08-24-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orono City Council Work Session Minutes Thursday, August 13, 2020 Council Chambers 5:00 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Richard F. Crosby II, Victoria Seals, Printup and Matt Johnson. Staff members present were City Administrator Dustin Rief, Public Works Director/City Engineer Adam Edwards, Finance Director Ron Olson, and City Clerk Anna Carlson. 1. Public Works Move Feasibility Study Public Works Director/ City Engineer Adam Edwards explained the Feasibility Study to the City Council. Edwards noted that the Council had expressed interest in procuring land and constructing a new Public Works facility which led staff to initiate a feasibility study. The study displays two different options, one with just the Public Works Facility and the other with the Public Works facility and the possible addition of a fire department. An analysis and cost estimate has been provided in the Work Session packet for the Council. Edwards is looking for discussion on the merits of moving forward with the purchase of land for the construction of a new facility. Mayor Dennis Walsh mentioned that the $200/per square foot was a bit shocking and that he has seen costs much lower costs for similar size and types of buildings. The costs we are really looking at right now would be that for the utilities and land. Walsh added the Council needs to decide if this is something they want to do, and then look to obtain the land and then follow with developing a master plan. He added that the Council really needs to decide if this is something they would like to do and then start investigating and start planning for. Walsh also mentioned that he would like the see the city be able to do this without using any bonding for funds if the Council should choose to move forward with this type of project. Walsh noted that the City may need to keep investigating the project and staff should be looking to go out for bids on the project possibly next summer after we know what the needs are for the City concerning a fire department. Council Member Aaron Printup recalled that when the current Public Works Facility was first built the City had anticipated using more of the land as we grew, however the facilities and land is surrounded by wet land which makes it difficult to expand. Council Member Matt Johnson asked if there were any restrictions the City may be looking at to purchase property for a future facility. Johnson noted that it would be a wise choice at this point to take a closer look, get the information and then plan. Council Member Richard F. Crosby II mentioned that he was unsure about moving ahead but likes the idea of getting the land. Meeting Adjourned: 5:33 p.m.