11-23-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 9, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 15 19. SMITH AVENUE TRAIL MARKING Edwards said the purpose of this action is to gain clarity on Council direction on the marking of the public access on the Smith Avenue right-of-way on the Luce Line. As part of the 2020 road construction project, Orono added a cul-de-sac at the end of Smith Avenue and added a gravel trail access from the end of Smith Avenue through the right-of-way and links to the Luce Line. Staff believes that access should be marked as it is public, and proposes marking with the standard 4x4 posts which are about 42 inches tall with an inset describing any restrictions and the fact that the access is public. Staff is not proposing any other kind of signage at the trail access as it is a residential community access point. As they were about to input the markers, a neighboring resident informed them there is an agreement with the City that the access would not be marked. At Staff level, there is no knowledge of that; contradicting that, there is direction from the City Council guiding Staff to mark the access. Staff is looking for guidance on whether they are marking the access or not. He told the abutting residents Staff is not proposing putting in a class 3 barricade, a big park sign, or any markers that would direct people outside of the community in to that location. He showed an example of the insets and noted it would be a simple, small sign denoting the access point. Walsh asked if it is possible to get a skinnier or possibly metal post that is not quite as obtrusive. He remembers the discussion about the trail and does not think it was the neighbors’ intent to have it advertised; rather it was to identify the private property versus the trail. Edwards noted the main reason the City went with a 4x4 post is because is it more aesthetically pleasing. Walsh said the neighbor did not want anything put in, however the City has to because it is a public trail. Johnson clarified that this is a trail going through City property. Edwards replied yes, the trail is from the City right-of-way. Johnson said he is shocked that is has to come to the City Council and he would just do what is normally done and put the two posts in. Walsh said the Council gave the guidance so in order to do it the Council would have to change the guidance. He thinks the neighbor was surprised when the City came to put them in because he did not think there would be any signage and Walsh is not sure how that came to pass. Rief said it was part of the original motion which is why Staff had to bring it back to the Council. Crosby asked on similar trails which post they are using. Edwards answered a 4x4 post. Crosby thinks they should be consistent and use the same post. Johnson agreed. Johnson moved, Crosby seconded, to approve the 4x4 post signage at the Smith Avenue Trail Marking. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.