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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 10, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 15 of 17 (MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT, Continued) McMillan stated it is her understanding Carol Arthur is going to continue to work on developing presentations for the Westonka School District on how to develop healthy relationships. McMillan stated the presentations and the forums are good assets for the community and have the backing of law enforcement. McMillan noted Dick Gray with the Freshwater Institute has recently passed away at the age of 95. McMillan stated Gray was very instrumental in identifying the problems with Lake Minnetonka and constructing the building utilized by the Freshwater Institute. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 10. ALTERNATIVE PUBLICATION OPTION FOR CITIES – RESOLUTION NO. 6373 Loftus indicated the League of Minnesota Cities and Metro Cities is supporting a change in the law allowing cities to determine whether web publication should replace or supplement newspaper publication of public notices. Loftus noted an information sheet on the alternative publication option was included in the City Council’s packet. Loftus stated given the present technology/digital age, residents are expecting information quickly and electronic communication tools help meet that demand. Loftus stated in her view the residents look to the City’s website for information and this change would help provide instant, updated and timely information. Loftus stated the official City paper at this time is the Pioneer and that the City spends approximately $4,300 a year publishing notices and other city-related items. Staff is recommending the City Council support this legislation by adopting the resolution. Should this legislation be adopted and the City elects to opt out of publishing notices in the newsletter, Loftus indicated the City would make some changes to the City’s website to ensure that the notices are very noticeable. Printup stated if the City does elect to change their notification process once the legislation is adopted, he would recommend that the City provide ample notice of the change to the residents. Bremer moved, Printup seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6373, a Resolution Supporting Legislation Allowing Cities to Designate Their City Website to Publish Public Notices. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. Loftus noted she has met with the City’s Finance Director and the investment committee. Loftus stated the committee had a number of very good suggestions, which will likely come before the City Council in the form of an amendment to the City’s investment policy. Loftus noted the City has recently received a certificate for excellence in financial reporting for the year 2012. Loftus indicated she is very appreciative of the City’s Finance Department and the work that they do. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 03/24/2014 Approval of Council Minutes 03/10/2014 [Page 15 of 17]