10-26-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 12, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 24 costly and will come with additional requirements that the City will need to take if the Council approves the action. Mayor Walsh noted Seals is also on the Committee for this fabulous event that has been tremendously successful in the community. Seals noted this year has been a little funky and most will be cooped up this winter, so they thought they would double down and find a way to be outside that is an energet ic, fun event to get people together. The group came up with ideas to expand including marshmallow roasting through North Mallow in Long Lake, and noted they are donating everything for that part of the event . She agreed the biggest cost is the fireworks display and said she thinks $10,000 is pretty cheap as it is the same group that does the Lafayette fireworks and she would’ve thought it would be $30,000. She said they are still working to see if fireworks can be sponsored by a local company, but also know they must plan. The Committee wants to secure the funds so they can lock some of these things down. She noted the team has done a nice job to make sure it is COVID -friendly, it is outside, and they won’t break any rules or get the City in trouble. Mayor Walsh noted they are putting $50,000 in the Parks Fund in 2021, which is upping the game, and he asked if the money would come out of that fund. Edwards answered in the packet under No 4) Funding, a portion will come out of Park, Golf Course and Police Operating Budgets and the rest from Contingency Funds. He noted in future years, it could be budgeted into the Parks Fund and they could perhaps put a budget line in for events of this type. Mayor Walsh asked how much is in the Contingency Fund. Edwards replied the Contingency Fund has $30,000 in it and they have used approximately $100 out of the fund. Johnson noted the Big Island Fund sealed their commit ment with this last donation. Mayor Walsh noted this would be the worst -case scenario in using the Contingency Fund, but the goal is to get a sponsor. Seals stated that is the goal, but time is not on their side. She said they talked about doing an Octoberfest and they would not do that in the next year, instead they would double down on Christmas. Seals moved, Johnson seconded, to authorize the use of public funds to support the Holiday Tree Lighting Event . VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT 15. LA20-000056 – KUHL DESIGN BUILD, 3249 CASCO CIRCLE, VARIANCE Dan Murphy, Kuhl Design Build, 1515 5th Street South, Hopkins, Applicant , was present. Staff presented a summary packet of information. Planning Staff finds the practical difficulties are not met and recommended denial and that the Planning Commission voted denial 3-2