09-28-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 28, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT (continued) Levang stated work is being completed on the next City newsletter, which should be out in the next two or three weeks. Printup stated Saturday was the Long Lake Fire Department event and that he has been hearing from people about how fun it was. Printup stated the fireworks were spectacular. Printup noted he attended the Navarre Community Festival on Sunday and that it was a very good event. Printup reported he was invited to meet with Justin McCoy, who he is coordinator for facilities and safety for the Orono School District, and that they talked about achievements and cooperation between the City of Orono and the School District, which they are very appreciative of. Also discussed were parental calls and concerns that have been voiced over the years. Printup stated they are taking those very serious and discussions were had on some practical solutions for Old Crystal Bay Road. Printup stated if the Council desires, they could talk about Old Crystal Bay Road at a future work session and invite Justin McCoy to join the Council to offer some solutions. McMillan stated the Navarre Festival and the Long Lake Fire events were very successful and well attended. McMillan stated she has received a number of very positive comments about both events and that she would like to thank all those who were involved. McMillan reported the Highway 12 group decided two temporary lanes would keep traffic moving and is the option that has been chosen. McMillan stated there is still a lot of concern about the overall construction project but that there will be an open house the first part of November to help address those concerns. McMillan stated the committee is temporary on hiatus until the next phase gets started. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT *15. ORONO POLICE GARAGE — PAY REQUEST NO. 13 Levang moved, Cornick seconded, to approve Pay Request No. 13 for the contractors working on the Orono Police Garage Project in an amount totaling $13,857.70. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 16. PRELIMINARY BUDGET AND TAX LEVY — RESOLUTION NOS. 6541 and 6542 Olson stated before the Council tonight is the preliminary budget and tax levy. Olson noted once the levy is approved, it cannot be increased but it can still be decreased. The tax levy is increasing 3.84 percent. An additional levy of $183,000 has been added for pavement management and would be a future funding source for roads. Olson stated the creation of that fund is a good start and a sign that the Council is working towards maintaining the City's infrastructure into the future. Olson noted the tax levy for the General Fund budget is increasing 1.7 percent but that is being offset by increases in fees, specifically building fees. Olson stated in his view it is a fairly conservative budget. The Council needs to adopt the preliminary budget tonight. Olson noted it will need to be .certified by September 30. Page 26 of 27