HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-24-2017 Council Minutes MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,Apri124,2017
7:00 o'clock p.m.
ROLL CALL
The Orono City Council met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Mayor
Dennis Walsh,Council Members Richard Crosby,II,Wendy Dankey,Aaron Printup,and Victoria Seals.
Representing Staff were City Administrator poug Reeder,Finance Director Ron Olson,Community
Development Director Jeremy Barnhart,City Planner Melanie Curtis,City Attorney Soren Mattick,
Consulting City Engineer David Martini,and Recorder Jackie Young.
Mayor Walsh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1. CONSENT AGENDA
Item Nos. 14 and 15 were added to the Consent Agenda.
2. City Council Meeting Minutes of Apri110,2017
3. ClaimsBills
4. Paperless Payroll
5. Backup Generators for Lift Stations#7 and#20
6. Stormwater Pond Assessments
7. Public Works Maintenance Worker Resignation and Recruitment
This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.
8. #17-3912—Bruce E.Birkeland, 1298 Wildhurst Trail and Lot 3,Block Wildhurst,
Variances—Resolution No. 6755
9. Appointment to Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee
10. Special City Council Work Session for May 1,2017
Printup moved,Crosby seconded,to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. VOTE: Ayes 5,
Nays 0.
Page 1 of 12
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,April 24,2017
7:00 o'clock p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim Buck,Orono resident,stated he has a serious concern that has emerged regarding County Road 6 and
Old Crystal Bay Road. There are long backups of cars waiting to turn right onto Crystal Bay and left onto
County Road 6. As a result,drivers will take turns turning right or left,which generally works okay,but
the problem is that the drivers tuming left do not always realize that vehicles traveling down County
Road 6 at 55 miles per hour do not have to stop. Buck stated he has observed near fatal collisions
multiple times and that the problem on County Road 6 will only get worse given the construction on
Old Highway 12.
Buck indicated he has informed the police and talked to people at the school about this problem and that
he is happy to assist somehow in dealing with this situation
Crosby asked what the response of the police department was.
Buck stated he was told to let the City Council know about the problem.
Walsh commented the City needs to have a startup conversation about this, and since it is a Hennepin
County Road,the City will need to work with them as well. Walsh recommended the City Administrator
reach out to the parties to schedule a meeting to discuss it.
Crosby questioned whether that section of County Road 6 should be part of the school zone since then the
speed limit could be reduced down to 30 or 35.
Stacey Royal, 3135 Jamestown Road, stated Trinity Lutheran Church has recorded 200 accidents near
Brown Road and County Road 6 and that she would love to see the speed limit reduced or a stoplight
installed on Old Crystal Bay Road. Royal stated there are a significant number of high school kids that
drive in that area and someday there will be a fatal accident. Royal stated she would be happy to work
with Jim and anyone else from a citizen perspective.
Edwards stated Hennepin County could be requested to conduct a speed study,which requires a
resolution from the City Council,but the actual speed limits are set by the state. Edwards noted Staff has
attempted to work with the school,the County,and Three Rivers as recently as last year to look at
solutions to this problem but they were not successful other than Three Rivers Park District did apply for
and received a$10,000 grant to study safety at that particular crossing. In addition,the school hired SRF
to conduct a traffic flow study and they looked at both intersections. Edwards stated in order to move this
forward,the City Council will need to adopt a resolution requesting a speed study.
It was the consensus of the City Council to move forward with a resolution requesting a speed study and
to schedule a meeting with Hennepin County and perhaps the residents in the area.
Darren Rosha stated his office is located at 2160 West Wayzata Boulevard and that he has been working
with Brad and Kristi Erickson,the owners of the Orono Gas Station and shopping center. Rosha stated as
the road project on Old Highway 12 proceeds forward,a question has arisen about how wide the driveway
locations should be to this location. As it is currently configured,there are two driveways,with one
driveway being roughly 80 feet. The City's ordinance requires the driveway be 32 feet wide. Rosha
noted this is not a change being requested by the Erickson's but by Hennepin County.
