05-09-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 9, 2016 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 28 4. SENATOR DAVID OSMEK (continued) Osmek stated in his view the Highway 12 portion will make it if there is a bonding bill. Osmek stated one of the issues is concerns that the State cannot put itself into that level of indebtedness. Osmek stated if the $1.8 billion bonding would have passed, it would have increased the State’s debt service by $86 million per year for a number of years. Council Member Walsh thanked Senator Osmek for being available to the citizens and for developing good relations with his constituents. McMillan asked if it is normal for the bonding bill to come out of the House so late in the session. Osmek stated unfortunately it is. Osmek noted last year’s bonding bill was proposed during the special session and that the House held it until the Senate passed the energy and environment bill. Osmek stated in his view the State will have a bonding bill by the end of the week and that there are a lot of good projects included in the $987 million. McMillan commented the citizens get tired of waiting around for legislation to get discussed and then get frustrated when the legislation passes at the last minute without input from the public. McMillan stated it would be nice if the two parties could get together during the off season about how they can improve the process. Osmek stated there is a bill that is being introduced that moves the deadlines around so the Legislature will adjourn on the 23rd but all the bills need to be in two weeks ahead of time so everyone has an opportunity to review it. Osmek stated a number of parties were involved today with the Governor’s Office in an attempt to put together a tax bill, a transportation bill and the bonding bill. 5. WESTERN COMMUNITIES ACTION NETWORK (WeCAN) Christie Larson, Executive Director, stated WeCAN is a supportive service agency located in Mound. WeCAN provides services to empower individuals and families to move down the path to stability and self-sufficiency. WeCAN’s clients consist of individuals at or below 200 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines, which, for a family of four, is $48,600 or less. Last year WeCAN provided over 5,800 services and has four core programs, including emergency assistance, family support, food programs, and an employment program. The emergency assistance program provides financial assistance to families facing an immediate crisis, which tends to be a loss of housing. Qualified clients can receive a one-time payment for rent, mortgage or utilities to help prevent evictions and help keep families stable in the community. Last year WeCAN provided four Orono residents with emergency financial support services to stabilize their crisis situation. The family support programs encompass many different areas, such as a coat drive collection boxes, Ready-to-Learn school supply drive, and a holiday gift program. WeCAN also provides personal care and household products in the office that clients can access once a month to help stretch their budget. Last year 13 Orono residents accessed this service. The food distribution consists of two separate programs: Meals-On-Wheels and the Mobile Market Food Shelf. Meals-on-Wheels is a nutritious food program and personal well check along with friendly visits for homebound and disabled individuals.