Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Monday,January 11,2021 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> 8. ADOPT STATE OF MINNESOTA JOINT POWERS AGREEMENTS WITH THE CITY OF <br /> ORONO ON BEHALF OF ITS CITY ATTORNEY AND POLICE DEPARTMENT—Continued <br /> services and also to allow the Prosecuting Attorney Steve Tallen to access those records for court purposes. <br /> The agreement is very similar to what was passed five years ago with just minor changes but it is no different <br /> than what other cities across Minnesota are doing. <br /> Crosby asked if there are any significant changes in this agreement compared to the old one. <br /> Chief Farniok said it is continuing and the only change is if they were ever to change the Prosecuting <br /> Attorney from Steve Tallen to a different firm, they would most likely need to pass another Resolution <br /> accepting that. <br /> Johnson moved,Seals seconded,to adopt the State Of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements With <br /> The City Of Orono.VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. <br /> PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT <br /> 12. INTERIM BUILDING SERVICES <br /> Barnhart said the Building Services Committee is working through the review of the responses received to <br /> the Building Services Request for Proposal (RFP); they have received three RFPs and the Committee is <br /> reviewing those right now. He is asking for authorization for the Committee to choose the interim Building <br /> Official and interim Building Inspector without having to come back to the City Council. He has provided <br /> the information regarding anticipated interim costs.When the Building Official and Building Inspector job <br /> posting closes in early February, the same Committee will likely be interviewing the candidates and will <br /> provide recommendation to the City Council. <br /> Walsh noted one RFP was from out of state,and another was MNSPECT who have 18 cities or more nearby <br /> and they have higher standard for technology. He clarified they did not ordinarily work under an hourly <br /> wage, but rather a percentage of fee, but because Orono's values are so much different it did not make <br /> sense. The City essentially rejected the proposals and asked them to come back with an hourly proposal, <br /> which they have done. Walsh and Johnson spoke about it and Johnson was going to talk to MNSPECT and <br /> negotiate a bit on the fees as this is new for the City,as well. Once the City receives that feedback they can <br /> march this forward and get it in place.At that point they can start to figure out what they will hire internally, <br /> whether it is a Chief Inspector or just an Inspector;or a Chief Inspector and an Inspector,as the City roughly <br /> spends approximately $215,000 per year. Walsh said they could easily employ two people and perhaps <br /> handle it all themselves,but even if they have that they will need back up if someone is on vacation or they <br /> get overloaded. <br /> Johnson said in the search there are good,viable candidates for the City and that is good news. He said the <br /> fine-tuning should be wrapped up by the end of the week and they just need Council permission to make <br /> that commitment on behalf of the Council so they do not have to wait to get it done. <br /> Barnhart clarified he is asking for authorization for the interim contract or interim agreement. <br /> Seals moved,Crosby seconded,to authorize the Committee to hire a contractor on behalf of the <br /> City Council.VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. <br /> Page 4 of 12 <br />