08-12-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 22, 2019 7:00 o'clock p.m. Employee Insurance Plan, which is through the State of Minnesota. Their increases have been running in single digits rather than double digits like some of the others. Seals asked why the City could not combine forces with the school district in order to obtain a better rate. Olson stated he is not sure where the Orono School District purchases their insurance through and that part of the reason for the higher premiums is that Orono does not have a good loss rating. According to the numbers, HealthPartners has paid out more in claims than what the City has paid in, which makes Orono a group that a lot of entities do not want to partner with. Orono went out for RFPs approximately five years ago and not one insurance company provided the City with any proposal due to that loss rating. Olson stated it is his belief that situation has not improved substantially but that Staff will be undergoing that process over the next nine to ten months. Crosby suggested the City consider implementing a wellness program to help get their rates down. Olson reviewed the year-to-date top vendors. Bond Trust Services Corporation, who handles the City's debt service payments, is the top vendor, followed by GMH Asphalt, HealthPartners, the City of Long Lake, Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, the League of Minnesota Cities, and Bolton & Menk. Seals asked why the City's payment to the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services is so high. Olson indicated Minnesota is on pace for the wettest decade on record and that a substantial amount of that is related to payments for I&I. Walsh commented hopefully the lining of the sewer pipes will help minimize that. Edwards stated the Public Works Department is looking at doing a sewer lining project this fall. Olson stated overall the City's budget is looking to be in good shape. Crosby asked whether the Dayton project is still going forward. Olson stated on that project cash was provided rather than a letter of credit, which was then refunded, but that it is not considered a cost to the City. The City Council took no formal action on this item. PUBLIC COMMENTS, CONTINUED Tony Sarenpa, 2630 Fox Street, stated he is here tonight about the Miller property that is located just north of the fire station. Sarenpa indicated he has had some discussions with some of the Council Members and Staff about some possible types of opportunity. The property consists of 1.75 acres but is landlocked. In order for some type of development to occur on the property, some type of deal will need to be reached with the City. Walsh recommended he contact the City Administrator to discuss his options. Page 3 of 10