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. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT (continued) Dankey commented she has had a very exciting couple of weeks and that she is trying to learn as much as possible. Walsh stated having the discussion tonight showed there is a lot of interest in wanting to remake the island and see what can be done with it. Walsh stated he already has a number of veterans groups that have said they want to be a part of it, which is the important thing that came out of all of this. Walsh stated the only part he was disappointed with was that the newspapers published a lot of stories but they never called the City for their side. Walsh reported he also met with the Communications Committee on the newsletter, which should be coming out shortly. Walsh stated he attended Dennis Libby's 70' birthday and that it was fun to go out there and see all of his veteran friends. Walsh reported they welcomed Girl Scout Troop 19098 to City Hall today and they were given a tour of City Hall and the Police Department. Walsh stated they also had a mock City Council meeting, which was a lot of fun. Walsh stated he would invite any and all interested groups to do the same. Walsh stated he also attended the Lund's grand opening on Saturday with Council Member Crosby. The building looks absolutely fabulous and is now another go -to place for meeting people. Walsh stated they now have indoor seating and dining. Walsh commented it is nice to see companies in Orono beautifying their presence and investing in the community. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Reeder stated he appreciates being brought on board and is looking forward to working with the City Council. 13. 4th QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT Olson noted this is not a final report and that the auditors will be completing their final work later in March. As a result, there could be some minor changes. Current projects have revenues at 104.62 percent of budget and expenditures at 96.43 percent of budget. In net dollars, revenues are projected to exceed expenditures by $630,000. Olson noted 52 percent of the City's revenue comes from taxes and that the amount of taxes collected in 2016 is at 100.77 percent, which is a result of some interest being paid. In regard to the remainder of the General Fund revenues, licenses and permits were at 103 percent; building permits were actually slightly below budget; and mechanical permits and plumbing permits were well over budget. Other governmental revenue finished the year at 116.8 percent of budget, with a major portion of the overage being due to higher than anticipated Police State Aid. Charges for service came in at 105.6 percent, which is due to the fact that the construction related revenue lines were all over 100 percent of budget. Olson stated the City has experienced some good building activity with a few big subdivisions taking place. Page 20 of 23