HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-29-2018 Council Work Session Minutes Orono City Council
Work Session
Tuesday, May 29,2018
Council Chambers 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Richard F. Crosby II, Wendy Dankey,
Aaron Printup and Victoria Seals. Representing staffwere City Administrator Dustin Rief,
Finance Director Ron Olson, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Adam Edwards,
Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart and City Clerk Anna Carlson.
Meeting Start Time: 5:00 p.m.
1. 2019 Street Maintenance,Engineering& Budgeting
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Adam Edwards began with a short presentation
of 2019 Street Maintenance plan.
There was discussion in regards to budget and prioritizing the streets listed on the Street
Maintenance plan presented. The roads that will be addressed first at this time will be
East Long Lake Road(South), Tonkaview Lane, and Chevy Chase Drive.
City Administrator Dustin Rief inentioned that he will forward the draft budget to
everyone. Rief noted that the preliminary discussion for budget will be discussed at the
June 22"a Council Work Session. The preliminary budget will then be presented in July
at a City Council meeting.
2. Double Fee Discussion
Director of Community Development Jeremy Barnhart began discussion regarding an
issue connected to a contractor that did not have to pay double fees for a project that was
started prior to an approved permit. Barnhart also noted that he uses his discretion as
needed when it comes to enforcement of double fees.
Walsh mentioned that he understands the customer service that had been provided at that
time with that proj ect.
Council Member Victoria Seals indicated that she struggles with the gray area on the
subject and at the fact that double fees is based on a judgement call.
Walsh noted that the issue was caught early and mitigated quickly enough that it really
wasn't an issue.
Council Member Richard F. Crosby II, mentioned that he understands the reasoning
behind the judgement call and hopes that there was at least mention of a reprimand about
the issue to eliminate any future instances.
Council Member Wendy Dankey mentioned that a verbal reprimand should be given if
they are going to be able to proceed without double fees.
Seals noted that if Barnhart was willing to take that on then he would have her support to
make judgement calls.
Crosby agreed and noted that repeated behavior for the same issue should not be
acceptable. Walsh agrees that Barnhart should use discretion as needed. Walsh
mentioned that not all contractors know for sure if they need to pull permits because
every city is different. Barnhart does want his staff to be strict on the deadline and
appreciates the support from the City Council on this.
3. Committees,Boards & Commissions Discussion
Seals began discussion about the item, she has heard that it is a hard to get people to
serve on commissions. Seals asked if alternates should be able to serve in vacant spots as
part of the quorum. Seals noted that it would benefit the alternates because it would help
them gain experience. Alternates are fully trained to serve so they should be able to sit at
the seat during the meeting. It would benefit their training and also get them more
engaged.
Dankey asked if commissioners let other members know if they will not be making it to
the meeting.
Barnhart mentioned that we nortnally ask for attendance the week prior to the meeting.
Rief asked if we need to adopt a formal policy for commission members.
Walsh does not see a need to have anything formal and also mentioned that possibly
making it a requirement to attend a certain percent of ineetings could be an option.
Rief would like to add a term limit to Parks Commission. There was discussion
regarding adding term limits to the Parks Commission and collectively the group agreed
that it would be a good idea as long as the terms are staggered.
Rief noted that the City has only one standing committee and in other places that he has
been they have multiple committees like Finance, Public Safety, etc. Rief inentioned that
it is a way to engage council at new levels.
Walsh would like a Finance Committee and would like to be involved in it to get more
understanding and engagement.
Rief would also like to organize a Public Works Committee. Both Walsh and Seals
would like to be involved with that committee.
Seals also mentioned that she would like Mark Kral to come to one of the City Council
meetings for a LWDC update.
Meeting End Time: 5:58 p.m.
ATTEST:
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Anna Carlson, City Clerk Dennis Walsh, Mayor