HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-2016 Council Work Session MinutesMINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
August 22, 2016
S:00 o'clock p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Lili Tod McMillan, Council Members 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.
Guests: James Van Eyll Long Lake Fire Chief, Mayor of Long Lake Don Chillstrom.
1. Loniz Lake Fire Department Update
Fire Chief Van Eyll provided background information regarding the boat and fire service to Big
Island. Van Eyll stated the boat has not been docked on Lake Minnetonka since 2015. He
explained the fire response protocol. Big Island is considered an I05 Protection Class 10 due to
the difficulty in responding. Whether the boat is docked on Lake Minnetonka doesn't improve
its protection class.
Council directed Chief Van Eyll to explore options with the one receptive marina regarding dry
docking the emergency response boat and comparing the cost with rental of a boat slip since a
permanent spot has not been found. Council said consideration should be given to rigging an
older truck for the boat as stared out of Station 1. The Hennepin County Water Patrol is the
main partner with Long Lake on water response and consideration should be given on how to
best support their efforts.
The current fire contract expires in 2020 and will be discussed by the fire advisory board after
the subcommittee has reviewed it.
2. 2017 Preliminary Budget
Finance Director Olson reviewed the preliminary budget and what next steps need Council
consideration. Council reviewed options for a tax levy increase for road funding and bonding.
Numbers were obtained from Ehlers for consideration of a $1 million dollar bond with a 10
year pay back or 15 year pay back. Council was in agreement to refund the 2008 street
reconstruction bonds which will be a savings on average of $29,100 annually in interest
between 2017 and 2023. Council will further discuss funding issues at the next regular Council
meeting. If bonding is approved for roads it should be done at the same time as the 2008
reconstruction bond refund. A public hearing is required, then the bid for bonds which will
take a few months to complete.
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Council reviewed the Navarre area plan and comp plan assistance. A desire for the Navarre
plan to have grass roots input was expressed and could coincide with the discussion of the
Hennepin County intersection improvements at CSAH 19 and 15.
Council reviewed the pavement management fund and the priority fist for 2017. Council will
postpone the road repair for the far eastern side of Fox Street for a few years until it can be
done correctly. Two western sections will be done together on Fox Street during 2017.
Council discussed the Navarre Community Initiative funding of $5,000 that could be overseen
by the Park Commission. The Navarre Initiative Group could assist with the park maintenance
and in turn receive payment to fund their festival. Council made no decision regarding this
fund.
Park maintenance supplies increased due to fences and bench replacement. The golf course
would like more included in the advertising budgeted for 2017. This year the Orono Golf
Course offered a Groupon again and could consider other sources for promotions. Council
would like more persuasive information before increasing this line item.
3. Met Council Reform Discussion
Jeremy provided background information regarding communities joining together to initiate
reform to improve the governance of the Met Council. Jennifer Munt, Met Council District 3
Representative, will be invited to address and answer Council questions at a future meeting.
4. Future Work Session Topics or Requests
Council agreed with current schedule.
ATTEST:
ne Tiegs, City Cler'40
'dtlkl &12L
Lili Tod McMillan, Mayor
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