04-24-1995 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON APRIL 24, 1995 ( #2 - Old Beach Road - Continued) • Pete Holmberg on Cajun Lane in Shorewood, said he tried to have the road closed on which he lives. He noted that he has watched cars turn in front of him onto Old Beach Road, when he is going north on CoRd 19, and half the time he beats the car and the other half, he is beaten by 200 yards. Holmberg felt the closure was good as it eliminates two intersections where people pull out. He suggested abandoning the road to produce tax savings. Roger Day of 1205 South Brown Road has used Old Beach Road for years. Day said he is opposed to the closing, which he sees as a hindrance. He opined that the actual cost of building the cul -de -sac was not $9,500 but maintenance needed to be factored in as well as time consumption for snow plowings. Day felt all residents should pay for the cul -de- sac, not just the residents on the road. Day noted that we all would like to live on a dead -end street. A resident, who has lived in Orono since 1927, noted that new residents are aware of the roads when they move into the area. It seems to become a problem when they have lived here for a year and then want changes. He asked that these newcomers leave the roads alone. Elmer Martinson of 2799 Pheasant Road said he has never seen a serious accident on Old Beach Road and travels the road 3 -4 times a day. He views those turning on Old Beach • Road allows the speed of the road to slow down. He suggested grading the hill back so the residents on Pheasant Road can see to turn out from Pheasant Road. Martinson also asked why the road was closed without a hearing. Callahan said the road was temporarily closed as a result of a Council meeting, whose agenda is posted. Hurr said no vote was taken at that time to permanently close the road. Hurr asked the public if they would have read the notice. Tom Meyers of 90 Tonka Bay Road noted that if a private street was made, it would increase the value of the property on Old Beach Road. If safety is the issue, the money could be spent to make improvements on CoRds 15 and 19. Eldon Freese of 2648 Lydiard Avenue said he walks Old Beach Road. He noted cars do not use the stop sign. He sees cars who wish to turn left at CoRd 19 and Old Beach Road watch the traffic and go out without stopping. Freese said he is not for or against the closure. He also noted cars passing on the shoulders. Freese noted the number of accidents at the Navarre intersection and the large amount of cars travelling through the intersection. Freese noted that the left turn arrows helped ease the situation. Freese felt that the intersection of CoRd 15 and 19 was safer than Old Beach Road. is 8