10-09-2023 City Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 9,2023 6:00 o'clock p.m. 16. LA23-000049, STONEWOOD O/B/O MICHAEL GORMAN,3001 CASCO POINT ROAD, AVERAGE LAKESHORE SETBACK VARIANCE—RESOLUTION NO.7411 This item was adopted as part of the consent agenda. Community Development Director Oakden reported to the Council on permit revenue to date.Revenue is above projections,and above 2022 by about$75,000 and they are very busy with permits.Her office issued 130 permits last month which is on par with what they have done the last few Septembers. Staff is working on next week's Planning Commission meeting agenda.They are trying to wrap up end of summer permits before winter. FINANCE DIRECTOR REPORT Finance Director Olson said the City has been working on collecting unpaid utility bills and has collected nearly$20,000 with a little more than$100,00 outstanding.He pointed out it is the first meeting for remote recording and broadcasting with no one in the back room running the IT for the meeting. PARKS REPORT 17. EVENTS SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM Parks Director Lemons reported that the Parks Department runs a number of events but has not had a formalized method to accept and recognize sponsorships and donations.The City is looking at setting up an Events Sponsorship Program. The City cannot solicit for donations. That would be up to Parks Commission members and it would be active on the City website. Walsh asked about a vehicle to make the donations tax deductible,pointing out the City has the Orono Legacy 501c3 which could be a way to make donations tax deductible. Lemons said many of the donations they receive are in-kind like hot dogs and cookies and they want to find a way to recognize that type of donation too.He looked at some other communities for ideas for this program. He added it is also not specific to Parks but could be for Police or Fire or any other City activity. City Administrator Edwards said this program would be separate from any other program in the City. Benson asked if the program had been discussed in the Parks Commission meeting. She said she finds it helpful when new initiatives go through that process and are documented. Crosby moved,Benson seconded,to approve the Events Sponsorship Program.VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. Lemons said they are getting close to end-of-season for golf and parks. The golf course had a very strong year with increases in play and revenue about$40,000 above last year. The new junior league was very successful and they plan to continue to grow that program,he said.Annual maintenance is being performed at Lurton and there will be some trail projects this fall. There will be irrigation blow-outs and putting the golf course to bed. They have also contracted with Hennepin County Corrections"Sentenced to Serve"to provide some services for 21 days for things like removing buckthorn.Fall is the best time to Page 4 of 10