Page 2 of 12
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,Apri124,2017
7:00 o'clock p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS-Continued
Rosha stated the position of the Erickson's is that what they have now works very well,and if the
entrance is narrowed down,ingress and egress will become problematic. The Erickson's position is what
is there should remain there. Rosha stated the Erickson's have done a great job improving the property
and that egress/ingress is important and helps dictates the success or failure of a business. There is also a
safety concem with the narrower driveway.
Rosha stated there is some dialogue taking place between Erickson's and Hennepin County,and that he
would request the City take a formal stance that the driveway be permitted to remain as wide as it
currently is.
Walsh commented it is a unique property since there is a gas station,a retail mall,and some professional
service offices located there. Walsh stated from a philosophical standpoint,he would say they should be
able to keep what they have since it is no fault of their own that this road project is happening. Walsh
stated he would be supportive from a grandfathering standpoint that they should be able to keep what they
have unless there is some overriding safety issue that needs to be addressed.
Printup stated from a policy standpoint,he would be okay with leaving the driveway at its present width
since the City routinely allows people to replace homes with like,kind and quality. Printup stated he
would want to make sure the City does not have any liability or be used as a negotiating tool with the
County.
Rosha noted there are condemnation proceedings with a couple of property owners, including Orono
West,which is related to the issue of the taking component during the pendency of the construction. The
condemnation action was withdrawn and it comes down to the question of valuation. Rosha stated in his
view it is highly unlikely there will be any impact on that pending litigation by the City Council
expressing its position on the width of the driveway remaining as is.
Seals stated there is value to the wider driveway for safety reasons and that she does not see any reason
why the City would not support that.
Walsh asked whether Mr.Rosha is interested in something more than a general consensus of the City
Council.
Rosha stated from a procedural postural standpoint,the City Council can go and articulate a consensus
but that it would not be nearly as effective as being able to present something in writing. Rosha stated the
document could contain language that there is no evidence at this time that the wide driveway has created
a safety hazard.
Walsh suggested he communicate with the City Attorney on a memorandum of understanding.
Edwards stated from an engineering perspective,the project is at the end of a three-year design process,
which the City was a part of. The City had indicated they are not interested in the County holding to the
City's 32-foot width but rather would like them to apply best engineering principles to make the driveway
as wide as practical given the new configuration of the road. In its current plan,Hennepin County has a
36-foot wide access through the trail section out to a 45-foot wide access at the new curb.
Page 3 of 12
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,Apri124,2017
7:00 o'clock p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS—Continued
Edwards stated it is important to note that a number of things have happened with the road as a result of
this project and that in his view it would be important to invite Hennepin County to discuss this prior to
the City Council taking formal action on this item. Edwards noted there has been a change in the curb
location in that it moves south from where it currently is,the addition of a trail,and the removal of the
center medians along Wayzata Boulevard that now allows left turns into that business. Edwards stated
since there have been a nutnber of design considerations that have gone into the plan, it might be prudent
to hear those in detail from the County.
Seals asked what the time frame is on this project.
Edwards stated it will be mid to late May before concrete is poured.
Rosha noted around three years ago,this was not an operating business and there were just a few
businesses on the side of the mall and not people with boats,which is not the case today. Rosha stated he
does understand that there is a conversation about a trail and the other changes but that the driveway is
currently 80 feet wide. Rosha noted the temporary driveway is now the narrower width,and the concern
is once the status quo changes, it changes the obligation for the property owner and that he now has to
come and prove why it should not be changed. Rosha stated if this is pushed out,that could leave them
with no option.
Mattick noted this is a county road, and while the County will work with the City and take some
suggestions on the design,as a county road, it is the County's project. Mattick stated if the Council
would like to do something to support the status quo,the Council can do it in the form of a resolution or
something else,but that the County may want to speak with the City about this. Mattick noted he cannot
draft the resolution tonight but that he can have something ready to go for the next meeting.
Rosha stated he will be in touch with the City Attorney.
