01-28-1991 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD JANUARY 28, 1991 COUNCIL INTERVIEWS CONTINUED transportation planning will be until we better understand the .Highway 12•project. With respect,to some of the existing roads, would like to reduce the speed limit on Willow by Hackberry Park from 40 m.p.h. _o 25 m.p.h. when children are present. The intersection of Highway 15 and County Road 51 is also a concern. I believe the ti:ze has come to warrant step lights at this intersection. We also need to be sure that the traffic lights proposed for Willow and Highway 12 are installed on or ahead of schedule. The City also needs to focus on County Road 116 and take a stand on that project. The City needs to implement a short and long term plan for maintenance or replacement of bridges. Even though approximately 6% of the population rides the bus to work, I would like to see consideration given to developing a park and ride lot." Facilities Needs: "I tried to find reasons why we should not change our present facilities and could only determine that it is paid for. Another facility is needed because the present facility is cramped and inadequate. Additional area is needed if we hire more employees. The existing storage facility is disruptive to the residential area. The Council Chambers is too small for holding public me=etings. If another facility is not constructed, I would suggest that Council meetings be held at another facility. The Police facility is small and unsecured. Ca:--s are kept outside when not in use and there is no holding cell for people who awe in custody. Sooner or later something will have to done, and the costs only increase. The City must explain in detail why the facilities need to be upgraded and then perhaps bring the issue to a public referendum. Long Lake is also looking for alternative facility needs. It may be logical :o combine our efforE:s and construct a multi - functional facility." Lake Use and Management: "I believe the Eurasian Milfoil has reached crisis proportions and we are not making any headway. It is clear to me that the D�TR, LMCD and Hennepin `Parks are emphasizing recreational use at the expense of the environment. The overcrowding of` boats on Lake Minnetonka and lack of boating safety is unacceptable. It may be appropriate to begin issuing user permits and use the fees for the permits to harvest Milfoil or find a cure. Harvesting i_n 1900 was a losing battle and I do not believe this is the answer. I think we should give special consideration to the marinas and lakeshore property owners. I do not think that Milfoil harvesting should occur in each bay, but rather in the channels and as close to shore as possible. And though we saw the lake level increase, I would oppose any type of, ground water pumping to fill the lake if the need ever arises." Cooperation with Other Municipalities: "I have already stated that it will be important for Orono to join forces with surrounding communities with respect to Highway 12. I believe - 3 -