05-23-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 23, 2011 7:00 o'clock p.m. (6.. OLD CRYSTAL BAYROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT BID CONSIDERATION, Continued) the original schedule was revised months ago in order to accommodate additional input by the new Council. Bremer commented the City is far along into this project and that there are costs associated with the project planning. A considerable amount of time and effort have gone into this project and that there are times when the City Council may make a decision that does not seem wise but it is the Council's job to make difficult decisions. Bremer noted she personally supports the project but in her view it may be a waste of time to continue to have this conversation since it appears that there are only two votes in favor of proceeding forward with the project. Bremer stated if any members of the Council are interested in continuing the conversation, she would prefer to wait until the City is able to get a couple more bids and that they could do some temporary minimal repairs in the meantime. Bremer noted the people who attended the open house and saw the simulation were generally receptive to the project and realized that the design was more focused on safety than they had initially realized. Bremer commented the Council members need to trust the City's engineers and other experts to make the best decision for the design of this roadway. Bremer reiterated she would prefer to step back from this project long enough to regroup, get more input and people on board with the project, and obtain more bids next year. Bremer noted the mayor is against this project and that it will not be helpful to delay it tonight. Kellogg indicated the Council will need to make a decision tonight. Franchot asked how the City would pay for the bonds if they did not move forward with the project. Loftus stated they could do what Council Member Bremer suggested and put the plans out for bids early next year. If the Council is not inclined to do that, they could look at the CIP, as well as this road, and discuss it further this summer. Printup stated in his view the arguments will not change and will only prolong the process. Printup stated this conversation has taken the Council to this last meeting in May and that he does not buy into the argument that delaying the letting of bids was the result of receiving only one bid. Franchot stated nobody has said it is the new council members' fault that only one bid was received but that it was a contributing factor to the schedule being revised. Franchot noted the City Council needs to understand the financial ramifications of not proceeding forward with the project. Printup stated the financial contributions are what money has been put into it to date. Bremer noted the bonds have been issued for this project and that the question is how they can be repaid and how quickly the funds must be used. • i 1 U Loftus noted the City is required to make an interest payment in August and will also be making an interest and principal payment in February. The City will still be receiving the MSA funds to cover those payments. Franchot asked if the City will receive those funds even if the City is not doing a project. • Page 6 of 24