02-09-2009 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 26, 2009 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ PAGE 9 of 11 *14. REQUEST FOR PAYMENT NO. 1, STONEBAY CONCRETE REPLACEMENT Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve Request for Payment No. 1, for the Stonebay Concrete Replacement Project, Imperial Developers, in the amount of $67,002.55. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. *15. REQUEST FOR PAYMENT NO. 2 AND FINAL, 2008 SEAL COAT PROJECT Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve Request for Payment No. 2 and Final for the 2008 Seal Coat Project, Pearson Brothers, Inc., in the amount of $4,951.40. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. *16. ACCEPT DONATION Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to accept a $2,500.00 donation from a resident for the Police Department. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 17. AMENDMENT TO POLICE SERGEANT LABOR AGREEMENT FOR 2009 Murphy asked whether this was agreed to in binding mediation. Wells stated the mediator stated if an agreement had not been reached within a reasonable period of time, an arbitration would have been scheduled. Murphy stated he would reiterate his previous comments and noted that the City is concerned that its employees have appropriate health care and other benefits, but that given the state of the economy, it will be necessary to be as fiscally prudent as possible. Bremer stated in her view it is important for the City to show their employees that they support them. Bremer noted the City has not increased the size of the staff but have increased their responsibilities. Given the extra work that they are expected to perform and the fact that they also are experiencing increased costs in their personal lives, it is fair to increase their compensation. Bremer noted the City of Orono is way far behind on their fee schedules as it compares to other cities. Murphy stated the City is experiencing pressure from all directions and reiterated that the City will need to be as fiscally prudent as possible. McMillan noted this item was reviewed by the City approximately six months ago when the economy was in better shape and that she understands the concerns expressed by Council Member Bremer and Council Member Murphy. Franchot recommended the City have a long-range view on where they want to be fiscally and where they want their staff and city departments to be. Wells stated traditionally during the budget process Orono looks at what other cities are doing. Item #2 - CC Agenda - 02/09/09 Approval of Council Minutes 01/26/09 [Page 9 of 11]