11-10-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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r I MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 27,1997 (#3 - Old Crystal Bay Road Addition Internal Trail System - Continued) The meeting was opened for public comments. Bob Tunheim, 2755 Countryside Drive West, is an attorney and delegated spokesperson for the residents of the subdivision. He reported that there is tmanimous opposition to the development of the trails. This was determined at a recent meeting held by the residents. Tunheim said the last two residences are currently being built which will complete the subdivision. Jabbour reported that the majority of the Council members were involved in the decisions regarding this recent subdivision. The City has been reviewing their entire comprehensive trail system and feel that all voices should be heard on this issue. Jabbour said he sees there being three issues involved: 1) whether the trail is vital to the over-all trail system; noting whether it goes from point A to point B; 2) whether the City was given park dedication credit for the trail property during the subdivision; and 3) if #1 and #2 are no, then is the City giving up any of their fiduciary responsibility to the City residents at-large if the trails are released back to the ownership of the homeowners. Jahboiu' reported that the Council will do what is right for the City at-large regardless of the opinion of the residents themselves. Tunheim said there is a bike trail on Old Crystal Bay Road to Watertown that connects to the Luce Line for use by the residents. He did not believe any park dedication credit was given for the trails. Moorse reported that there is not a significant public benefit in having a set of public trails in this location, as they come off of a private drive. He thought it may make sense to have the trails private for circulation by the residents in the subdivision. He noted the residents' petition voiced concern with public use and bringing additional traffic into the area. Jabbour responded that if the trails were to become private, it would be the concern of the homeowners to address it, and not that of the City. Keith Bares, 2655 Countryside Drive West, reported that the trails would not go anywhere other than to a wooded area and to an outlot. He indicated the homeowners did discuss private trails. He asked if all of the members of the Council have viewed the property. Jabbour reported that the Council was very familiar with the property.