03-28-2005 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 28, 2005 7:00 o'clock p.m. (17. PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE BIG ISLAND VETERANS CAMP PROPERTY, Coatinccedj Murphy moved, Mayor Peterson seconded, io approve the purchase agreement for the acquisition of the Big Island Veterans Camp' property, and to authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign the agreement. John Gehring; 1687 Concordia Street, stated that his major concern was what the financial implications of this purchase would be to the City, and what further cost impacts there would be to get the camp up to standards. He pointed out that he had voiced many of the same concerns to the Council in previous Council meetings, and since has contacted each of them to obtain their positions regarding the land use. Gehring stated that, as a citizen, it concerned hire that there was no clear vision for the purchase of this parcel, in fact, each Council person expressed differing views on how it should be used. II McMillan stated that, while each Council member has their own ideas regarding uses, the City has not determined a specific use. Gehring maintained that the City has not taken additional expenses into consideration, including attorney fees, caretaker fees, maintenance issues, insurance, garbage, police protection, improvements, trails, and public use — nor where the funds for these added expenses would come from. Gehring stated that, Wbile he would be willing to volunteer to work on a group to investigate the costs, he would first urge the Council to estimate costs before they proceed with the purchase agreement. Gehring reiterated that he would, at least, like to see a consensus among the Council of how the land should be used, or several proposed scenarios. He offered up his services in the process, on the condition that the purchase agreement is held off until the costs could be further defined, so that taxpayers were better informed. I Although White agreed with the thought process that a group of volunteer citizens should be formed to evaluate the land uses, he questioned Gehring's motive. Gehring stated that he was a business person and citizen with no vested interest. White pointed out that the City could not put together a cost benefit analysis for this project at this point; however, he stated that he had no trepidations moving forward and would not stop the momentum at this time. Gerhing again requested a cost estimate, noting that he objected to paying taxes for something with no objective. White urged Gehring to participate in the process, when the time comes; however, pointed out that they were still in the beginning phases of the acquisition, which may or may not happen yet. He reiterated that the camp property is a jewel worth preserving for perpetuity, and that the Council was confident that this was a fiscally prudent move. Sansevere acknowledged that the Council was trying to purchase the property and that each member had various views of its use at this time. !While he indicated that he would like to see a portion put aside for•the vets, he didn't know how much or what portion yet. Sansevere believed PAGE 11 of 14