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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 25, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 27 of 29 (MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT, Continued) Levang stated startling to both of them was the disrespectful and inappropriate treatment they received from the LMCC chair. Levang stated the LMCC chair attempted to prevent them from participating in commission meetings by openly saying that since Orono had withdrawn, it should have no say in the work of the LMCC. Any concerns that were expressed were met by comments from the chair of being disruptive to the Commission. Levang stated there were multiple attempts to silence Orono’s voice at the Commission meetings. Levang stated at last week’s meeting, the chair ended the night by reprimanding Orono and Medina for annoying LMCC staff with information requests and for running up bills with the LMCC attorney. Levang commented, needless to say, the Chair’s treatment was difficult to tolerate and she and Mayor McMillan are very happy to be on the other side right now. Levang indicated she is looking forward to the improvements that will come to Orono with the new Mediacom franchise. McMillan indicated it was a sad end and that Orono was looking for ways for the cities to stay together but it did not seem like there was a free flow of information. McMillan indicated they wanted to have an open dialogue and discuss other alternatives but it seemed predetermined to keep the status quo. Orono had said they would leave the LMCC on September 30, which was the end of the third quarter, but the LMCC wanted the last quarter of franchise fees. McMillan stated in her view, from a good governance standpoint, it would be good to try to get a share of the excess funds back to the member cities. McMillan indicated that money would have been nice to help outfit the Council chambers. McMillan stated she understands some people have expressed concerns but that it was not handled very appropriately by some of the Commission board members. McMillan indicated they struggled hard to get their voices heard in the last quarter. McMillan wished the LMCC luck going forward as well as the other cities that possibly will leave. Levang noted the LMCC asked for an extension with Mediacom through February because they could not come to an agreement. Levang stated the LMCC still has no franchise after three plus years. McMillan noted Orono’s subscribers will continue to receive LMCC services until the end of February. Anderson commented she appreciates the efforts of Mayor McMillan and Council Member Levang. Anderson reported she met independently with some people with the Long Lake/Orono Rotary who requested they be kept updated on what is happening in Orono. McMillan noted a fundraising letter for the golf course will be going out signed by Steve Kelly and Ron Ridgeway. McMillan indicated she will distribute that letter once it is ready to the Council. McMillan indicated the fundraising fund will be similar to the Save the Lake fund. Levang noted it will be the 90th anniversary for the Orono Golf Course coming up next year and that they would like the buildings and the golf course to look nice for that event. McMillan reported the Lake Community Coalition meet last Thursday and that their goal is to work with the local schools on a forum dealing with relationship issues experienced by teenagers. McMillan indicated it will involve some sort of in school program lasting approximately a half-hour to 45 minutes. McMillan stated the Orono Police Department has indicated they see this as a real need in this area and that the school program will probably happen the first week of February or the end of January. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 12/09/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 11/25/2013 [Page 27 of 29]