09-13-1993 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO COUNCIL MEETING • HELD SEPTEMBER 13, 1993 ( * #15) AUCTION OF CONFISCATED AND EXCESS PROPERTY It was moved by Jabbour, seconded by Goetten, to accept the information regarding disposal of unwanted, obsolete and confiscated items. Ayes 4, nays 0. ( #16) SEPTIC MORATORIUM This item will be discussed following Item #17. ( #17) DAVE PETERSON - HIGHWAY 12 DISCUSSION Peterson presented additional information to the Council. He felt it is the City's and State's obligation to provide safe highways and maximum traffic flow to the best of their ability. There has been discussion about a stop light at the intersection of Willow Drive and Highway 12 for a number of years. Peterson has had conversations with Police Chief Sullivan and Police Chief Kilbo regarding this matter. Peterson indicated he had received some discouragement from Chief Sullivan despite the fact that Chief Sullivan had no facts available about the nature and frequency of accidents at this intersection. Peterson observed that there is now information in the packet regarding 1993 figures. • Peterson noted, according to his report, that 8 accidents were reported at this corner in 1991 and 15 accidents in 1992. This calculates out to 1' /a accidents per month indicating that accidents will continue at the rate of at least one per month. On this basis, Peterson is requesting some changes to be made as soon as possible. He expressed his frustration and disappointment with the bureaucracy involved with this issue and their loss of letters written to MnDOT. He pointed out in the July 21, 1993 letter from MnDOT that the proposed work would have a cost of $1,050,000 and would not to be completed until the end of 1994. He does not want to wait for another 15 accidents to occur during that time period. He also noted that MnDOT suggested the quickest, best and safest solution is to close the median. He did not feel waiting until a decision is made on the Highway 12 corridor is an appropriate answer and wants to have a response to the MnDOT letter. Peterson indicated he has presented this information to Long Lake and they were enthusiastic about signage for turn restrictions. He requests that Orono either consider signage or the MnDOT suggestion of the "pork chop island". Peterson noted according to statistics that accidents (those that are turn related) could be reduced by 56% at this intersection. It is foolish not to try to reduce accidents at this intersection when there are possible solutions. In response to Mayor Callahan, Peterson added there would be other ramifications with turn restrictions such as an increase in traffic on Brown Road and in Long Lake and an increase of planning for trips by people using Willow Drive. is 9