07-13-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 22, 2015 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 19 Turner stated the original concepts were indicating it was probably going to be a long-term closure of the roadway along the lake in Long Lake to get that piece constructed. As a result, Long Lake has raised some concern with the road closure and Hennepin County is currently in the process of re-evaluating to see whether there are any options and/or additional expenditures that will need to be made as part of the project in order to keep the roadway open at least one lane in each direction. In addition, there is also potential development on the east side of the lake on the north side that was not anticipated last fall. Turner stated they will probably need to revisit whether or not the trail proposed out of Long Lake will be on the south side of the road as originally proposed or on the north side. Turner indicated the development of Birches on the east side of the road has changed their philosophy a bit and that they are currently looking at that and will keep everyone informed. McMillan stated the advisory committee is working hard to see if the trail can be constructed on the north side, which would allow the trail to be located along the lake. McMillan stated she appreciates MN/DOT being open to different ideas. 4. TOUR DE TONKA – 8:00 P.M. Tim Litfin, Minnetonka Community Education, stated this year’s Tour de Tonka will occur on August 1. Last year there were six different rides as part of the Tour de Tonka with four going through Orono. Litfin noted all riders made it through the event safely. Litfin stated the Tour de Tonka has been going through Orono since the first year of the event and that they would like to continue working with the City. Litfin stated riders continue to come to the Tour de Tonka from all areas, and that while they celebrate all the riders, in particular they celebrate the ones who come every year. A number of local communities participate in the event, including Orono, Long Lake, Minnetonka, and Minneapolis. The age of the riders is also spread throughout all the ages, with the oldest rider being 86, who participated and finished the 100-mile ride. Litfin stated the event helps benefit the ICA Food Shelf. Litfin stated Orono has an outstanding Police Department and that they appreciate their help in keeping this event safe every year. Litfin stated the Tour de Tonka has a 16, 28, 49, 57, 77, and 100 mile rides and that the riders will be going through approximately 20 communities this year. Litfin noted Trinity Lutheran Church is the rest stop in Orono and that he would encourage people to come to that rest stop to talk with the riders. In addition, the event has had a number of sponsors as well as volunteers participate, which has helped make the event a great success over the years. The City Council took no formal action on this item. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS – CHRISTOPHER McGRANN, REPRESENTATIVE McGrann stated he had nothing to report but would be available for questions. PUBLIC COMMENTS Scott Gronholz, 2008 Sugarwood Drive, stated his comments pertain to the proposed Mooney Lake development. Gronholz indicated he met with the developer at the property in late February, early March, and at that time discussed a shared vision with the property owner. The vision was to preserve the prairie,