Reeder suggested the County be asked not to commit to pouring concrete until the City is able to meet
with them.
Walsh concurred with that suggestion. Walsh noted this is Phase I of the project and that there are three
phases total and that at times things are fluid. Walsh stated philosophically he supports the right of the
property owner to retain what he currently has.
Brad Erickson, 2160 Wayzata Boulevard, stated all the city codes were in place when they chose to make
it as wide as they did and that none of the codes have changed since that time. Erickson stated he is not
sure if there are any studies that were done to prompt them to leave it that wide but that there likely is
something. Erickson noted in 1999 or 2000 was when the road was redone the last time.
Erickson noted they were involved early on in the planning process and that they never wanted the
narrower driveway in the first place. Erickson stated he does not want to see his rights as a property
owner be trampled on for some theoretical reason and that he has four years of experience that shows it is
not an issue. Erickson noted with the removal of the median,they will be doubling the amount of traffic
in and out of that entrance and that it does not make any sense to reduce the width when the amount of
traffic will increase.
Page 4 of 12
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,Apri124,2017
7:00 o'clock p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS—Continued
Allan Engleman, 315 Old Crystal Bay Road,stated a solution on County Road 6 might be a roundabout.
Engleman stated he would like to thank the people who were responsible for getting the crusher moved
from state land down to county land but that it seems the City is not done with Eureka yet. Engleman
noted they put in a new fence in there. The permit authorized the applicant to place crushing operation on
the through 12 right-of-way at Old Crystal Bay Road in the City of Orono as shown on the plan sheet.
The next page of the permit says it is expressly understood that this permit is issued subject to the
applicant's compliance with the MPCA,MPDES permit for construction activities, and any other affected
governmental agencies. Engleman asked if Orono isn't a governmental agency.
Walsh noted they are not doing the rock crushing there anymore but they are using it as storage.
Engleman noted the permit does not say that. Engleman stated before this project is done,they will be
using the entire site. Engleman asked if anyone with the City is aware of them fencing in part of the
property.
Walsh stated he was not aware of it and that perhaps a phone call could be made to the contractor telling
him that his permit does not allow storage.
Engleman noted the site is zoned two-acre residential and that he is not sure how he can have storage
there.
Mattick stated cities have limited ability to regulate the state. Mattick noted the City's ordinances do not
say they can do rock crushing at all but that the state is not subjected to city rules. Mattick stated while
the permit says they are subject to local governmental regulations,which typically comes down to hours
of operation or screening and not the use.
Walsh stated he would be happy to speak with the contractor about his hours of operation,etc.,to obtain
more information about what is going on.
Engleman stated he does not understand how they can do what they are doing since it is not zoned
commercial.
PRESENTATION
11. LAKE MINNETONKA CONSERVATION DISTRICT—VICKIE SCHLEUNING
Vickie Schleuning, LMCD Executive Director,addressed the Orono City Council regarding their
upcoming activities in 2017. Over the past few months,the LMCD has looked at community engagement
and how to get people involved and educated about the LMCD. Lake Minnetonka is a great resource with
approximately 125 miles of shoreline and ten public access ramps. The goal of the LMCD is to balance
the needs between commercial properties and the lake residents and lake enthusiasts.
Schleuning stated the LMCD looks at ways to preserve the lake and helps to promote the Lake
Minnetonka experience. The LMCD was established in 1967 as a regulatory agency to address water
quality issues. Over time the agency has grown and it currently has 14 member cities, a board member
Page 5 of 12
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCII.MEETING
Monday,Apri124,2017
7:00 o'clock p.m.
PRESENTATION—Continued
appointed from each city,and 3.5 staff positions. The agency is funded by city levies, licenses,permits;
grants,and contributions. In addition,the LMCD partners with a number of public agencies, including
the DNR,the MCWD,Hennepin County Water Patrol,Three Rivers Park,Hennepin County,MPCA,
residents,businesses,and special interest groups.
