01-25-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 11, 2016 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 6 of 24 LMCD/BIG ISLAND REPORT – GABRIEL JABBOUR, REPRESENTATIVE (continued) Walsh stated in the end Orono has a large chunk of money into the park. Walsh asked whether it would be better to have the state or Three Rivers take over the park versus Orono managing it as a state asset. Jabbour stated when the park was first discussed, city officials met with Three Rivers, who wanted it to be an active park with a boat to take people to Big Island and trailer parking on the island. Jabbour stated regardless of how it is set up, Orono would not be able to get their money out of it. The success of the Veterans For Veterans organization helps to validate how it was set up. Jabbour noted the majority of the money for the park came from the state, with the City having less than $1,000,000 invested in it. Jabbour noted the park has a conservation easement over it. Walsh asked if he envisions it being a passive park or a state asset. Jabbour stated it is a passive park. Walsh stated he is not sure if Orono is the right steward for this piece of property long-term. Jabbour stated it is an Orono park and that the City owns it. Jabbour noted the City received a grant which required the creation of a conservation district. Jabbour stated the park has also been included in Orono’s Park Plan and Comprehensive Plan. Jabbour stated the City cannot just simply be collecting park dedication fees without spending some of it, and that if other state agencies are involved, it will likely not be well taken care of and they would allow all types of activities that are currently not allowed. Jabbour stated part of the reason Orono has control over it is to restrict what happens in the park. PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT Edwards reported the Public Works Department has been focused primarily on snow and ice removal the past few weeks. The Public Works Department has been hauling Christmas trees away from the collection points and has begun work on the golf course kitchen remodel project. In addition, the Public Works Department has been planning and prepping materials for spring. The Park Commission is currently looking at removing a shed at Bederwood Park near the baseball field. The Orono Baseball Association has requested it be removed. Edwards stated they should be able to remove that shed sometime this winter when the weather cooperates but that they will be leaving the concrete slab in the event the Orono Baseball Association would like to put up a temporary concession stand. *4. 2015-2016 SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT AWARD Levang moved, Printup seconded, to award the sanitary sewer improvements contract to Insituform for $266,234.90 and approve the Bolton & Menk Construction Management Proposal. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. *5. WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS – PAY REQUEST NO. 8 – FINAL Levang moved, Printup seconded, to approve Pay Request No. 8 to Municipal Builders, Inc., in the amount of $33,714.43 for the water treatment systems improvement project. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.