03-08-2010 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 22, 2010 7:00 o’clock p.m. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 14 of 19 (4. #10-3442 THE EMILY PROGRAM, 2180 NORTH SHORE DRIVE, Continued) Dr. Miller stated they are not going to disclose specific financial information to the neighbors. The Emily Program‟s banker has looked at our financials and they are willing to loan us money in these bad economic times. Dr. Miller noted their banker did attend the neighborhood meeting on Wednesday. The Emily Program is well managed and doing well financially. The Emily Program has also never been sued for anything. They are closing the Chaska facility because the facility is being relocated to St. Paul. Scott Danielson, 1250 French Creek, asked if The Emily Program could be acquired by someone else that would be less friendly. Dr. Miller stated he has no intentions of selling the program to anybody who is less friendly. Scott Danielson stated the residents here are anchored here and cannot just pack up and leave. Danielson commented that some of the issues raised may seem to be irrational to Dr. Miller but the neighbors are raising them because they do not have complete knowledge of the environment. Dr. Miller stated at the meeting on Wednesday night, they attempted to be as open as possible and provide as much information as possible, and that when they came here tonight, it was a surprise that the neighbors still have some of these same concerns. Dr. Miller indicated he does not feel there is any more information they can provide that would help alleviate some of the neighbors‟ concerns. Turning this site into a sex offender program if The Emily Program leaves will never happen and is beyond a remote possibility. Murphy stated they will take one or two more comments and then turn the discussion back to the City Council. Jeanne Fayfield, 2220 French Creek Circle, asked whether Dr. Miller has a succession plan in place if he were to die tomorrow so that The Emily Program will follow his wishes. Fayfield commented that it should be in writing for people to be comfortable. Fayfield stated she was at the meeting last week and that they are interested in The Emily Program but do not feel it is the right location land-wise. There is not enough space available and The Emily Program is not allowing themselves adequate room to grow. Dr. Miller stated that is a decision for them to make. Fayfield noted eating disorders are on the rise, and in order to have a successful facility, you need to look down the road at possible expansion. Sam Marfield, 2455 North Shore Drive, stated he feels the Emily Program is a great program. The one issue that he has not talked about is the fact that this place could be a fire trap for ten young ladies. If the fire system failed in the building or the electricity went out, it would be difficult to put the fire out right away. Stephanie Byrnes, 301 Grove Avenue Southeast, Watertown. Byrnes noted she did grow up in Orono and was a former patient of The Emily Program. Byrnes indicated she would put all her trust in Dr. Miller and that what he is doing is right. At the present time she is a 35-year old adult with a successful life. Byrnes stated she is not a mental case and does not have a mental illness but is like everyone in this room. Byrnes commented that everyone probably knows someone with an eating disorder. Teachers have eating disorders, teenage boys and girls have eating disorders. It is a heart-breaking disease that people need help for. Byrnes stated in her opinion it would be a blessing for the people of Orono to have The Emily Program to help Item #02 - CC Agenda - 03/08/2010 Approval of Council Minutes 02/22/2010 [Page 14 of 19]