02-24-2020 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 24, 2020 6:00 o'clock p.m. Chief Van Eyll said calls by day of the week were broken down. There is no rhyme or reason but is generally related to wind storms or ice storms. May,June,July, and August are the busier months. The fire department participated in numerous team activities such as the Fire Department Boot Hockey Tournament, Fight For Air Climb-American Lung Association, Chili Cook-Off, Twin Cities Race for the Cars,Long Lake Rowing Crew LLPD versus OPD,OPD versus LLFD Softball, and Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army. There are several"Save the dates"for 2020, including a pancake breakfast on April 26, the 5K on July 25, an open house on October 5,and the toy and food drive on December 5. Walsh asked when Minnetonka Beach was brought in, and if there was any fluctuation in numbers. Chief Van Eyll said it was 2019 and the numbers were pretty much what was expected,with approximately 40 calls from Minnetonka Beach.However,they did not see their numbers fluctuate, which was due to reductions in Orono and a slight increase in Long Lake. Walsh noted there were not a lot of power outages the past summer. Chief Van Eyll stated there was a lot of tree-trimming done and he did not feel the wind storms were as powerful as they have been in the past.There were 38 calls from Minnetonka Beach,and he feels so far it's been a success and looks forward to another year with them. He will get back to the Council regarding national averages in addition to the surrounding area's averages. Crosby and Chief Van Eyll discussed getting national average numbers on first unit in service and first active unit on-scene as opposed to a duty officer. Crosby thanked the fire department for their work. PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER REPORT 8.BIG ISLAND PARK ADA TRAIL PROJECT(19-033)PRE-BID DESIGN REVIEW Edwards said the purpose of the action is three-fold: One,to provide an update on the design for the project; two, to clean up some administration with the grant of restrictive covenant which is required by the grant from the DNR;three,to discuss where they are in funding. Edwards presented the Big Island design review and pointed out trails they intend to upgrade to an ADA standard.For the most part,trails are being upgraded except the trail that will be built from the docks up to just past the visitor center.There are some challenges with the grade in meeting the ADA standards. Johnson asked if that location was where it makes a left turn instead of going off to the right. Edwards stated he was correct,that you would come off the docks and go immediately left, which is the least grade and a little bit of winding back and forth to avoid trees.They believe those trails are camp roads from when it was a veterans' camp so there is a decent base,and they will be improved. He indicated the location for a vault toilet system by the visitor center and the location for a sheltered pavilion, rock bench area,and pavilion area with picnic tables.They have templated a second vault toilet, but that location is less preferred because it would be more challenging to maintain. He discussed trail nodes details and the plan to restrict vehicular access into and out of wooded areas to keep down motor vehicles on the island, especially in the winter. They would use a mix of large rocks with removable Page 5 of 15