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Orono City Council <br /> Committee of the Whole <br /> lanuary 12, 2010, 6:30 p.m. <br /> Orono City Council Chambers <br /> • Any changes to the compensation plan would most likely only affect future, not current, <br /> employees. <br /> • Olson stated a salary study with market values was done and became effective in 2008. Market <br /> value changes need to be considered as part of compensation plan revisions. <br /> 5. Letter of Request for Trail Parking <br /> • Gaffron distributed a draft letter to the Three Rivers Park District to express appreciation for <br /> establishing the Dakota Rail Trail and to formalize a relationship to continue efforts related to <br /> trail parking needs. <br /> • McMillan expressed the following concerns: <br /> 0 other cities may not be as accommodating as Orono; <br /> o Orono could become the focus for parking resolutions; <br /> o too much paving for parking areas could create an overly urban look that the city may not <br /> like. <br /> • McMillan cautioned not to over-invite Orono's participation in parking solutions. The parking <br /> study that was done by the Three Rivers Park District basically identified Spring Park locations. <br /> • Bremer suggested adding "other trail communities' to the letter. <br /> 6. Utility Rate Study <br /> • Jonathan North of Ehlers presented the results of the Utility Rate Study at the December work <br /> session. Olson indicated he would like to bring a resolution to the next Council meeting for the <br /> 2010 utility rates as recommended by Ehlers. <br /> • Council agreed with the utility rate study recommendation and directed staff to include <br /> approval on the next Council agenda. <br /> 7. Comments Regarding Information Updates <br /> • McMillan shared maps of the 10-acre parcel near Saga Hill that the owner is trying to sell to the <br /> Watershed District for preservation and water management purposes. There is a second parcel <br /> on the east side with some lakeshore access. The 10 acre parcel is outside the MUSA; the <br /> lakeshore parcel is in the MUSA. <br /> • The owner wanted to develop with 5 homes, but could probably only get 3 lots as the parcel is <br /> difficult to develop. <br /> • The parcel has been assessed at$866,000. Because the parcel is adjacent to Saga Hill Park, <br /> there could be some benefit to the city. There may be some matching grant funds available. <br /> • Council agreed the parcel would be a great amenity for the neighborhood and the city should <br /> find a way to show interest to the Watershed District. The property has been for sale for a long <br /> time so there is probably no urgency to make a decision regarding the city's commitment. The <br /> property to the north already has some conservation easements, but it would be difficult to <br /> build stormwater ponds on this parcel. <br /> 8. Gaffron distributed a draft follow-up letter to the Watershed District with comments on proposed <br /> changes to Rules D and F based on discussion at the Council meeting. Council was asked to review <br /> and provide feedback to Gaffron. <br /> • Council indicated their intent is to meet with the MCWD Board to discuss the proposed changes. <br /> Page 4 of 4 <br />