06-09-2008 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, May 27, 2008 7:00 o’clock p.m. ___________________________________________________________________________________ *7. POLICE OFFICER HIRING Murphy moved, Bremer seconded, to approve the hiring of Maureen Riverdahl and Erick Dyer at Step One of the L.E.L.S. Local #40 Contract, which is $21.07 per hour. Riverdahl will be senior to Dahl as she was the top candidate. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. *8. APPOINTMENT OF 2008 GOLF COURSE EMPLOYEE Murphy moved, Bremer seconded, to approve the appointment of Thomas Baurle to a seasonal position with the Golf Course, effective June 7, 2008, at a pay rate of $8.00 per hour under the applicable provisions of the PERA rules. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT Mattick reported on the state aid issue, noting the screening board meets tomorrow. Based on comments made at the prescreening board level, it is likely the screening board will authorize that Orono can keep the current amount of funding with no penalty subject to the City assuming all private streets. If the City chooses not to assume the private streets, the state aid would be decreased by approximately $50,000 this year, and a $250,000 penalty would be assessed for the past five years. Staff has not calculated the costs to assume the streets. Mattick stated once the screening board makes their recommendation, Mn/DOT would then typically approve the recommendation. Murphy stated Staff should calculate the costs to not assume the private streets as well as the costs to assume the private streets. Murphy asked how Mn/DOT justifies going back five years as opposed to three years versus some other number of years. Murphy stated in his view this should be looked at state-wide to see whether other cities categorize their streets the same way. Mattick stated he is unaware of any rule that states how many years they can go back and that if the City opposes the finding, Mn/DOT may take the position that they are entitled to be compensated for every penny Mn/DOT feels has been overpaid. In the past, on other funding issues, Mn/DOT has typically gone back five years. Murphy stated in his view the City should fight this issue. Mattick stated the City of Minnetonka did indicate to the screening board that they also have private roads but that they do not count those roads in their state aid calculation. McMillan stated it was her understanding there was some documentation from the screening board stating that they would not go back in the past and penalize the city. Mattick stated they are not looking to go back as long as the City adopts the recommendation of the screening board and the City assumes full control over the private roads. Mattick stated in his opinion the City has reserved jurisdiction of the private roads in their agreements. Murphy recommended the City Council look at all the options and the costs associated with those options and then make a decision. PAGE 9 of 12 Item #02 - CC Agenda - 06/09/08 Approval of Council Minutes 05/27/08 [Page 9 of 12]