The LMCD manages all season activities on the lake from an environmental, safety,and nuisance
standpoint. Schleuning indicated she has been working with realtors and prospective buyers the past few
months educating them on their dock rights. In addition,the LMCD has created a brochure on lake rights
and regulations which has been sent out to various stakeholders,residents,and dock installers.
Schleuning stated the goal with the brochure is to make the codes clearer to everyone.
The primary duties of the LMCD are to look at docks and structures,watercraft density and storage,
watercraft for hire, liquor consumption on the lake,and de-icing operations. Schleuning noted the current
issue before the LMCD is a review of the ordinance regarding underage drinking and social hosting. The
LMCD will be discussing this issue at its Wednesday meeting. Schleuning stated a number of cities have
social host ordinances and regulations on underage drinking but they do not always work out on the
water. Last year the Water Patrol had one of the highest numbers of boating while intoxicated cases and
that they are looking at ways to curb and manage that behavior. Schleuning stated the proposed ordinance
will provide more accountability to people who provide alcohol to minors in addition to a Good
Samaritan type of clause.
Walsh asked if the adult owner of the boat would be responsible for everyone on the boat.
Schleuning stated if the person is an adult and they know about the underage drinking and did not try to
do something or they provided the alcohol,that person could be held liable.
Seals stated people are wondering how it will be enforced. Seals stated it obviously is not a good idea to
provide alcohol to minors but that it seems to be a little overreaching or the luck of the draw on who gets
stopped. Seals noted she probably received 15 phone calls on this issue after the newspaper article.
Schleuning stated the City Council can encourage the residents to call her.
Schleuning stated the LMCD also regulates special events,temporary structures, special projects,and
referrals to the appropriate agency of a hazard,etc. Schleuning noted the LMCD is already receiving
calls about Super Bowl events and they will be working with the Water Patrol and others to ensure there
are appropriate resources to handle all the events that will occur.
The LMCD also deals with prevention and management of aquatic invasive species. The LMCD has an
AIS taskforce that meets with all of the stakeholders. Schleuning stated the LMCD has seen a reduction
in grants to deal with AIS and that she is not sure where it will go next year. Schleuning noted Lake
Minnetonka is a very high use lake and the LMCD wants to make sure the types of aquatic invasive
species do not expand.
Seals asked what the LMCD does to deal with watercraft going in and out of the lake. Seals commented
the residents love the lake and would be happy to help out financially to some extent but that there are
also a number of people who use the lake who do not contribute.
Page 6 of 12
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,Apri124,2017
7:00 o'clock p.m.
PRESENTATION—Continued
Schleuning indicated the LMCD does milfoil and nuisance plant harvesting as well as watercraft
inspections,but those do not occur at every access point. In addition,the LMCD has had a number of
discussions about ways to monitor vehicles coming in and one avenue is the Lake Service Providers Pilot
Program the DNR is looking at that can be used to implement some type of tagging system or recording
system. Currently the LMCD or DNR does not have anything in place to monitor that.
Crosby asked whether a registration sticker specifically for Lake Minnetonka could help generate funds to
combat AIS. Crosby noted the aquatic invasive species are coming from people who visit the lake and do
not dock their boat on the lake.
Schleuning stated an additional fee on the DNR licenses was proposed but that did not pass. Schleuning
stated she would need to look into that further.
Schleuning stated some of the other items the LMCD has been working on include the Save the Lake
Fund,which contributes towards education, safety,and environmental, sponsoring a boater safety class on
June 19,and a solar lights program for navigational safety.
The LMCD 2017 initiatives include the following:
• Recodification to update standards to today's needs and technology and to provide a user friendly
format.
• Enhance communications to increase public education through printed materials,an online
presence,website,events, and fairs.
• Collaborations with various agencies to focus resources through the sharing of information and
dealing with electric shock drowning,the AIS and LSP pilot program,and carbon monoxide.
Walsh asked if the LMCD videotapes their meetings.
