Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Monday,June 14,2021 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> 17. COMMISSIONER CHRIS LATONDRESSE UPDATE—Continued <br /> Mr.LaTondresse replied anytime they have that conversation regarding economic impacts and housing <br /> people think about tenants and landlords and they are often pitted against one another.From a County <br /> standpoint,they are not responsible for any of the laws surrounding evictions or eviction court as that is <br /> set at the State level. In terms of the money they have received,they are trying to do their best to get <br /> people whole, so when residents come to the County asking for help on arrears,back payments,etcetera, <br /> they pay those funds directly to landlords.This is one reason Hennepin County has probably been leading <br /> many of the counties in Minnesota;they are trying to be proactive with landlords to make sure they know <br /> they can apply on behalf of their residents and they get paid directly rather than going to the residents <br /> first. <br /> Johnson asked if Mr.LaTondresse has anything to do with the Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV). He <br /> noted he has a commercial vehicle and the only way to renew tabs is in person,one cannot do it online <br /> like a car.After 3 different attempts of stopping at the local DMV which had 2 hour plus wait times,he <br /> got to the point where he was getting desperate. Johnson made the time,got to the end of the line,and was <br /> told that this appointment system and the other DMV locations is so inefficient as they are months out,so <br /> everyone is moving out to the regional DMV's.He asked if there is any relief in the DMV process. <br /> Mr.LaTondresse replied he hears from residents about two things:the service centers for driver's license <br /> renewals and library re-openings.He noted it is a pain point and the following day the Hennepin County <br /> Board is reviewing what have been the COVID policies in place for over a year which have had impacts <br /> on service centers. He stated he is of the view that it is time to reopen for business and hopefully there <br /> will soon be relief. <br /> The Councilmembers thanked Mr. LaTondresse for his time. <br /> FINANCE DIRECTOR REPORT <br /> 18. BUILDING FEE UPDATE <br /> Finance Director Olson reported Building Permit revenue is doing very well this year; five months into <br /> the year they are at 51%of Building Permit revenue.For new homes,to compare in 2019 they were at 20 <br /> homes, in 2020 were at 16 homes,and in 2021 they are at 19 homes. Regarding finance updates,the <br /> Council accepted the resignation of the accountant today and tomorrow the City will be advertising for a <br /> new accountant. <br /> Mayor Walsh asked Barnhart how the backlog of permits coming for the next month are doing. <br /> Barnhart replied they will be pretty consistent across the board in terms of permits.He does not recall any <br /> big jumps in value or huge projects. Staff is pretty consistently busy in getting those permits through. <br /> 16. ORONO MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM USE OF BEDERWOOD PARK <br /> Olson said as the Council is aware the Mountain Bike Team approached the City about using Bederwood <br /> Park on a trial basis to build a course and teach skills to younger riders.They did that and now require an <br /> amendment to the City Code as bikes are not allowed in the City's parks on trails.There is a resolution <br /> Page 4 of 13 <br />