09-27-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 27, 2010 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT 4. PLANNING DEPARTMENT — CONSULTANT PLANNER AGREEMENT Bremer asked whether there are any expectations in terms of demand. Loftus indicated they are not committing any specific amount of time and the consultant will only be used on an as- needed basis. Bremer stated she is fine with the agreement but just had a question regarding the amount of time. Loftus stated Staff's work load has fluctuated in the past few months and that the Planning Department's work load is manageable at the present time. Loftus indicated the agreement is designed to avoid Staff having to work extra hours if the work load increases at some point in the future. Loftus noted she will be meeting with Staff on Thursday to discuss the anticipated work load. Bremer commented that this is the slower time of the year for applications and that it is more likely the work load will pick up in the springtime. Loftus stated it likely will and that they could also use his private sector experience to look at issues relating to high density and the revitalization of the downtown area of Navarre. Staff has no formal plan • for when the consultant will be utilized. McMillan asked if the planner will be interfacing with the public and attending council meetings. Loftus indicated Melanie Curtis will be the person more interacting with the public since she will be here on a daily basis but that it is likely he will be attending some of the council meetings. Bremer stated she would prefer the consultant not become an employee at any point in the future and that she would rather have the consultant work more behind the scene, so to speak. Loftus stated Staff is predicting the agreement will only be necessary for one year or less and that they are hopeful the MN State Legislature will give the cities some flexibility on variances in the near future. Should that occur, Staff would like to bring back the City Planner position. Franchot noted there is no compensation cap included in the agreement and that the city administrator should be mindful of the costs. Bremer suggested a monthly accounting be provided to the City Council. Bremer moved, McMillan seconded, to approve the Master Services Agreement between MFRA, Inc., and the City of Orono for Professional Services. Maureen Bellows asked who the consultant is. Loftus stated the firm is MFRA, which is based out of Plymouth, and Ben Gozola will be the consultant working with the City. Bellows asked if this is just someone who was asked to do this. Page 5 of 9