HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-26-2015 Council Work Session MinutesMINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
May 26, 2015
5:00 o'clock p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Lili Tod McMillan, Council Members Jim Cornick, Jr., Aaron Printup, Lizz Levang,
and Denny Walsh. Representing Staff were City Administrator Jessica Loftus, Finance Director Ron
Olson, Public Works Director/Engineer Adam Edwards, Community Development Director Jeremy
Barnhart, Senior Planner Michael Gaffron, City Planner Melanie Curtis, and City Clerk Diane Tiegs.
1. Goals
City Administrator Loftus reviewed a list of possible goals for 2016 with Council. The list of
goals were discussed and ranked by "Must Do", "Nice to Do", or "Not This Year". It was noted
that goal setting helps us focus and allocate staff time toward agreed upon city goals rather
than individual requests.
The budget goals discussed centered on seal coating, mill and overlay, and repair of the City
roads. The Council agreed there will not be enough available funds for all projects but most
agreed it is a "Must Do". Council will review projects to determine the next steps during the
budget discussion. Council's "Must Do" goal is to keep the levy increase as low as possible
without cutting services.
Council discussed future planning for the Navarre area which included apartment/condo
housing and focusing on improvements to clean-up and repair public space. During the mixed
use housing discussion Council discussed the need to review parameters for new buildings that
address the height, size, and density of new construction projects. A fall curbside clean-up day
was discussed but is costly to sponsor and should not be specific to one area. The Navarre light
pole City Banners are ready to be installed and it was suggested that American Flags could be
promoted for purchase by possible donors as a "Remembrance Flag".
The City is currently in the midst of a compensation study. A "Must Do" is to have a plan of
action once the study is completed on how to implement changes if needed.
Another Council "Must Do" is to have Staff continue to find additional ways to automate the
City Hall to lower employee costs and improve efficiencies.
Due to time constraints the Goals for 2016 discussion will continue at the June 22 Council Work
Session.
2. Street Funding Discussion
Public Works Director/City Engineer Adam Edwards reviewed the 2016-2020 Road Maintenance
& Improvement Plan along with a Pavement Management. Chip seal, mill and overlay for roads
over the next ten years illustrated in the Road Maintenance & Improvement Plan were
reviewed. Edwards distributed an example of a resolution which would communicate on a
special line item that the increase in levy funds is specifically for road improvement.
Watertown Road reconstruction is a priority. Council would like to see what a special levy tax
increase rate would be for that improvement. Council will evaluate and determine action when
budget discussions begin in June.
3. City Administrator Verbal Update
City Administrator Jessica Loftus provided a verbal update on multiple operational issues.
4. Memo of Understanding (MOU) for City Administrator
Council reviewed the MOU for the City Administrator regarding a 30 hour work week.
S. Intergenerational Conversation Draft Report
The Intergenerational Conversation Draft Report will be reviewed and edited. All edits should
be forwarded to Council Member Levang or City Clerk Tiegs. The Communications Committee
will meet to review and complete the final edits.
6. Spirit of the Lakes Parade
The Orono Police Department will participate in Mound's Spirit of the Lakes parade. Council
Members are asked to consider participating.?
ADJOURNMENT 6:55 P.M.
ATTEST
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legs, City Clerk
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Lili Tod McMillan, Mayor