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Orono City Council <br /> Special Work Session <br /> Monday, October 14, 2019 <br /> Council Chambers 6:00 p.m. <br /> Guest William Wolfson asked if the City could legally do that. <br /> Mattick mentioned that the City created the ordinance for docks and it has the authority to <br /> change it because what is being discussed is not technically against state law. <br /> Walsh introduced a third option which would be, creating a long term lease so the properties <br /> adjacent could have a dock there but may not allow them to own. He noted by having the City <br /> maintain ownership over the land and developing an annual lease could possibly work. <br /> Seals noted that if we keep ownership that would be ideal. <br /> Walsh mentioned that it seems the option to sell may not be of interest of the Council, but the <br /> City can look into some type of lease. <br /> Council Member Matt Johnson indicated he feels differently about the two inside lots versus the <br /> outside lots. Johnson stated the City should take whatever revenues it can get from selling these <br /> properties and use it for improving other access areas. He presented another concept for the lots <br /> discussed. Johnson noted the city could consider vacating that easement and add it to Wolfson <br /> property to make it contiguous. He added it would take 60 feet of lakeshore to get four docks in <br /> there. He also added that the City could then use the revenues gained from the sale of the <br /> properties here to improve the area. <br /> Printup added that he still is not in favor for selling City land. <br /> Walsh mentioned that there may be an opportunity to discuss this concept with the Parks <br /> Commission. <br /> Johnson mentioned that he asked the current Parks Commission chair if there has ever been <br /> discussion about access areas and that the commissioner feels that we should support them. <br /> Wolfson added that residents would end up using our private street for an appropriate use, by <br /> using it as a landing. <br /> Crosby commented it seems when there isn't a vested interest, it tends to not be maintained. Ile <br /> stated he has mixed feelings regarding the issue. <br /> Walsh would like the staff, attorney and land owners to get together to figure out a lease for the <br /> land for each four lots. <br /> Johnson mentioned that we have other people that have rights and how does it affect them. <br /> Mattick mentioned leasing the land doesn't necessarily distinguish the boating and bathing <br /> rights. <br />