06-28-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 28, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. *16. FIXED ASSET CAPITALIZATION Murphy moved, Bremer seconded, to establish a capitalization threshold of $5,000 for fixed assets in proprietary funds. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 17. BIG ISLAND NATURE PARK REGULATIONS — ORDINANCE NO. 74, THIRD SERIES Gaffron stated there are two versions of the ordinance before the City Council tonight. From Staff's perspective, they have no strong feelings on whether there should be a permit requirement included. A number of items that people would like to do are currently not allowed under different sections of the Code. Gaffron pointed out that given the fact that there are no restroom facilities available, weddings and corporate picnics would be difficult to accommodate. Gaffron stated one of the issues raised earlier tonight was the noise and that he is not sure whether the City can regulate noise coming off of a boat on the water. Beaching boats to the point where the beach f becomes unusable is also a potential issue. Gaffron indicated he is not sure how that can be addressed unless the City Council is interested in perhaps buoying off an area of the beach to allow for swimming. White asked what the costs have been to keep the island litter free. • Gaffron stated a significant amount of that cost has been borne by the residents on the island. The City does incur some costs associated with putting the docks in and out each year and other minor items. Gaffron noted that approximately $10,000 was spent on the CSO in 2009 in addition to the cost of the boat, which was a one -time expense. . Murphy indicated he would like to hear what the recommendation of the Big Island Committee is regarding the ordinance. McMillan stated the permit issue was undecided at the last meeting but that they were in favor of the other parts of the ordinance. McMillan indicated she would like to work out the permit issues in the subcommittee. White pointed out the permit language could be added later. Franchot stated in his opinion it is likely the committee will not reach a conclusion on the permitting language and that the City has to be accepting of the limitations of no permits. Franchot recommended the language "employees and/or agents" be added in the event there is a contract entered into. Gaffron concurred with that recommendation. Franchot indicated he is okay with moving forward with the ordinance without the permits. Bremer asked if the City can have a public park without allowing for permits. Mattick stated they can. Bremer asked whether Item D on Page 2 of 6 of the draft ordinance is enforceable and whether that is similar to the other parks. Page 8 of 10 a