Schleuning stated the LMCD has two meetings per month,with one meeting being primarily a work
session which is not videotaped,and the formal board meeting that is videotaped.
Walsh noted out of the 14 members, Orono consists of seven percent,but that they pay a lot more than
seven percent. Walsh stated in his view Orono should only be paying seven percent of the budget rather
than 20 percent and that the LMCD's levy needs to align more with the City's membership percentage.
Walsh stated when LMCD Chair Jay Green was before the Council last year and presented the budget,he
talked about the LMCD raising fees two or three percent but using$65,000 of reserves. Walsh asked how
the LMCD is adjusting to resolve that situation to avoid depleting reserves.
Schleuning indicated the LMCD will be discussing the budget this Wednesday and that the proposed
budget is online. Schleuning stated one issue they have seen are the grant amounts decreasing through the
years but that the revenue via the city levy has been fairly consistent. Schleuning stated she will have to
take a hard look at what is being done with the reserves.
Crosby asked what the LMCD's annual budget is cunently.
Schleuning stated it has been decreasing over the years but that it is currently$549,000.
Page 7 of 12
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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,Apri124,2017
7:00 o'clock p.m.
PRESENTATION—Continued
Walsh asked how much of that consists of revenue from the cities.
Schleuning indicated she does not have that information tonight but will provide it. Schleuning stated she
also would be willing to come back before the Council to discuss the budget.
Dankey asked if someone from Orono is currently on the Board.
Reeder indicated that position is currently being advertised.
Seals suggested adding solar lights to more of the buoys in the busier areas of the lake since the buoys are
very difficult to see.
Schleuning stated she will bring that idea forward to the Board.
Mayor Walsh asked if anyone from the public would like to comment.
Tim Johnson, 1432 Shoreline Drive, stated Orono's position is basically ignored since the city is only a
fraction of the membership. Johnson noted the LMCD does not contribute to AIS control on Crystal Bay
but that they do contribute to the treatment on some of other bays.
Johnson stated in his view more dialogue between the City and the LMCD is important to help keep
Orono's interests a priority. Johnson stated when there is an issue in Orono,the LMCD sends basically a
rubberstamped type letter to Staff about it, such as the expansion of a commercial dock. In that case,the
letter asked for the recommendation of the City's reviewer. Staff said their recommendation was
approval. Johnson noted that letter shows up as a page in the final findings and facts when it goes to the
LMCD Board. Johnson stated the recommendation of approval from Staff is far from what is happening
in reality and that that might be a conversation that should be had with Staff.
Richie Anderson, 3205 Crystal Bay Road, stated he currently owns three marinas in the City of Orono
and that he has been dealing with the LMCD since 1976. Anderson stated it is a pleasure to see that the
City Council is pushing back on the LMCD. Anderson noted Orono has one vote and there are 13 other
member cities that have a vote that do not represent Orono.
Anderson noted the LMCD has restrictions on how close property docks can be to each other,but if the
neighbor does not protest that,the docks could end up being side by side. Anderson commented the
neighbor likely does not want to complain about that when he has to deal with him six months out of the
year. Anderson stated the LMCD should be enforcing the rules, noting that there is a 20-foot setback on
each side but yet the docks are shoehorned in there.
Anderson stated the LMCD also makes decisions at their work sessions and they are not videotaped.
Anderson stated in his view the LMCD has outworn their effectiveness and that they are ineffective at
dealing with AIS. Anderson noted zebra mussels have been discussed as far back as 1985 and they are
now here to stay. Anderson commented zebra mussels help clean the water but there are not that many
this year,which could mean it is a limited life cycle type deal.
Page 8 of 12
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,Apri124,2017
7:00 o'clock p.m.
7. PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE WORKERS RESIGNATION AND RECRUITMENT
Edwards stated Maintenance Worker Justin Hirsch resigned his position effective April 14. The Public
Works Department maintains six full-time maintenance worker positions. The purpose of this item is to
accept the resignation and to let the City Council know the recruitment process has begun.
