HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-2025 - Minutes - City Council - regular meetingMinutes
City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, October 27, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Mayor Tunheim called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.in., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Orono City Council members present: Mayor Bob Tunheim, City Council Members Alisa Benson, Steve
Persian, Jacqueline Ricks, and Jon Schwingler. Members absent: None
Staff present were City Attorney Soren Mattick, City Administrator/Engineer Adam Edwards, and
Finance Director Maggie Jin,
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA
1. City Council Minutes
2. Claims/Bills
3. Upcoming Work Session and Council Training Schedule
4. Appoint Professional Auditing Firm
5. Solicitor — Time Extension
6. Compensation Increase — Public Works Maintenance Worker
7. Tree Maintenance — Contract Extension for Rimming and Removal
8. Repair Blacktop — Ivy Place
Benson moved, Ricks seconded, to approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda as submitted. VOTE:
Ayes 59 Nays 0.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
9. Oath of Office —Police Officer
Tunheitn administered the Oath of Office to Orono Police Officer Kohlton Beck. He received his badge
from his father, Police Sergeant Kenny Beck.
10. Agreements —Shoreline Fire Department —Resolutions 7632 and 7633
City Administrator Edwards explained that the proposed actions include adopting the Joint Powers
Agreement, which establishes a new joint fire department for the Cities of Orono and Long Lake, and
setting leases for the two fire stations. The second resolution appoints the members of the newly -formed
board that will govern the JPA. The City of Long Lake planned a special meeting this coming Thursday
evening to consider the same actions.
City Attorney Mattick said that the adoption of the resolutions by both Cities would result in the dismissal
of the lawsuits between the Cities.
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Minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, October 27, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Benson moved, Ricks seconded, to adopt Resolution 7632 establishing the Joint Powers Agreement
for the Shoreline Fire Department and establishing lease agreements. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
Ricks moved, Benson seconded, to adopt Resolution 7633 appointing the members of the Shoreline
Fire Department JPA board. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
PRESENTATIONS
11. Legislative Update —House District 45A
Rep. Andrew Myers, Minnesota House District 45A, presented an update from the last Legislative
session.
12. Utility Rate Study
Justin Nilson of Abdo presented the utility rate study. Staff is requesting council action at the November
10 City Council meeting. The study resulted in a recommendation of a one-time 25 percent increase in
water rates for 2026 and three percent for years after, and a three percent increase per year in sewer and
storm water rates.
The Council discussed the item, asked questions, and directed staff to provide alternatives to the one-time
25 percent increase for consideration at a future meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
13. Certification of Delinquent Utilities and Accounts Receivables —Resolution 7631
The City Council is requested to review the Staff report, hold a public hearing and discuss and adopt the
resolution certifying Delinquent Utility Accounts and other Accounts Receivable to be added to property
tax bills at 8 percent interest.
The Council discussed the item and asked questions of staff.
Benson moved, Persian seconded, to adopt Resolution 7631 certifying delinquent utility bills and
accounts receivables. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Rachel Chard, 235 Crestview Ave., and Kelly Grady, Long Lake, provided comments.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR/ENGINEER REPORT
14. Replace HVAC Units —Willow Fire Station
The City Council is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and approve
Orono's portion of the replacement of five HVAC units at the Willow Fire Station.
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Minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, October 27, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
The Council discussed the itern and asked questions of staff.
Benson moved, Persian seconded, to authorize up to $885400 as Orono's portion of the cost of
HVAC replacement at the Willow Fire Station, conditioned on approval of the Shoreline Fire Joint
Powers agreement and associated leases by the City of Long Lake. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
15. Sustainabiliry and Resiliency
The City Council is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss the
sustainability and resiliency plan and communications plan. The City Council had reviewed the plan at a
Work Session on October 8. Minutes and slides from that meeting were included in the packet for the
October 27 meeting.
The Council discussed the item and provided feedback.
MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT
Mayor and Council provided reports.
ADJOURNMENT
Schwingler moved, Ricks seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 p.m. to Monday, November 10,
2025, at 6:00 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
Bob Tunheim, Mayor
Minutes approved by Orono City Council November 10, 2025. Meeting videos and transcripts
available at oronornn.gov.
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