01-13-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON DECEMBER 9,1996 (#10 - #2197 John O'Sullivan - Continued) Gaffron explained to Hurr how the ramp might operate and be situated noting the steep drop in grade. Jabbour said he does not feel the path should go between cars and is also concerned with how snow blowing would work in that scenario. Kelley added that no one maintains the sidewalk now. O'Sullivan said he made the commitment to maintain the trail as has been done to this point by the City (which is not being done). O'Sullivan noted there are only about 10 homes behind the project that would be affected by the trail. In speaking with residents, O'Sullivan was told that no one wanted increased car traffic to their homes and these people would use the access along Olive. O'Sullivan again noted the few numbers of people that use Navarre Lane, the impact caused on his site by the proposal along with his dissatisfaction with a path between the parking lots. He does, however, hope people will come to the area. Elizabeth Hawn of the Planning Commission said she was not at the on-site meeting. She personally feels Culver's will be an attraction that will bring additional traffic to the site, and children will use the shortest route. Hawn is also concerned with people crossing CoRd 19. Hawn said the Planning Commission preferred the route through the middle along Navarre Lane but were unaware of all the information when voicing this preference. Callahan said he can see the path as usable from a practical standpoint. Noting the definitive decline in grade, Callahan asked O'Sullivan if a retaining wall would still be built if the path was not required. O'Sullivan said it has always been the intent to build a retaining wall. Kelley was told a fence would be required. Cook agreed. Kelley noted if no staircase was built, the fence would force people toward a certain direction. Norm Paurus noted very few people use the area for walking. He noted the steepness of the hill seeing the area as more of a play area. He asked the Council to consider putting in a barrier to hold off traffic. Hurr said she received a call from a resident of Navarre who feels the steps would be a valuable asset to those people coming from Minnetonka Beach into Navarre. Kelley moved, Goetten seconded, to approve the vacation of Navarre Lane with the utility easement as noted in the conditions with a bike path between Olive Avenue and CoRd 19, and a retaining wall with a fence pursuant to regulations. The motion would stipulate no ramp and no staircase. Hurr said she favors the steps. Jabbour said the plans have become too elaborate and is in favor of the motion.