HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-27-2026 - Minutes City Council - Regular Meeting �Q Minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
t, Monday,April 27,2026, 6:00 PM
tiF c? City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Mayor Tunheim called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., 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 included an attorney sitting in for City Attorney Soren Mattick,who was not present; City
Administrator/Engineer Adam Edwards; Finance Director Maggie Jin; and Parks Superintendent Joe
Ruthenberg.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA
1. City Council Minutes
2. Claims/Bills
3. Annual Performance Review of the City Administrator
4. Hire Seasonal Employees
Persian moved, Schwingler seconded,to approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda as submitted.
VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
John Bendt, 1120 Tonkawa Road, and Marilyn Mulvanny, 141 Hackberry Hill,provided comments.
FINANCE DIRECTOR REPORT
5. First Quarter Financial Update
Finance Director Jim presented the First Quarter Financial Report,including General Fund Revenue,
General Fund Expenditures,the Enterprise Fund Summary(various utilities and golf course),the Internal
Service Fund Summary(fleet services, facilities,insurance, and IT),2026 Interest Earned, and Investment
Portfolio.
The Council discussed the item and asked questions of staff
6. Amend 2026 Insurance Fund Budget
The City Council is requested to review the Staff report,receive a presentation, and discuss and approve
amending the 2026 Insurance Fund Budget to add$140,000 to cover the insurance premium for Worker's
Comp insurance. Finance Director Jin indicated the item was left off the 2026 budget approved by the
City Council in December 2025,but the change would not impact other parts of the budget due to the
fund balance in the Insurance Fund.
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Minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
Monday,April 27,2026, 6:00 PM1. c> City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
The Council discussed the item and asked questions of staff.
Ricks moved,Schwingler seconded,to approve amending the 2026 Insurance Fund budget as
recommended by staff in Exhibit A of the meeting packet. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0.
PARKS REPORT
7. Community Tree Planting Update
The City Council received an update on a$75,000 Minnesota Depai intent of Natural Resources(DNR)
Community Tree Planting Grant supporting the removal of hazardous ash trees impacted by Emerald Ash
Borer and the planting of about 150 new,climate-resilient trees in the parks and trail corridors. The two-
year project will begin in 2026.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT
8. Water Softener Resin and Flow Meter at Navarre Water Plant
Council reviewed long-term options for the water softening system, including significant repair costs
versus discontinuing the softening service. Following discussion,Council voted 5-0 to direct staff to
develop a plan to discontinue softening operations, including public engagement, evaluation of resident
impacts, and consideration of resident support options during the transition.
Persian moved,Benson seconded,to direct staff to develop a plan to discontinue water softening
operations at the Navarre water plant,including looking into assisting residents served by that
plant to potentially get a softener for their private residence. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR/ENGINEER REPORT
9. Hackberry Park Revitalization Project(24-028)Design Update
The 95%completed park plans were presented, outlining requested upgrades to fields,drainage,
accessibility,and amenities. After addressing concerns related to fencing,tree removal, and parking,
Council voted 3-2 to proceed with bidding the project,including the pavilion/restroom and basketball
court,while strategically shifting perimeter parking to a future 2028 road project.
Persian moved, Schwingler seconded,to move forward with the Hackberry Park design as
presented,waiting on the grass pavers and with alternates for the picnic shelter and basketball
court. VOTE: Ayes 3,Nays 2(Benson and Ricks).
10. 2026 Street Improvement Project(26-001) -Award
Council voted 5-0 to awarded the 2026 Street Improvement Project. Work includes North Arm Drive and
North Arm Lane reconstruction and widening,along with improvements on Willow Drive north of
County Road 6 in coordination with the City of Medina. Stormwater and utility work are also included.
Bids came in below estimates,allowing the City to proceed under budget.
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Minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
A ,, Monday,April 27,2026, 6:00 PM
e• City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Ricks moved,Persian seconded,to award the project to Wm Muller& Sons,Inc.,low bidders at
$606, 028.42,accept the proposal for construction oversight from Bolton and Menk not to exceed
$45,000,and authorize staff to cooperate with the City of Medina on the improvement for Willow
Drive not to exceed$20,000. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0.
11. 2027 Street Improvement Project Planning and Engineering Project(27-001)
The City Council approved moving forward with the planning and design of the 2027 Street Improvement
Project 5-0. This early planning phase allows the City to prepare designs,gather public input,and stay on
track for construction in 2027. Proposed work will include improvements to Heritage Lane and Drive,the
Fagerness Point neighborhood(including Fagerness Point Road, Corral Road,Webb Street, and
Concordia Street), and Linden Lane, along with associated stormwater and utility updates.
Persian moved,Ricks seconded,to direct the City Engineer to move ahead with the planning and
design phase for the 2027 Street Improvement Projects and accept the Bolton and Mend proposal
for design. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0.
12. 2026 Goals Quarterly Status Update
City Administrator Edwards reviewed quarterly progress on the 2026 goals set by the City Council.
The Council discussed the item and asked questions of staff.
MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT
Mayor and Council provided reports.
ADJOURNMENT
Ricks moved,Schwingler seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. to Monday,May 11,2026,
at 6:00 p.m.VOTE: A 5,Nays 0.
ATTEST:
Christine , Ci erk 1�4aysr
Qefti ", 144411 M y r
Minutes approved by Orono City Council May 11, 2025. Meeting videos and transcripts available
at oronomn.gov.
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