06-24-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 10, 2019 7:00 o'clock p.m. Rief noted the budget was approved prior to it being removed. Kroll noted they were able to get a one-year moratorium on the milfoil harvesting. Walsh stated the LMCD has plenty of money in reserves and that is where these one-time funds should come from. As a result, the cities should see a reduction of 20 percent versus the LMCD asking for 2.5 percent more. Kroll stated he will vote to reflect the wishes of the Orono City Council. Kroll noted the LMCD has restored $50,000 for milfoil harvesting with the expectation that milfoil harvesting will be restored next year. Without that, the budget would go down. Walsh stated the LMCD is adding revenues to justify the expenses and that they need to look at the expense line to understand where it is coming from. Walsh stated in his view he does not feel Orono's money is being spent wisely with the harvesters, which is the reason for the moratorium and that Orono's position is well known. Walsh encouraged Mr. Kroll to attend the LMCD meetings as often as possible. Crosby requested Mr. Kroll try to find out what the other members' thoughts are. Kroll stated he will do that and that he will always vote the way the Orono City Council feels is appropriate. Kroll noted he is only one vote but that he will do his best to convince the other representatives to follow Orono's lead. Johnson stated he did contact Mr. Kroll today about the LMCD, which is probably the reason why he is here tonight, and that since the beginning of the year he has been doing his own homework to understand what is going on there in addition to attending several of the LMCD meetings. Johnson stated there appeared to be three things going on around the spring break time period and that they had the LMCD representing the positions of the different cities without necessarily consulting with the cities. Johnson indicated he and Council Member Seals attended the next LMCD meeting and that he has since expressed his concern to Mark about not receiving any updates about what is occurring at the LMCD, which is why he called him today. Johnson commented he is somewhat uncomfortable in saying that because Mr. Kroll is a volunteer and is willing to give of his time, and that anytime someone volunteers, there is always an appreciation for that. The City Council also had a work session meeting where they were not getting updates or information. Given some of the legislative changes that are occurring, it is very important the Council has a very clear understanding of what is happening with the LMCD. Johnson stated there just seems to be a disconnect about getting information outside of the one work session meeting, but outside of that, he has not received any information. As a result, Johnson stated he is of the opinion that Orono needs a new representative since this is a very important time and Orono needs more engagement and information coming forward. Kroll stated Council Members Seals' and Johnson's attendance at the meeting was appreciated because he is one of 14 votes and it gets a little tough at times. There is some resentment over the size of Orono, Page 4 of 20