09-24-2007 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 10, 2007 7:00 o’clock p.m. ___________________________________________________________________________________ (Funding for Gillespie Center, Continued) CDBG funding was switched to a consolidated pool, they saw a big drop-off in the amount of funding for the senior center program. Moorse pointed out a portion of Orono’s contribution was CDBG funds but the majority of it was not. Murphy stated it is important for everyone to understand that if the city would say no to this proposal, they would still be contributing the $18,000. Murphy noted the $30,000 is based on an estimated population of 5000, which would include two-thirds of the population of Orono. A $3 contribution up to $30,000 would cover 10,000 people. Murphy stated in his opinion the City of Orono is contributing a substantial amount of money to the center. White stated he does not have a philosophical problem with supporting senior citizens and that every city supports their senior citizens. White concurred that Orono does not have the capacity at the present time to fund a senior center entirely and that the center’s approach is novel to resolving the situation. White stated the City of Orono would be voting tonight on their preliminary 2008 tax levy and budget, which includes a $1000 increase in the amount of funding to the Gillespie Center. White stated the City’s priorities at this point are to hire a fire chief, an additional city planner, to replace some of the city’s failing lift stations, and to fund the paving of the city streets and sewers. White stated Orono does not have a big commercial base and that the majority of the tax increases go to the homeowners. White indicated he would like to work with the Gillespie Center on this issue but that he does not see how the City could afford more than the $19,000 that it is willing to contribute to the Gillespie Center in 2008. White noted the City started its budget process last year and that in the meantime the City would look at other options to help the Gillespie Center. Murphy requested the Gillespie Center keep the City of Orono informed on the progress made with the other cities. White commented he would like to look at ways to leverage other state and county funds to help fund the center. Whithart stated they will continue to work on this issue and would be back before the Council next year. Whithart stated they welcome any help the City could give the Gillespie Center. An Orono resident in attendance stated she administers the Meals on Wheels program and that in her opinion there are more than nine people from Orono who utilize the Meals on Wheels program. McMillan noted the City of Orono would be continuing to contribute the $18,000 a year to the Gillespie Center as well as an additional $1000 in 2008. The City Council took no formal action on this item. PLANNNG COMMISSION COMMENTS – TESS RICE Rice stated she had nothing to report but would be available for questions. PAGE 5 Item #02 - CC Agenda - 09/24/07 Approval of Council Minutes 09/10/07 [Page 5 of 18]