03-13-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 27, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 17. BIG ISLAND DOCK PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT (continued) the lake. The dock system is seasonal and has to be brought in and out every year. The homeowners association got a little tired of some of the costs and also the maintenance. Libby stated as part of the resolution of their dock problems, the homeowners association purchased maintenance -free, low cost, low upkeep dock systems to replace the dock that was more expensive. Libby stated in the City's vision and planning, they should think about accommodating the Minnehaha, which is a historical land cruiser that went back and forth to Big Island. The boat originally took 2500 people per trip to Big Island. Libby stated the Minnehaha is a wonderful historic remnant of Orono's history. Libby stated to have a dock that large and impractical and expensive is foolish. If the dock has value, even half the value that it had when it was purchased approximately ten years ago, the Council's original idea of looking at the value of that and possibly selling it is a creative alternative. Libby stated the City needs to look at something that services the community and also allows the veterans easy access. Libby stated the City should look at the revenue that they have and think about it in this collective effort that they are trying to put together. Libby stated the City should find something that is practical and economical that works better both for the city budget and the people who enjoy and use the park. Lindsay Freeman, 190 Cygnet Place, stated she wants to be a resident of a City who is kind and compassionate and shares their assets with others. Freeman stated the veterans have fought for us and that anything they can do to make Big Island more accessible to them is the kind of City she wants to be a part of. Cindy McDonnell, 1420 Baldur Park Road, stated she was shocked and frankly embarrassed at what has transpired in Orono with this decision. McDonnell stated they broke with standard protocol on this, violated the Comprehensive Plan, broke the agreement with the vets, and did not receive public input on this issue despite being advised by the City Administrator that that was part of the protocol. McDonnel stated that is not what the citizens expect from their elected leaders and they do not expect them to be so myopic and short-sighted in their decision making. McDonnell stated in the future it is her hope that the Council takes the time to think fully about these issues and follow established protocol before making willy-nilly decisions such as removing access to a public park for large groups of people. This park is used by many families, seniors, and Orono residents in addition to the vets who have served our country so valiantly. McDonnell stated she does not see any good reason why the Council cannot re-establish the $8,000 to put the docks in and out every year since it is paltry in comparison to some of the other costs the City has. Brad McDonnell, 1420 Baldur Park Road, stated he served six years in the Navy and that a veteran's service is a very personal thing and that they all have their challenges. Each veteran went through different challenges and experiences but they all have a common bond for our brothers and sisters. McDonnell stated when he goes to Big Island with his family, he is able to get in touch with himself and nature. A lot of the veterans do not have the money to get there but they can get there if there is a dock. McDonnell stated they cannot have access to the island without a dock and that he would ask the Council to please rethink their decision and let their children enjoy this treasure. Page 8 of 23