04-03-2003 Council Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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[ MINUTES OF THE ORONO NAVARRE TOWN MEETING Thursday, March 13,2003 7:00 o ’clock p.m. difficult, allows Navarre to succeed. As a Minnetonka Beach resident in support of the trail, Mr. Crear felt that it was ludicrous that the trail was facing such opposition in his community. Alisa Rashid, owner of the Sign Age at 3502 Shoreline Drive, stated that she has thoroughly enjoyed working with the community over the past 8 years. She stated that Navarre provides a close network of people who support one another. She stated that business owners have begun different attempts to unify the community, for instance, the banner program has been embraced by business owners. She thanked her neighbors for their active support and encouraged even more sponsorship and support for local events like the Dog Days of Navarre. While Ms. Rashid agreed that Navarre could be a very quaint and charming community made up of numerous specialty stores, she believed more care needed to be given to improvements and beautification through a partnership of business owners and the City. William Omiie, I860 Shadywood Road, questioned whether there was any way to construct a sidewalk along County Road 19. He felt that Shadywood was a dangerous place to walk. White stated that the City would like to get a sidewalk from Navarre to the Dakota Rail Trail. Greg Gappa, Public Service Director, stated that the City hopes to complete sidewalk construction along the first block of Shadywood this year using some state aid funding. He indicated that attempts will be made to complete consecutive blocks as resources become available. Phyllis Hendersen, 2308 Shadywood Road, asked which side of the road the sidewalk was proposed for or whether it would run along both sides. Andrew McDermott, Park Commission Chair, stated that the sidewalk would likely nm along the west side of the street. White commended McDermott for his design of the Navarre Park. There was public applause and appreciation. Louis Hudlow, 3438 Lyric Avenue, stated that, while she lives a mere block from Navarre, she doesn't dare walk to the grocery store. She stated that, currently, Navarre is very unfriendly to p.iicstrian traffic, and what sidewalks do c.xist, are not maintained in the winter due to snov.' cover. She urged the Council to do more for pedestrian access to Navarre and the addition of crossing lights. Rick Rice, 2700 Kelly Avenue, suggested the City investigate using the lagoon across from the Sign Age for boats w ishing to gain access to Navarre businesses. He felt it would be nice if people could diKk somewhere and use the Navarre amenities. Mark Palmer, 2450 Carman Street, stated that, as a resident of the lagoon area, there is little room for more access here. He stated that it was difficult to negotiate the lagoon as it stands yet alone adding additional traffic. Murphy thanked the residents for coming to the to\. ,i meeting and making their voices heard He stated that; while the current tax situation is difficult, Orono was better off than most of its PAGE 6 of 10 (