09-09-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 26, 2019 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Walsh stated the two questions are whether the City is interested in purchasing the land or providing an easement and that in his position the City is really not in the business of purchasing property. Johnson stated he does not see any reason to put an easement on City property for access to that property. Crosby suggested the entrance be off of Willow rather than on either side of the fire station. Walsh noted the speed limit is 30 mph in that area. Johnson noted there was some interest by Council Member Printup about acquiring the parcel to the north to expand the community garden. Walsh stated the City is not really interested in purchasing the property. Crosby indicated he is also not interested in the easement since it will make it a more hazardous situation and that the entrance should be off of Willow. Johnson asked whether it is the City’s responsibility to make a lot more usable. Mattick stated they have to allow access at some level, but the City could provide them access to Willow. Walsh stated unless there is something that precludes them from using Willow, that is what it should remain. Walsh noted two Council Members are also not here tonight to weigh in on this item. Johnson and Crosby indicated they are not interested in acquiring the property. Tony Sarenpa stated when he first brought forth the proposal, it seemed pretty clear that access onto Willow would not be allowed, and with no interest in selling the garden, the options were limited. At some point it appears the intent was to have some type of development on the community garden parcel, which has since changed. As it relates to this parcel, there may be some issues with setbacks since the lot is long and skinny and that he is not sure what the impact of that will be for the adjacent parcels. Sarenpa stated it seems to make sense for the City to own it and that it was something that got overlooked when the road was done. Walsh suggested Staff look closer at the access on Willow. Rief stated the Planning Department will vet that closer, and if it does not meet the City’s requirements, Staff will bring this item back before the Council. Rief stated he will try to have a meeting with Mr. Sarenpa next week. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE, CONTINUED Rief stated he reached out to the LMCD about the $25,000 included in their 2020 budget for lobbying, but he has not heard back from them at this point. Page 4 of 5