08-27-1990 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING HELD AUGUST 27, 1990 HIGHWAY 12 CITIZEN GROUP INTERVIEWS CONTINUED • Mr. Johnson stated that he would prefer to have Council ask questions of him. Nettles asked Mr. Johnson for his ideas on the placement of Highway 12. Mr. Johnson replied, "I have an open mind about the location of Highway 12. The longer we wait., the more difficult it will be to find a suitable location as development continues in this area. I do know that I want the safest possible road and would prefer to see a freeway rather than expressway." Mayor Grabek asked Mr. Johnson to explain the difference. Mr. Johnson replied, "A freeway has entrance /exits every 1/2 mile. An expressway could have entrance /exists every 1/4 mile. The new 394 is a freeway. I have talked to the people further west of Orono. There is a lot of push for this project. We need to organize politically to get our funds. The first objective is defining the corridor and the specifications. Then we need to obtain funding. We will need funding assistance from here to the border." Mayor Grabek called on John Massopust. Mr. Massopust said, "I can't answer any questions as to • where I think the road should go. I am not very informed about the issues. I am interested in serving on this committee because I feel this issue will be emotionally charged. I think it is important to keep the lines of communication open to the people in all areas and respond to their questions. I participated in a similar situation when the City put sewer through my neighborhood. I believe that I had a part in the resolution of that issue." Mayor Grabek asked Mrs. Winston to introduce herself. Mrs. Winston stated that she had lived in Orono all her life. She said, "I am convinced that there has to be a corridor but am concerned about maintaining the present character of Orono. I want to see the environment (wetlands and open spaces) protected. I would like to see the corridor located where it will have the least impact on those resources. I remember 20 years ago when this same discussion was taking place. A suitable location was agreed on back then, hopefully this will finally be settled." Mayor Grabek moved to appoint Eleanor Winston to the Highway 12 Citizens Task Force. He said, "My motion is based on the involvement with Highway 12 that Mrs. Winston has had in the past. She has lived in the City all of her life and would be a • 14 -