council and Mayor to have a discussion at the joint work session. Crosby stated he wants the discussion to be about public service and what is best for both communities. Crosby noted the Orono City Council did place a caveat on their motion when they voted for the purchase of the fire engine and that caveat was not fulfilled. Crosby stated it was also the Council's understanding that this purchase was coming down the pike. Crosby commented he would rather sit down and try to iron out these details, hopefully come to a peaceful conclusion, and then take care of Orono's obligations to pay for part of the fire engine. Rief noted the joint work session is tentatively scheduled for next week on June 20. Seals stated she was disappointed that it got to this point. Seals stated she remembers when the City Council talked about the fire truck last summer and that she thought it was pretty clear where they said they approve of the purchase but that it was always contingent on the contract. Seals stated she does not understand how they go almost a year and then the Fire Department went ahead and bought it without telling the City of Orono. Seals commented that does not feel like a partnership. Seals indicated she did watch the Long Lake City Council meeting to try to understand the situation better but that it feels like the two cities are not talking to each other. Seals commented they are not on the same page right now and that they need to sit down and talk about things. Seals noted they serve the Orono citizens, Orono spending a lot of money on fire protection. Seals stated to not have a lot of oversight and then to hear that your voice is pretty much ignored is an issue, especially when the Council is hearing things like the Super America gas card not working for them. Seals questioned how they would be able to get to a fire if they have no gas in their vehicle. Seals stated if the Fire Department is spending that much money, she has some questions about where it is going. Page 19 of 20