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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, September 10, 2012 <br />7:00 o'clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br /> Page 20 of 26 <br /> <br />(12. CONTRACT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES, Continued) <br /> <br />Douglas Lein, 580 Oxford Road, stated this is a business deal and that Mound is contracting these <br />services for a reason, which is that they want to cut the fat from their budget as well as looking for <br />protection for their citizens. Orono needs to look at this from the view of whether this is the best thing for <br />Orono. Mound did not push for a 10-year contract. If they are not pushing for that specific number, <br />Orono could sign a five-year contract with a two-year out. If it doesn’t look good after three years, Orono <br />would have the opportunity to opt out, which would allow Orono to control the destiny of the contract. <br />Lein commented if it turns out to be a bad deal, five years is more doable. If it is a good deal and it works <br />for Orono, it can be extended. Lein stated a shorter contract would give Orono more control and would <br />be a better option. <br /> <br />Mattick noted the revenue is guaranteed via the contract and that the City can control the costs through <br />different methods. There is nothing in the contract that specifies the staffing levels. Mattick stated in <br />Staff's view it is to the City’s benefit to have a 10-year contract. The City is aware that Mound has had <br />problems and they have looked at the costs associated with providing services to Mound. The City <br />Council can correct any oversights. <br /> <br />Lein asked how the union falls into it with the structure. Lein asked whether the City has obligations with <br />the union to fulfill a certain amount of staffing. <br /> <br />Mattick indicated they do not. <br /> <br />Lein asked if the City contracts and eliminates positions, whether that will affect anything with the union. <br /> <br />Mattick stated the City retains the right to structure the police department and to determine the <br />appropriate staffing levels. <br /> <br />Lein stated there were comments made by Council members questioning the organizational chart and that <br />the organizational chart question was clarified and explained. Lein stated in his view pushing it through <br />tonight has no benefit other than the fact that the police department needs time to prepare and be <br />organized by January 1st. Beyond that, the Council should review it as long as they can to make sure they <br />are making the most educated decision for the future. <br /> <br />Mattick stated when you talk about merging police services between two communities, it is not a matter <br />of starting the services the next day and that these things do take some time. <br /> <br />Police Chief Farniok stated they did look at a six month changeover and that January 1 is a rough <br />transition date. <br /> <br />Lein asked if Mound requested a specific changeover date. <br /> <br />Farniok stated January 1 is the contract date and the date when the new positions will be filled. Farniok <br />stated the officers will attempt to become familiar with the new patrol area prior to that time. <br /> <br />Lein reiterated the City should consider a shorter contract period in order to test drive it prior to <br />committing to it for a long period of time. <br /> <br /> <br />Item #02 - CC Agenda - 09/24/2012 <br />Approval of Council Minutes 09/10/2012 <br />[Page 20 of 26]