11-10-2009 Council Work Session Packet

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i Orono City Council Committee of the Whole November 10, 2009, 6:15 p.m. Orono City Council Chambers • Council Member McMillan suggested the Council walk around the property and consider appointing a smafl committee to plan for the recognition. • Since Mr. Lurton is an avid biker and often bikes to the property, Council suggested the city explore options to provide a trail to the property and/or within the property boundaries. • The city will need to review what improvements will need to be done to make the property useable for the public. A parking area would be allowed by the covenants. • Gaffron will contact Van Erickson, Mr. Lurton's son-in-law, to discuss how Mr. Lurton might like to be recognized. 6. Impact of Reducing Planning Commission to 5 Members • At a previous work session, Council directed staff to explore reducing the Planning Commission from seven members to five members. At the time, no applications for the Planning Commission vacancies had been received. • Factors to consider include: o An application has been received for the vacant full-time Planning Commission position. o JayAnne Bennett will return from her leave in May. o Tess Rice is the only member whose term expires in March, and she will most likely be reappointed. • Council Member McMillan commented that participating on the Planning Commission is a good way for residents to learn about city code. Reducing the size of the Planning Commission would also reduce citizen involvement. • Council determined that the Planning Commission will remain at seven members, with reconsideration in the future if needed. • The Planning Commission applicant, Linda Feuss, will be invited for an interview at 6:40 pm prior to the next Council meeting. 7. Paperless Council Packets • Council directed staff to continue working on costs and an implementation plan with Council updates as appropriate. • Council Member Franchot has indicated he would be willing to participate with staff during the planning process. 8. Comments Regarding Information Updates • Council Member McMillan commented that the County Assessor's report regarding lakeshore property value reductions is something that affects budgets and the city needs to be aware of the impacts. The decreases may continue for a few years. The city may want to consider delaying the Orono Orchard Road project. Council Member Murphy noted that current bond rates are very favorable. The 2-year budget forecast that has been requested from Finance will be helpful in budget planning. • Council Member Murphy commented that there may have been another method to distribute the report on engineering costs. • Council requested a summary of costs for the Casco Point project and status of the related bond issue. 9. Miscellaneous • Staff requested consideration to exchange the Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve holiday hours. Council agreed that Christmas Eve would be a full day of holiday hours and New Year's Eve will be a half day of holiday hours. Page 3 of 4