01-13-2009 Council Work Session Minutes

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� Orono City Council Committee of the Whole January 13, 2009, 6:15 p.m. Orono City Council Chambers Present: MayorJim White, Council Members Lili McMillan, Doug Franchot and Cynthia Bremer; City Administrator Bill Wells, Finance Director Ron Olson,Assistant City Administrator for Long- Term Strategy Mike Gaffron, City Clerk Lin Vee 1. Ken Potts—Contract Services and Rates • Ken Potts explained that he works with criminal cases, moving violations and court appearances. The bulk of his work is with DWIs and domestic violence. Fine revenue has been pretty good. He also handles vehicle forfeitures related to repeat DWI offenders. • Potts works with Campbell Knutson on some civil cases, as well as ordinance changes. The Hollander situation is an example of a recent case. Civil cases are difficult in criminal courts. Judges aren't very sympathetic to property violations when they handle violent crimes on a regular basis. • The LMCD processes BWIs. • Potts also works with the Minnetrista and South Lake Police Departments. 2. RideNet • Evelyn DeSmet, RideNet Community Coordinator, explained the RideNet program. The agency is basically a referral service. It is a non-profit organization that works under a for-profit organization out of St. Cloud. Hennepin County contracted with them to provide service to Hennepin County residents. • The Call Center is based in St. Cloud and calls are answered 24/7. The dispatch center reviews area transportation options and coordinates existing transportation if possible. They like to have 24-48 hours notice. All arrangements are made for the user. • The cost is$2.50 for a one-way trip if transportation is provided by RideNet. If the user has a medical appointment and insurance covers transportation, RideNet bills the insurance company. Dial-a-Ride and Metro Mobility are two existing local options that RideNet often uses for area residents. • DeSmet requested that Council share information about the program with others and asked about good locations to leave "rack cards" so residents have an opportunity to learn about the program. • The program has been well received by those who know it's available. DeSmet is in the area 3 days during the week and could stop anytime to drop more cards off or answer questions. • At their website www.ctridenet.com, another program is available called "Drive to Own" which helps low income individuals purchase a vehicle. The program allows purchasing of a vehicle for $40 per month by providing rides for others. 3. Fee Schedule Review • Fee increases will be part of the budget process in the future. • Some of the fee increases were based on the Municipal License and Fee Survey that is put out by the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities every 2 years. Orono is compared to other cities in the 2,500-10,000 population range. In many instances, Orono's fees were in the low