04-27-2020 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday,April 27,2020 6:00 o'clock p.m. Rief said he believed it was a sofa,TV, and another item which he could not remember. They posted limited use/residents-only, and had a 40-yard truck dump on that day. They have the area under video surveillance,so they talked to them and are trying to make it work for both parties. Seals noted, if the area is under video surveillance,they should probably know who dumped the couch and TV. Rief agreed and said part of the challenge is being able to identify the license plate, etc. Printup said although illegal dumping and other stuff goes on there, it still is a very successful thing for the residents. He is glad it is open,even though it is limited, and it is good that it will be attended now. Printup, referencing the Executive Orders details, stated those points were talked about at the Emergency Council meeting and they should be moving along. Rief stated there have been some changes since then,and Mattick and himself fall back on whatever the law states.There have been 8-9 legislative changes related to HR-type policies.There are 41 different Executive Orders,and they are trying to sift through and make sure they catch everything. Part of Number 40,to bring non-essential workers back, is to actually outline it as a policy. They are taking a summary of all the other ones and putting it into one document. Rief also said the Long Lake Fire Department received 650 masks, and he thanked everyone. Regarding the communications plan,he will work up a Memorandum and plan. In addition,he said he is getting feedback from department heads that people are experiencing low morale due to the uncertainty of things. Department heads have also reported they are dealing with a lot of angry people. He said everyone has a little more stress right now, including having kids at home,and between teaching and working,they are working 18-hour days and it is starting to wear on them. He noted the City of Orono cannot control what other governments do above it and just reacts as best as possible. Seals said Riefs point is valid; and if you can't control it,you have to figure a way around it and make the best of the situation. She discussed her child's homework situation. She is looking at it as, it is 1'/2 months of school and they will figure it out. She has the same theory regarding work,that it will all work out and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Printup stated it's about people pulling together and supporting each other. If the workload gets a little out of hand,the City needs to get the part-timers going. Seals said Printup had a good point and if Staff feels like they are under water,the City Council is willing to support them with additional contracted Staff,but then they have to take the help also. Crosby commented that the City has to acknowledge what Staff is feeling, let them know they understand, and that everybody is feeling the tension,anger, and pressure. He thinks that is going through all communities. He talked about letting Staff know there is a light at the end of the tunnel; it will not be forever and it will pass.Their feelings are completely legitimate and understandable and the Council empathizes with them; however, it does not change the fact that we all have a job to do. Rief said he has been communicating 1-2 times a week as far as changes on the legislative side and how it can potentially impact Staff. He has received comments thanking him for doing that. He stated the social aspect of work is out the window and they have been holding a weekly event where Staff can interact and ask questions,which helps;but change is hard. Page 14 of 16