HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-27-2015 Council Work Session Minutes
Council Work Session April 27, 2015 Page 1
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
April 27, 2015
5:00 o’clock p.m.
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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,
Public Works Director/Engineer Adam Edwards, Senior Planner Michael Gaffron, City Planner Melanie
Curtis, Police Chief Correy Farniok, City Attorney Soren Mattick, and City Clerk Diane Tiegs.
1. Approval of Agenda 5:07 p.m.
The agenda approval process has been added to this meeting so Council can add or remove items.
Council discussed that items need to be Staff driven to allow for requests, opportunities for direction
and for Council to stay abreast of current issues. It was noted that Staff spends a lot of time
researching work session items and Council should give consideration and explanation before adding
an item to the Work Session agenda. Two items currently on the agenda have been discussed several
times and one item was acted upon and approved at a recent Council meeting.
2. Street Funding Discussion
Public Works Director/City Engineer Edwards reviewed the presentation chart which displayed the
current street and road repair requirements versus available funding in 2015. There are more road
repairs needed than available funds. Some roads are near the point of total reconstruction, others
need mill and overlay, or crack seal and seal coat. There is no reliable funding source for routine road
maintenance. The issue for the City is to repair the infrastructure that has not been maintained due to
lack of funding. During the 1990’s and 2000’s there was a maintenance plan but at some point the
roads were not repaired as needed.
Council has used short‐term funds from other sources that are leftover from previous years to
complete small repairs. There are four funding sources for Council discussion for the needed repairs:
A. General Fund
B. Bonding
C. Special Assessments
D. Franchise Fees
Council discussion centered on the need for future planning without over‐burdening the property
owner. Council guidance was requested to prepare for the 2016 budget. MSA funds are the only funds
currently dedicated for roads. A general consensus was reached that the general fund would be the
first option to consider with special assessments the second choice. Council would like more
information on bonding as well. Council directed Staff to prepare an example of a $400,000 budget
detailing what it will fix and also a 2 year outlook for mill and overlay projects.
Council Work Session April 27, 2015 Page 2
3. Sprint Lease Buyout Analysis
Finance Director Olson reviewed his analysis regarding the proposed option to sell the antenna lease
revenue. It was noted the funds from the antenna leases subsidize the Orono resident’s utility (water)
rates. Council’s discussion of the research suggests not selling the antenna leases.
4. Development Connection Fees for Northern Utility Extension
Public Works Director/Engineer Edwards relayed to the Council that developers are showing interest in
properties along the western portion of CSAH 112. The utilities in that area would need to be
extended. Edwards presented options for cost distribution and funding. Council directed Staff to
explore two options:
Divide the pipeline projects to better associate specific portions of a project with benefiting the
property. Properties that are downstream on waterlines or upstream on sanitary sewer pay
proportionally more.
The other option would have City fund the projects and then charge the developers for their
portion as each development occurs.
5. Met Council Population/Housing Projections
Senior Planner Gaffron reviewed the most recent Met Council population and housing projections for
the City of Orono, as well as the draft amendments to the 2040 Housing Policy Plan. After discussion
Council directed Staff to respond to Met Council regarding the population forecast and stating that the
affordable housing allocation for Orono should be focused on the higher end of the affordability range.
6. City Administrator Verbal Report
Due to the time constraints the City Administrator’s report was not presented.
7. Wellhead Protection Presentation (6:30 PM – 6:45 PM) – Guest Speaker
Mr. Joe Stephens from a well drillers association spoke to Council about wellhead protection, the
recently approved City Ordinance, and the need to keep the door open should a well be needed.
Council responded that a resident can appeal the ordinance explaining their extenuating circumstance
should there be a situation that warrants an appeal or variance.
ATTEST
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Diane Tiegs, City Clerk Lili Tod McMillan, Mayor