HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-26-2026 - Minutes City Council - Regular Meeting Minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 6:00 PM
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y Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
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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,
Jacqueline Ricks,and Jon Schwingler. Members absent: Steve Persian.
Staff present were City Attorney Corrine Heine, Finance Director Maggie Jin, Parks Superintendent Joe
Ruthenberg, Community Development Director Laura Oakden, and City Planner Matthew Karney.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA
1. City Council Minutes
2. Claims/Bills
3. Waste Hauler License
4. Designate Voting Period—Absentee and Early Voting
5. Personnel Policy Amendments—Resolution 7684
6. Service Recognition—Resolution 7683
This item was removed from the consent agenda
7. Hire Public Works Director
8. Hire Seasonal Employees
9. Purchase of Police Vehicle
10. Generator Inspection and Load Bank Testing
11. Stubbs Bay Lake Access Point Dock Replacement
12. LS 18 (Cherry Place Sanitary) Force Main Replacement—Design and Engineering
13. LA26-000007, 1100 Millston Road, Variances—Resolution 7685
Ricks moved,Benson seconded,to approve the Agenda and the Consent Agenda minus Item 6.
VOTE: Ayes 4,Nays 0.
PRESENTATIONS
14. 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Presentation
Following completion of the City's annual audit, Abdo's CPA-Senior Manager, Tyler See, presented the
2025 audit results to the Council. The auditors issued a clean or unmodified opinion,the best possible.
The unassigned fund balance was slightly below, but very close to the City's fund balance policy of 40
percent. Both revenue and expenditure were over budget, but the general fund balance increased by
540,000. He reviewed the General Fund and special funds, as well as the City's tax rate in comparison to
the surrounding area.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
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o-\
Nv \ Minutes
I i City Council Regular Meeting
a Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 6:00 PM
of ` City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
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6. Service Recognition—Resolution 7683
Ricks recognized retiring Police Chief Correy Farniok for 30 years of service to the Orono Police
Department, including 19 years as Chief. A celebration was planned for that week.
Schwingler moved,Ricks seconded,to adopt Resolution 7683 extending appreciation to Correy
Farniok for dedicated service to the community.VOTE: Ayes 4,Nays 0.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT
15. LA26-000017, 1520 Bohns Point Road, Variance
The property owner requested approval for a patio expansion that was completed without prior approval.
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The expanded patio extends 3.3 feet farther into the required flake setback than allowed,while the
retaining wall meets zoning requirements. Staff recommend denial due to its convenience rather than
necessity. The Planning Commission voted 6-1 to recommend approval, noting that the project improved
overall site conditions by removing other existing nonconforming hard surfaces. Commissioners also
noted that the variance likely would have been approved if requested before construction,the neighboring
property owner supported the project, and the retaining wall complies with code. The Council discussed
the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant,Travis Van Liere,the landscape architect
representing the owners. Council members expressed concerns about approving variances after work has
already been completed and about allowing additional encroachments into setback areas.
Schwingler moved,Ricks seconded,to direct staff to draft findings of approval for a variance for
1520 Bohns Point Road. VOTE: Ayes 3,Nays 1 (Benson).
PARKS REPORT
16. Master Plan—Antoine Park
The Council approved the Antoine Park Master Plan, establishing a long-term framework for future park
improvements focused on accessibility, tree replacement, and preserving the park's neighborhood
character. The plan was developed through community input, including a public open house and survey.
Ricks moved,Schwingler seconded,to support the Master Plan for Antoine Park. VOTE: Ayes 4,
Nays 0.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
17. Funding Request from Long Lake—Hwy 12 Access Gate Repairs
The Council approved a one-time contribution of$2,439.33 to the City of Long Lake to assist with
replacement of the Highway 12 Emergency Access Gate used for emergency response access and directed
staff to provide written clarification that the contribution does not constitute a commitment to participate
in future funding, ownership, or maintenance responsibilities.
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r,o O Minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
a Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 6:00 PM
ti� c City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Benson moved,Ricks seconded,to approve remitting$2,439.33 to the City of Long Lake for the
replacement of the Highway 12 emergency access gate from the General Fund. VOTE: Ayes 4,
Nays 0.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR/ENGINEER REPORT
In the absence of the City Administrator, Community Development Director Oakden reported on an
upcoming comprehensive plan open house.
MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT
Council members provided reports.
ADJOURNMENT
Ricks moved,Schwingler seconded,to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 p.m.to Monday,June 8,2026,at
6:00 p.m.VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0.
ATTEST:
Christin an, Ci rk Bob Tunheim, Mayor
Minutes approved by Orono City Council June 8, 2026. Meeting videos and transcripts available
at oronomn.gov.
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