05-10-2010 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 2 May 10, 2010 4. Open Mike No one appeared for open mike. 5.1. Request from Orono Cemetery Association Ms. Johnson presented hex staff report. Jim Nystrom, Orono Cemetery Association, presented a history of the Orono Cemetery. He explained that the Association's principle concern is the long term protection of the cemetery's assets. He stated an additional concern is assistance with keeping records, and receiving, dispersing, and investing funds. Mr. Nystrom noted that the cemetery was set up non-secretarian which ultimately eliminates churches from owning the cemetery. Ms. Johnson stated that she and Mr. Nystrom have met to discuss this issue on numerous occasions. She indicated the city can own and run a cemetery but would probably not voluntarily choose to do so. Ms. Johnson noted that she understands the cemetery is an important community amenity and the city wants to make sure it continues to get long-term care; therefore, the city may need to take ownership if there are no other alternatives. Discussion took place on the possibility of the city taking ownership of the cemetery. Councilmembers Motin and Zerwas indicated they would only be interested in taking over ownership as a last resort. Mayor Klinzing indicated she is not opposed to the city taking over the cemetery, but also . wasn't against further efforts to find alternatives to city ownership. Council consensus was for Ms. Johnson and Mr. Nystrom to continue to explore options for an alternative to city ownership. 5.2. Board/Commission Handbook Ms. Allard presented her staff report. Councilmember Motin indicated he preferred option B with the removal of the sentence referencing causes for removal for non EDA and HRA members. Councilmembers Zerwas and Gumphrey concurred. Council consensus was to amend the board/commission polity to include Option B as described in the staff report with the change as noted above. This item will be on a future consent agenda for amendment. 5.3. Business Registration/Inspections Mr. Ruprecht indicated this item is in response to a business owner's open mike question about business inspections. He provided some background information. He also provided past examples of when business inspections would have been beneficial. He noted that this program should be looked at as a service to the citizens and businesses. Ms. Johnson indicated the intent of the proposed registration/inspections is to assist the renter/lessee.