09-13-1993 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 13, 1993 • ( #17) DAVE PETERSON - HIGHWAY 12 DISCUSSION - CONT. Mayor Callahan noted traffic near the school would be affected and there would be economic changes for the businesses on the Willow corner. He felt the City has been pressing MnDOT as hard as they can. Letters- have been written, resolutions passed, meetings have been held, committees have been established from Long Lake and Orono, etc. Mayor Callahan is not opposed to Peterson's suggestions but he feels Orono has done all that can be done at this time. Peterson feels the City has not been listening to the problems because he has been dealing with this issue for over two years and has seen no progress with the highway. He feels others have decided a new highway will "fix" the problem and this is a long way off. If the suggestion for turn restrictions was done, it would not be irreversible if it did not work. He was told by MnDOT that physical barriers would be at MnDOT's expense. Callahan questioned if Peterson knew how long it would take MnDOT to get authorization to "write the check" for these physical barriers. Peterson asked if that was a reason to do nothing. Peterson understood that there were other upgrades being considered such as the continuation of Daniels, the frontage road along Highway 12, that would alleviate some congestion problems. In addressing commercial concerns, Peterson felt there were other ways to reach these businesses that people would find. Since there are 20,000 cars driving this highway every day, Peterson feels a safe highway is owed to these users. is Kelley commented he may be in favor of no left turns without the pork chop island during rush hours until a long -term solution is completed. Before pursuing this he would like to hear comments from the public and surrounding businesses. He agreed there are many close calls for accidents at this intersection. Peterson feels that since MnDOT is suggesting the temporary solution that it should be considered. Kelley would like to see what the costs and ramifications would be of putting in "no left turn" signage. Goetten added that there is a Willow Drive /Highway 12 committee meeting with MnDOT representatives this week to see what can be done realistically by the Council. Peterson reiterated that the signs could come down if they did not work. He wanted to know when he could expect an answer and does not want to see it pigeon -holed again. Mayor Callahan replied that the issue has not been pigeon - holed. A Task Force has met in the last two months with representatives of Long Lake and MnDOT to see what is feasible for this intersection and whether Long Lake's traffic could be moved through Orono. Another meeting is scheduled. 10 40