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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> July 24,2023 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Veach asked if a temporary building would impact public safety in any way. <br /> Edwards said he did not believe it would in the short term but that is one of the things that would have to <br /> be evaluated. <br /> Veach also asked if the City would be committed to an action taken at that meeting if the situation with <br /> the City of Long Lake litigation were to change. <br /> Edwards said given the timeline he believes at any time the City could readjust the design and move in a <br /> different direction. <br /> Benson quoted the architect's information on other fire facilities it had helped design indicating numerous <br /> meetings and public workshops between the community,the City Council,the firefighters,both staff and <br /> volunteer, and the architect to determine the overall scope and feasibility of the project. She said she's <br /> concerned that this may not be the case here. She said the building was built for public works and was not <br /> intended to be a fire station.The City is now talking about spending money to remodel a building not <br /> intended for fire as a significant budget item when the building was considered to not be appropriate to <br /> remodel for public works.She said fire is one of the most important services provided by the City to <br /> residents. She also mentioned traffic patterns on Old Crystal Bay Road with the school district offices, <br /> schools and buses and a senior facility. She is concerned about safety for the surrounding uses and the <br /> public as well as being appropriate for first responders. She questions whether this is a sound decision <br /> even temporarily. <br /> Veach said at a recent fire services meeting the State Fire Marshall indicated the method the City of <br /> Orono has used to make decisions is the standard way to do things. She asked if the police have had any <br /> issues with being able to respond due to traffic in that area. <br /> Edwards said that was not a concern he had heard from the Police Chief. <br /> Johnson said the problem with the old public works facility was size.He said it's not that it wasn't good <br /> enough for public works but now the City can put the firefighters in there. <br /> Benson said location is important along with other traffic patterns and she believes the old public works <br /> location may involve factors that are not anticipated. <br /> Crosby said Station One fights the same problem and Station Two has it even worse because of needing <br /> to cross Shoreline Drive. That's why they have lights and sirens and do a full stop and look.He said he <br /> does not think the location would be that bad as the police station is there too. <br /> Walsh said he likes Edward's proposal to look at a temporary plan. <br /> Benson asked what temporary means and if the school district had been consulted. <br /> Page 6 of 11 <br />