11-27-2023 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 27, 2023 6&.00 o'clock p.m. Mayor Walsh opened the public hearing at 7:21 p.m. There were no public comments. Mayor Walsh closed the public hearing at 7:21 p.m. City Attorney Mattick said the proposed ordinance does not impact products with 5 milligrams per dosage such as low-level gummier. It does cover more than retail sales and impacts manufacturing and distribution of products of higher dosages. The ordinance would give the City time to look at planning and zoning for this issue. The City would not be taking away anything that currently exists. The State agency is not yet issuing licenses. Veach moved, Crosby seconded, to adopt Ordinance 285 placing a moratorium on cannabis businesses in the City until Jan. 1, 2025. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 11. AUTHORIZE PAID -ON -CALL FIREFIGHTER Fire Chief Van Eyll said this recommendation would hire Pat Cotton as a paid -on -call firefighter. He has experience with another department and holds Fire Fighter 1 and 2 and EMR, Van Eyll said. He recommended a conditional job offer with an effective start date of Nov. 28, 2023 for limited administrative duties with pay of $16 per hour. Training and other duties would start Jan. 1, 2024 contingent on passing the background check. Benson pointed out the individual is currently serving Long Lake Fire and she questioned whether the hiring of the candidate was a violation of the injunction. Veach said she spoke with the attorney representing Orono in the Long Lake lawsuit who confirmed in writing that it would not be a violation as the candidate applied of his own volition, so the hire is not in conflict with the court order. Walsh moved, Crosby seconded, to approve the hiring of Pat Cotton as a paid -on -call firefighter effective Nov. 28, 2023 at the ► ate of $16 per hour. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 1 (Benson). COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT Oakden said the Department is finished with planning items for the year and is working on updating the retaining wall ordinance as adopted by the Council, closing out permits, and updating the website. There are still new permits and projects coming through. Staff is trying to close out permit requests from the summer before the snow flies so the inspector is still busy. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT Attorney Mattick reported the previous week the City received a favorable ruling on Barbars Schmidt vs. City of Orono. The court ruled in favor of the City of Orono and dismissed that claim in its entirety with prejudice, which means the case is done and cannot be refiled. It does not preclude an appeal. CITY ADMINISTRATOR/ENGINEERREPQRT Page 5 of 10