05-11-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 27, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 12 of 16 Johnson moved, Seals seconded, to draft the findings for LA20-000025, John Kraemer, 855 Old Crystal Bay Rd S, Variance: Average Lakeshore Setback. Roll Call Vote: Ayes 5 (Seals, Printup, Johnson, Crosby, Walsh), Nays 0. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT Crosby reminded people to continuously use local businesses as much as possible, get take-out, and support the people that are struggling during these tough times. Johnson had nothing to report. Printup thanked Staff for keeping the City moving along and forward. He said when things are getting down or a little confusing, keep in mind the millions who don’t have the ability to get down at work. Seals commented that the people fortunate enough to be working from home and to continue on should be thankful. There are plenty of Facebook posts about people losing their jobs and things being uncertain. She encouraged people to stay positive. She said their family has decided they are saving money on gas and other things so they are diverting it to other local places and getting take-out. She noted the local newspaper had the Long Lake Liquor Store on it, who had their best month ever. Also, the Long Lake Fire Department was not able to have their annual pancake breakfast. Instead, they challenged residents to send in pictures of everyone eating pancakes. She stated many Orono residents made masks for the Fire Department and local organizations. The lake is open and people are out boating. Crosby said there has been a lot of talk about essential/non-essential businesses. He personally looks at all businesses as being essential to their owners and that their employees, clients, and customers tend to be like family. Walsh echoed other members’ comments and sent kudos out to the Police Department for keeping everyone safe. He feels like the light is at the end of the tunnel and hopes it comes sooner rather than later. Although he does not look forward to traffic, he is looking forward to traffic. He encouraged everyone to be safe, wash their hands, and practice smart social-distancing. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT 21. DISCUSS MAY PLANNING COMMISSION Rief said he wanted to have a discussion about whether to cancel the Planning Commission’s May meeting and do it at the second Council meeting of the month, or if the City wants to attempt this type of platform with the Planning Commission members on the next round of applications. Staff is looking for feedback because they have to advertise public hearings on April 28. Walsh indicated that Barnhart helped direct the first time, it didn’t seem that hard, and Staff has got it down pat. Worst-case scenario, Staff can work with the Planning Commission to get them through their public hearings. He would like to get them re-engaged and back in the process. He said the public is used to going to the Planning Commission meetings to give their story to them and answer questions. He is in favor of having the Planning Commission up and running in May.