09-26-2022 City Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 26,2022 6:00 o'clock p.m. A member of the public asked to talk about items 6 and 13. A member of the public asked to pull item 10 from the Consent Agenda until they hear more about item 19,Fire Department Negotiation Offer to Long Lake. Walsh moved,Crosby seconded,to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of items 6, 10, 13,and 16.VOTE: Ayes 4,Nays 0. PRESENTATION SCHOOL BOARD LEVY-ROBERT TUNHEIM Mr.Tunheim shared about an important item on the ballot this fall involving the renewal of the technology levy.He thanked the City of Orono for their partnership.He introduced the Superintendent Kristine Flesher. Dr.Flesher thanked the community for the technology levy that has been dedicated for 20 years in Orono Schools. It is now expiring and is up for renewal. She showed a video onscreen and followed up noting that there is no tax increase,it is a flat renewal,and important buckets it supports are about classroom learning,reliable safety,and infrastructure. Crosby asked how much in dollars the levy on a$500,000 home is. Dr. Flesher replied it would be about$120 per year on a$500,000 home,or about$10 per month. Crosby stated the technology there is fantastic and he would be interested in keeping it going. PUBLIC HEARING 17. Fox Street Pedestrian and Bike Infrastructure Public Discussion(Project#23-001) City Administrator/Engineer Edwards noted this is a continuation from the previous meeting. The City received a petition and resident input about looking at pedestrian and bike facilities and have also received input against adding those facilities. Eric Dayton, 1820 Fox Street,is here on behalf of 20 of his neighbors.Together they have 18 children and grandchildren who live along Fox Street.All of those advocating for the consideration of this provision are motivated by the safety of the children and families.He shared a deep concern that the status quo on Fox Street is unsafe and unsustainable.The road is narrow,hilly,has poor visibility,cars regularly exceed the posted speed limit(35 mph),there is no shoulder,and there are no lane markings along that section of the road.Collectively they are asking to explore ways to make the road and neighborhood safer as part of the proposed reconstruction and redesign of Fox Street.It would potentially allow those living along Fox Street to have safe access to the Dakota and Luce Line Trails and Mr. Dayton's hope is to be able to bike to Bederwood Park or bike into town for ice cream safely.He spoke with Edwards about the options and learned some important things;the lane width would be between 12- 14 feet wide and Mr.Dayton went out to measure Fox Street noting it is roughly 22 feet wide and at the narrowest point through the wetland it is only 20 feet wide.He noted it is really underbuilt for two lanes of traffic at 35 mph.Mr.Dayton also learned the proposed reconstruction through the low-lying area is an infrastructure expected to last 50 years and this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to anticipate the Page 2 of 13