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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 25, 2006 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ (15. POLICE SERVICE CONTRACT, Continued) understandable and improve the lines of communication. White stated the offer was a showing of good will on the part of Orono. Sansevere commented in his opinion there has always been good will on the part of Orono. Murphy stated his understanding of the work session is that there was a recommendation that the proposal be made to the City of Long Lake and they could either accept it or reject it. Gilbert stated he is not able to commit on behalf of the City of Long Lake, but that Long Lake does believe in the safety of the community. The Long Lake City Council reviewed a number of documents prior to reaching their decision to reduce the level of service and that in his opinion the contract should be rewritten. Gilbert stated the Long Lake City Council was informed at the time a tavern was added to their city limits that they would need to add a police officer, and that at the present time they have seen the loss of two bars within the city limits, which has played a factor in their decision to reduce the level of protection. Gilbert stated he appreciates the good will offer and understands that the police department and others feel Long Lake should maintain that level of service but that the City Council made their decision based on the information that they had available to them. Gilbert stated their decision was not budget driven, and that if the City of Long Lake felt that level of service was needed, they would have continued it. McMillan suggested the City of Long Lake be given a full explanation on the level of service that the Orono Police Department provides to Long Lake on a routine basis, which may not necessarily be reflected as statistics on a piece of paper. McMillan stated she is hopeful that the City of Long Lake would be willing to engage in some dialogue on this situation. Gilbert concurred that information is critical in arriving at a decision and that with a good will offer he would like to see some set of criteria established for the discussions. Gilbert requested the City of Long Lake be provided whatever information the City of Orono feels would be helpful to make a decision. Sansevere stated he had the misunderstanding that the City of Long Lake would pick up the second half. Murphy stated in his view there is an obligation on the part of Long Lake to provide adequate police protection to their citizens. Murphy stated the contract should be rewritten, noting that the contract reflects that the City of Orono is receiving only basic service, which is not the situation at all. Murphy stated the good will offer gives both cities time to clarify the contract and the services being provided. Sansevere stated it still comes down to the fact that the City of Orono is giving the City of Long Lake free police protection for six months. Sansevere questioned why the contract was signed in the first place if it is not understandable. Murphy stated the City of Orono would need some time to rewrite the contract and explain the terms of the contract. Gilbert stated the lack of information has not been a factor in their opinion and that he is not aware of any issues that the City of Long Lake should be aware of as it relates to police protection. ______________________________________________________________________________ PAGE 10 of 14 Item #02 - CC Agenda 10/09/06 Approval of Minutes 09/25/06 [Page 10 of 14]