01-26-2026 - Agenda Packet City Council - regular meeting

Home Browse Search

Minutes City Council Regular Meeting Monday, January 12, 2026, 6:00 PM City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 Page 2 of 2 The City Council is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss the addition of an aggregate walking trail along a portion of North Arm Drive. Staff recommendation was to eliminate the trail from the design due to cost, retaining walls, and removal of trees. The Council discussed the item and asked questions of staff. Persian moved, Benson seconded, to eliminate the walking trail portion of the project. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT Lake Minnetonka Area Legislative Coalition Proposal Discussion The Mayor continued discussion on a proposal from ten lake-area communities to jointly hire a lobbyist to represent their shared interests at the county and state levels. The proposed annual cost for Orono’s share is $9,000, or $3,500 if Orono were to administer the contract, which is not in the 2026 budget. Members noted they support collaborating with neighboring cities, but were not clear on how closely the priorities of the ten potentially-participating cities are aligned. Feedback to the Mayor included concerns about what lobbying services are not being provided by our current budgeted contracts with League of Minnesota Cities and Metro Cities, what specific benefits the proposed shared lobbyist would offer our city, and the process in which the proposed lobbyist was selected. Mayor and Council provided reports. ADJOURNMENT Benson moved, Ricks seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 6:51 p.m. to Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. ATTEST: _____________________________________ _______________________________________ Christine Lusian, City Clerk Bob Tunheim, Mayor Minutes approved by Orono City Council January 26, 2025. Meeting videos and transcripts available at oronomn.gov. 6