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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Tuesday, May 27, 2008 <br />7:00 o’clock p.m. <br />___________________________________________________________________________________ <br />(3. FUNDING FOR GILLESPIE CENTER, DONNA SMITH, Continued) <br /> <br />service in the future and that the City of Orono agreed to increase its contribution to $20,000 last year. <br />Murphy asked where the $20,000 was spent, and if the city contributes to the new format, what would <br />happen with the $20,000. <br /> <br />Murphy stated given the estimated 5000 residents west and south of Highway 84, at $6 per resident, the <br />City would be contributing $30,000. Murphy stated 5000 residents would be approximately 75 percent <br />of the population in Orono, and questioned whether an accurate figure should be obtained from the <br />Census Bureau. <br /> <br />Johnson stated the population number was an estimate but that they could get an accurate count from the <br />Census Bureau. Johnson indicated the Gillespie Center is here to work with the City and its residents, <br />and given the value that the Gillespie Center brings to the community, they felt it was a fair number. <br /> <br />Ben Withart, Senior Community Services, stated the association is still viable even though they have <br />lost the Dial-A-Ride service. Withart noted they have retained three of their vehicles, with two of the <br />vehicles servicing the City of Orono. The center has retained its Meals on Wheels program but closed <br />down their dining center in an effort to reduce costs. In response to the closing of the kitchen, <br />volunteers have come forward and are now cooking homemade meals, which has had good <br />participation. Withart stated they are continuing the same level of meal service that they have offered in <br />the past. <br /> <br />Withart stated the Gillespie Center did hit a low point a couple of years ago but that the center is now <br />growing and they are attempting to reach more of the seniors who are still working by being opening <br />additional hours on Saturday and during the week. Withart stated the main focus is the senior center <br />and that they view it as a partnership between two nonprofit associations to serve the seniors in this <br />area. <br /> <br />Withart stated the estimated population number was an attempt to give some rationalization behind the <br />numbers and that the primary cities receiving services are Mound, Spring Park, Orono, and Minnetrista. <br />If an agreement is entered into, SCS would continue to serve Orono as they have in the past. <br /> <br />Murphy asked what the exact amount of funding the Gillespie Center is requesting. <br /> <br />Withart stated it is $30,000, and that it is their hope that within the next ten years, if they receive the <br />additional funding and the endowment fund is adequately funded, they will no longer need to request <br />funding from the city. <br /> <br />McMillan asked how it would work with the meals program if the City contributed another $10,000. <br /> <br />Withart stated the center director currently makes the arrangements and volunteers pick up the meals <br />from the Presbyterian Home. <br /> <br />Rahn asked how the funds would be funneled. <br /> <br />Withart stated the $30,000 would be given to the Gillespie Center. <br /> <br />Murphy asked why there are two separate organizations. <br /> <br />PAGE 3 of 12 <br />Item #02 - CC Agenda - 06/09/08 <br />Approval of Council Minutes 05/27/08 [Page 3 of 12]