Crosby moved,Seals seconded,to accept the resignallon of Maintenance Worker Justin Hirsch and
approve the recruitment of a replacement. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0.
PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER REPORT
12. FOX STREET REHABII,ITATION AWARD
Edwards stated following the City Council's approval to solicit bids,the City received a number of bids
for the project. Staff is asking for approval to award the rehabilitation contract to Park Constxuction in
the amount of$750,485.03. Staff is also recommending the Council approve Bolton&Menk's proposal
to provide construction services for an amount not to exceed$75,500.
Edwards noted the estimated fund balance ending year for 2017 for MSA construction should be
$267,717 after Fox Street rather than the$585,968 listed in Staff's report.
Walsh noted he did receive communication from a couple of residents on Fox Street who would like to
see the City spend an extra$50,000 to get the project completed by July.
Seals stated it is a valid concern but the City has a long list of other roads to complete and that they can
use that money towards another road proj ect.
Edwards noted the contractor completed Watertown Road by mid-August even though they had a
substantial completion date of September and in both cases the road pavement portion of the project were
done by mid-August.
Printup moved,Crosby seconded,to award the bid for the Fox Street rehabilitation project to Park
Construction in the amount of$750,485.03 and to approve Bolton&Menk's services in an amount
not to exceed$75,500. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0.
13. 2017-2018 STREET MAINTENANCE
Edwards stated at the work session the Council discussed which projects to proceed with in 2017 and then
start the planning for the roads scheduled to be completed in 2018 this year. A separate proposal will be
brought to the Council in June for the 2018 projects. Edwards indicated he did add a couple of road
projects that were not discussed at the City Council work session. East Lake Street was added to the list
for 2017 because the project is directly across the street from Tonkawa Avenue and the City might be able
to receive a better price. In addition, full width patches at$100,000 was added to redo Chevy Chase
Road,Minnetonka Highlands, and a couple of other roads. Edwards indicated the idea is to patch some
sections of those roads that are in poor shape,which would allow the City to postpone the full repaving of
the road.
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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,Apri124,2017
7:00 o'clock p.m.
13. 2017-2018 STREET MAINTENANCE—Continued
Edwards noted the funding numbers in Paragraph 5 are pre-Fox Street bid. Since the bid for that project
came in lower than projected,there will be approximately$79,000 more that would be available in that
fund.
Seals noted Leaf Street is included under 2018 MSA street maintenance but that Old Crystal Bay Road is
not included.
Edwards indicated the City will need to determine what projects will be done in 2018.
Walsh stated the City will be looking at Leaf and Old Crystal Bay Road in the near future. Walsh
suggested the City eliminate the preventative maintenance on the road patching and add Minnetonka
Highlands,West Lafayette and Lyric to the list on top of the other items that were outlined in Edwards
recent email to the Council. Walsh noted the other streets listed in the email included Fox Street from
OCB to Willow,Tonka Avenue, East Lake Street,Northem Avenue,Minnetonka Avenue,the Post Office
parking lot,Forest Lake. Wildhurst Trail and Vine Place.
Seals moved,Printup seconded,to approve the 2017-2018 road maintenance plan and to accept the
proposal from Bolton&Menk to perform the engineering and design for the 2017 projects,with
elimination of the full width patching and with the addition of Minnetonka Highlands,West
Lafayette,and Lyric to the 2018 street maintenance plan. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT
*14. #17-3917—JAMES AND VICKI SPLINTER,4005 NORTH SHORE DRIVE,
VARIANCES,RESOLUTION NO.6756.
Printup moved,Crosby seconded,to adopt RESOLUTION NO.6756,a Resolution Approving
Variances from Municipal Zoning Code SecNons 78-330 and 78-1279,File No. 17-3917,for the
property located at 4005 North Shore Drive.VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0.
MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT
Seals reported she attended the Communications Committee meeting and that they are reviewing different
website providers as well as how to expand the City's presence on social media sites.
Seals noted on May 17 the Jake Anderson Leadership Symposium will be held at the Orono High School
in the morning and then at OIS in the afternoon.
