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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 22,1999 <br />CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT <br />(#14) SAGA HILL ACCESS <br />City Administrator Moorse stated a few years ago the City acquired a nine acre tax-forfeited <br />parcel in the Saga Hill area, and since that time the City Council has been looking at various <br />options to provide access to the area. Moorse indicated the Fairview Covenant Church has <br />indicated a willingness to work with the City regarding access, which had led to several <br />meetings between the City and Fairview Covenant Church. <br />Moorse stated the City is considering four different options regarding access to this area, which <br />include the following; <br />1. Access would be acquired along the eastern edge of the church property, which would <br />not negatively impact the natural vegetation or environment, would have a low impact to the <br />surrounding residential area, and is within short distance of the park. <br />2. Access would be acquired through the adjoining Palmer property to the east which would <br />lessen the impact on the church property. <br />3. Reduce the right-of-way width from 40 feet to 30 feet and move the access drive to the <br />western portion of the right-of-way. <br />4. An option proposed by Mr. Palmer would use both the church property and the Palmer <br />property. <br />Moorse indicated that use of Garden Lane right-of-way has also been considered as an access <br />option but has several disadvantages, and City Staff would prefer not to construct a driveway in <br />that area. <br />Moorse remarked that the area designated the Natural and Scenic Area is under a restrictive <br />covenant through the DNR, which restricts the uses allowed on the property, and it is not clear <br />whether a parking lot or an access drive would be permitted in that area. <br />Mayor Jabbour gave a brief background regarding acquisition of this parcel of land by the City <br />and the efforts the City has taken throughout the years concerning access to this parcel of land. <br />Jabbour stated this land has been designated by the City as park land, and it is the intent of the <br />current City Council to keep the use of this land passive. <br />Jabbour stated the City is contributing funds towards the purchase of some additional land <br />adjacent to this parcel, and the City will continue to work with the local residents and the