12-09-2008 Council Work Session Minutes

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Orono City Council Committee of the Whole December 9, 2008, 6:15 p.m. Orono City Council Chambers Present: Mayor Jim White, Council Members Lili McMillan and Jim Murphy; Council Member- Elect Doug Franchot; City Administrator Bill Wells, Finance Director Ron Olson, Assistant City Administrator for Long-Term Strategy Mike Gaffron, City Clerk Lin Vee, Public Works Supervisors Don DeBaere and Scott Oberaigner, City Engineer Tom Kellogg 1. ID Badges for Council Members • The Police Chief obtained pictures and signatures from 3 Council Members for ID badges. The remaining Council Members should stop at the Police Department office during regular business hours to process their ID badges. 2. Request for Trapping Permit • The Police Chief would prefer issuing a trapping permit when a complaint is received rather than having a homeowner take action into their own hands. • Once problems are documented, the Police Chief would recommend approving a permit for site-specific areas, with traps located only underwater. • Relocation of beaver is not a good option. The DNR allows trapping at anytime on any public waterways during the season with a license. In addition, the City requires a City- issued permit. • If a problem is documented, the City would like to be able to use this applicant as a resource. No complaints were received about the permit that was issued to him last winter. • Jim Murphy moved, Lili McMillan seconded, to issue a trapping permit that is site specific with traps located underwater to Steve Ruchti and Kevin Lamp for the area identified with beaver destruction, and the Police Chief may approve additional sites if complaints or documentation is received about other areas with beaver destruction. Vote: Ayes—3, Nays—0. 3. Michael Kuruvilla —850 Wayzata Boulevard West • Kuruvilla has a small day care business that has fewer students and teachers than previous years. Although the economy is partly responsible, he also feels the uncertainty about access to the property and provision of sewer and water are contributing factors. The Mn/DOT highway impact was not an issue when he purchased the property. • Kuruvilla suggested removing a highway median to allow left turn access for traffic headed east and asked for a letter of support from the City so he could contact state officials to help solve the problem.