HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-25-2016 Council Work Session MinutesMINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
July 25, 2016
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, Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, Public Works/City Engineer Adam
Edwards, City Attorney Soren Mattick, and City Clerk Diane Tiegs.
Jessica informed Council that the audio/video equipment was damaged during a power outage
and may not be functional for the meeting. A technician is coming to assess the damage and
repair.
1. 2017 Budeet
Council reviewed the preliminary budget. Currently revenues remain relatively flat and
Council will give consideration on how best to increase revenues and keep the City's tax rate
the same.
Council reviewed the 2017 expenditures which reflect a 2.93% increase. Wages and Benefits
make up 64% of the budget and have the greatest impact on the General Fund.
Step/Longevity increases will add $60,000 with most of that in the Police Department. Council
discussed other significant budget impacts like a possible COLA, labor negotiations, the
Navarre Plan, and expenditures associated with the Comp Plan update.
Jeremy provided Council with a schedule for the Comp Plan which is due 2018. Council
discussed the Comp Plan and provided Staff direction which will include funds for an open
house to encourage community involvement, form a committee and determine goals for the
Comp Plan.
Street funding is a large budget impact and Council will determine how best to provide a
reliable funding source for the 2017 budget and for future projects.
2. Future Work Session Topics or Requests
Jessica asked for Council direction on how topics are added to upcoming work session
agendas. The Council determined an item for discussion must be approved by a majority in
order to be discussed at work session. Council agreed under the Additional Topics item to add
ordinance review on 15% structural coverage and Met Council reform.
Council agreed to schedule a variance training session with the Planning Commission.
3. Sex Offenders and Treatment Centers
Staff wil,! provide Council with a draft ordinance for review on care facilities regulations within
the City of Orono for future discussion.
ATT T;
Diane Tiegs, City Clerk 0
&AJ*fd--
Lili Tod McMillan, Mayor