Printup reported he attended a meeting with the Long Lake Fire Advisory Committee and that the Fire
Department contract is up for renewal in 2020. Preliminary discussions are underway on that contract.
Printup stated he also represented the Sons of American Revolution color guard last week at the
elementary school and that they had a nice talk about the flag and patriotism in general.
Dankey noted there was a Code Review Committee meeting last week and that they are reviewing what
can be done to simplify the permitting process.
Page 10 of 12
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,Apri124,2017
7:00 o'clock p.m.
MAYOR/COiJNCIL REPORT—Continued
Walsh stated the City Council has already spent quite a bit of time reviewing the amendment changes that
have been recommended and that the committee will continue to bring forward other recommendations.
Dankey noted this coming Saturday is the Orono Red and Blue Gala.
Walsh reported he attended the Big Island Committee meeting and a discussion was had regarding the
possible improvements that can be done to the Island and a vision for the future. On May 8 there will be
an event acknowledging all the people who donated time or money or free storage for the City's dock.
Walsh stated he has had a number of citizen meetings over the last few weeks to discuss issues with the
residents and that it is good to see and discuss some of these things firsthand.
Walsh noted on May 6 there will be the Step-To-It-Challenge walk with the Mayor starting at 9 a.m.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
City Administrator Reeder reported the dock has been installed out on Big Island.
*15. IMPLEMENTATION OF PAPERLESS AGENDA SYSTEM
This item was added to the Consent Agenda.
16. FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT
Olson reviewed the City's first quarter financial report. Olson noted the City's first property tax receipts,
which represent 52.5 percent of the budget,will not be received until June. Overall expenditures are at
24.95 percent. Some departments over 25 percent include Administration,the Mayor and Council
Department,Law and Legal Services,City Attorney,Fire Protection Services and Central Services.
Olson noted the Mayor and Council Department is high simply because the yearly membership dues are
paid at the beginning of the year. The administration budget is higher than normal is due to the
resignation of the past city administration and will likely be over budget at the end of the year since the
previous city administrator was a .75. Olson noted the new city administrator will be a full 1.0,which is a
25 percent increase.
Olson noted Legal services and Central Services are just under 30 percent,which is a little higher than he
would like for this time of the year. Olson noted one of the things influencing that line item is the
ordinance changes that have been done as well as the publication fees. In addition,the City has been
named in a lawsuit,but because there is no liability to the City,the MN League of MN Cities does not
cover the City. Olson stated to his knowledge that lawsuit is almost wrapped up but it amounted to
approximately$5,000 that was not budgeted.
Olson stated fire protection is simply higher at this time of the year because the City paid the first half
payment but that overall the City will be fine on that budget item by the end of the year.
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Monday,Apri124,2017
7:00 o'clock p.m.
16. FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT—Continued
Olson noted first quarter expenditures for 2017 were at 24.95 and that he expects those to be at around
100 percent by the end of the year. For the first quarter,the City had one new investment,which is a CD
paying 2 percent for three years.
Olson reviewed the City's top 10 vendors. The top three for the first quarter include Mark J.Traut
Wells, Inc., for well number four construction, Insituform Technologies for 2016 sewer projects,and the
League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust for the City's liability and workers compensation insurance.
Olson noted the majority of the vendors relate to construction projects.
Printup requested the vendor list also be included in the public packet.
The City Council took no formal action on this item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS,CONTINUED
Richie Anderson,3205 Crystal Bay Road, stated he would like to have a ribbon cutting ceremony for the
new generator that is next to his property. Anderson stated he could coordinate the event and that he will
follow up with Adam Edwards.
Walsh commented it is a great idea.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
Mattick stated he had nothing to report.
ADJOURNMENT
Printup moved,Seals seconded,to adjourn the Orono City Council meeting at 9:20 p.m. VOTE:
Ayes 5,Nays 0.
ATTEST:
C .
Anna Carlson,City Clerk Dennis Walsh,Mayor
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