09-27-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

1�, n MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 27, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. • (2. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2010, Continued) Mr. Marfield stated he apologizes if he misspoke in the newspaper. Marfield commented he loves this City and was concerned that the City was doing something with the property near the fire station that they will later regret. Marfield indicated he is willing to restate the letter in concert with someone on the council. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS — LINDA FEUSS, REPRESENTATIVE Feuss stated she had nothing to report but would be available for questions. PUBLIC COMMENTS Sam Marfield, 2455 North Shore Drive, asked why the City does not have a benediction after the Pledge of Allegiance. White stated no one has ever offered to do that and asked what he had in mind. Marfield suggested a prayer for the City of Orono, the Council, and the earth be said after the Pledge of Allegiance. Marfield noted he is an ordained minister, an assistant pastor at a church in New Hope that • holds a service every evening at 7:00 p.m. Marfield invited the Council to attend one of the services. Marfield commented he would like to do something nice for Orono before he dies, but that he is unsure what is needed at the moment and that he would welcome suggestions from the Council. Marfield stated he read Jim Murphy's letter of August 24"' and that he is troubled by the following sentence contained in Mr. Murphy's letter: "Terribly concerned that we do not have a citizenry that is equipped with enough knowledge to support good city government." Marfield commented that the Mayor previously stated that he felt he insulted the City Council with his letter, but that in his opinion the citizenry of Orono is pretty smart and educated. Marfield noted he has not attended many city council meetings over the past 36 years until recently when he had something to disagree with. Murphy thanked Mr. Marfield for his comments and what he has done for the City in the past. Murphy noted Mr. Marfield in the past donated a truck and fire boat to the fire station. Marfield indicated he also provided funds to construct a monument in front of the fire hall. Murphy stated he does not appreciate things being taken out of context, such as the one sentence in his letter that Mr. Marfield cited. Murphy pointed out that his letter was referring to the fact that he does not feel that the City Council as a body has done an adequate job of providing information to the constituents on a regular basis. Murphy stated he feels it is incumbent upon the Council to provide that information to the City, which was the context for his language. Gary Demele, 3400 Watertown Road, stated he is here with regard to 3500 Watertown Road. Demele • stated he would like to share some things that are going on at the site. He has been working with Mr. Gaffron and Mr. Kellogg in an attempt to resolve these issues. Page 2 of 9