05-28-1991 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I':v H T-. . I Tj' r;. 5.1 I i ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD .MAY 13, 1991 (#16)CITY FACILITIES CONTINUED I do not agree with the sewer plant property because tnat area is residential, and neighborhood opposition has been expressed. Due to the costs involved w’th splitting the sites, it w.is my understanding that there would be a savings in the up-front costs oi the Highway 1' site, as well as the obvious efficiency o. having all facilities on the same site. As I came here tonight, I was o^ the ooinion, that the building would have to go on the Highway 12 site. I am of the opinion, however, that the buildings, if constructed on H:.ghway 12, should be located on the southwest quadrant, rather than on the north side. At this point in time, I am now not certain that there will be much of a difference in the up-front costs of the Highway 12 site versus the existing site. Now I am baffled. If the economic reason is not as I thought it was, than I would just as soon locate the buildings on this site.” Jabbour reiterated that he had favor.ad the Highway i2 site v/hen he was part of the Facilities Committee. He based that opinion on the cost factors, as well as his opinion that there should be no condemnation involved with this process, the public works facility should be plac^':d ii a residential neighborhood, and he did not favor the City granting itself Variances. He said, "As a result of those various factors, it became aoparent, through process of elimination, that the H.ghway 1.2 site‘was most suitable. After bei ng elected to Council, I became more aware of the historical significance of the existing site. I am now in the same situation as Councilmember Callahan, I am still not sure whether we will save money if we construct the buildings on the Highway 12 site." Mayor Peterson stated that she has always favored the gil^0 for police and administration, and h^id the understanding that the ct>sts for this site and the H:.ghv/ay 1.2 site would be approximate.ly the same. She said, "I went back and looked at the comprehensive Plan, and it m.akes a statement that the City facilities should be unpretentious. I do not think the Highway 1.2 site would facilitate a structure that, in the eyes .if the Orono residents, would be unpretentious. I believe that our Community has a great historical value in the existing site. In my opinion, thoug.i I think I am in the minority, this continue to be the s.tte I favor for the sake of preserving the character of Orono, and the fact that this site is centrally located. I believe that a police/administration b.jiiding could be constructed on this site without the need to grant ourselves Variances." Butler a.sked M.iyor Peterson where she would envision the public works facility if this site were selected. Mayor Peterson stated that there have been no discussions - 13 - IL&i