11-27-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 13, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 17. BIG ISLAND PLANNING — Continued Printup commented he likes hearing what the committee will be doing but that he will not be voting in favor of the plan because of the history of vandalism on Big Island. Seals noted there are a number of people, companies, associations and foundations that are willing to volunteer and donate but that they need to have a plan in place before they can go ahead and do it. Seals stated the goal is to get more people involved and any improvements will be brought back before the City Council for approval. Printup indicated he will vote for the motion based on what Council Member Seals just stated. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 18. McCULLEY ROAD BRUSH SITE FENCING Edwards stated the City of Orono provides a site for residents to drop of brush on McCulley Road. The site has become quite popular over the last two years since year-round brush drop off has been allowed. The issue is that the site has started to collect concrete, refrigerators, and rocks in addition to brush and a number of contractors dumping brush in there. The proposal before the Council tonight looks to establish hours of operation and man the site during those hours. Edwards recommended establishing a brush fee in order to offset the cost of providing an employee to manage the site and installing 380 feet of fence with a gate and guard booth. The anticipated cost is $25,400. Edwards indicated he did look at the option of having an automated gate but felt it would be too cumbersome. Walsh asked if the grinder can rip apart the stumps. Edwards indicated it can. Walsh asked what the City's annual cost is to dispose of the other items. Edwards indicated it is probably several thousand dollars yearly just in labor. Walsh stated the grinding of the brush and stumps does not cost the City anything. Walsh stated if they assume the cost to get rid of the other debris is approximately $5,000 a year and the cost of the employee is approximately $12,000, the question is whether $8 a cubic foot for nonresidents and contractors will cover the cost. Walsh stated he is worried about adding more costs to the site. Edwards stated approximately 5,000 cubic yards of brush is brought to the site each year and that in his view the majority comes from nonresidents. Walsh commented it is likely not as much brush will be brought there if a fee is charged and that the question is whether the City wants to spend $25,000 to install fencing, a gate, an attendant shack, and then pay an employee to man it. Walsh stated the only inconvenience to the residents is that the site will be closed during the wintertime and the limited hours of operation. Page 12 of 17