01-06-1997 Park Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETII�IG HELB ON JANUARY 6, 1997 (#1 A Saga Hi11 - Continued) Valek informed the Commission of his attempt to settle the access issue with the City over the past two years to no avail. He reported his ownership of two lots with a l 0' utility easement located between the two lots. Valek noted the easement was described in his abstract as a utility easement at the time af purchase in 1978. He reported he went over the easement issue at the time of purchase with the City inspector and was tald it was to be used for utilities only. Valek's driveway and yard are located over the easement area. Valek said the City informed him they were in approval of the use at that time and were planning to vacate the easement at some paint. Mrs. Valek said the easement is legally defined as a utility easement. Although Garden Lane is known to be the primary access ta the park land, Valek said the City has attempted to change his easement from 10' to 20' for access purposes. Valek toid the Commissioners that he was attending this meeting in order to ask the Park Commissian to recognize his concerns. He reported that he was informed by City Administrator Moorse in his attempt to settle the issue with the City that the Park and Planning Commissions were directed to settle the access issue. He asked if the Commission felt Garden Lane was adequate for access. Mrs. Valek also noted that the City has asked them to move their easement to their other lat which she said wauld destroy it. She nated it is a buildable lot with sewer assessment paid. Mrs. Valek said the City has been treating the easement as an access easement rather than as described in the abstract as what is a utility easement. Mrs. Valek relayed what the ordinance describes is a utility easement. She noted the drainage running through the easement goes through an alleyway, their yard, and on to a wetland area via the ravine with running into Forest Lake. Mr. Valek said the land was platted to provide drainage to the wetland. Valek informed Wilson when asked that he prefers access to the park land from Garden Lane. Wilson said the desire is to provide access to people without undue problems. Valek toid her that Garden Lane has been used as a trail to the park land along with access fron3 the church property parking lot. He noted the open fields where baseball is played has far many years been used to access the park land area. Wilson noted that the easement from the church property wouid be anly a temporary solution for the length of time the church would see fit to allow. Valek said he understood the church would allow the access as long as the land is used as apen space and there is opposition to any major develc�pment of the park land. He questioned what the view is af the property by the Commissioners. 2