02-14-2000 Council Work Session Minutes

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION HELD AT 5:00 P.M., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2000 for keeping everyone informed, what responsibility does each member have for keeping the others informed of his or her activities. Right now, the Mayor plays the key role in communication and coordination. We need a set of guidelines to ensure we can operate effectively, regardless of who is mayor. Sansevere indicated any guidelines put together should not discourage Mayor Jabbour from continuing his efforts and involvement. Moorse suggested the most effective way for the Mayor, Council and City Administrator to develop an understanding about what is expected of each, and how they can best work together, is to take a day to work with a consultant/facilitator who is familiar with city governance issues. Dick Flint asked whether it would be better to wait until after the next election to do this. Jim Murphy indicated an important part of the legacy of the Mayor and City Council is their philosophy and perspective on governance - their thoughts about how the Mayor, Council and City Administrator can most effectively work together for the best interests of the City. If the current Council can work through these issues and provide the next Council with a framework for governance, they will have given the new Council a good head start. • Dick Flint asked whether, rather than spending a full day on a Friday, it might work to spend a half day on Friday and a half day on Saturday. Murphy indicated two full days would be ideal, but two half days would work well, since many positive things can happen during the informal social time in the evening between the Friday session and the Saturday session. The Council indicated they are willing to move ahead with an off -site facilitated session. 3. Highway 12 Water and Sewer Project Connection Charges Moorse indicated the reduction in connection charges is being proposed for two reasons. 1. The projected revenues exceed the project expenditures. 2. The connection charges are high compared to those in other cities. This puts the City at a disadvantage in its efforts to attract quality development, particularly in the area guided for medium - density residential development. Moorse indicated the owners of the property in the northwest quadrant of Willow and 12 may expect to receive a credit against the connection charges, based on a sewer and water assessment paid in 1965. Glenn Cook, the City's consultant engineer, has indicated it does not appear they would be eligible for a credit. This issue will be further explored prior to bringing final connection charge reductions to the Council. The Council indicated support for the connection charge reduction. 2