06-22-1998 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 8,1998 (#2) Saga Hill Park Access Information Meeting - continued Kelley stated all options for access should be pursued to see which one is the most feasible and cost- effective for the City. He thought the estimate of $100,000 to develop Garden Lane was low and was not in favor of spending $200,000-300,000 to build a road to access the park. Jabbour favored relocating the easements on the Church property. If the Church were in a non- controversial position, a land swap or shared use of the parking lot would be preferred. Peterson concurred with Jabbour but asked for clarification on the map of the location of the easement to be vacated and the 20' easement which would be used to access the park. Kelley was in favor of vacating the easement along the north and east/west property lines. He was sympathetic to the Valek's situation. Kelley also thought the City should continue to work with the Church. Goetten agreed with the easement vacation. Flint was also opposed to building a road on Garden Lane because it would be too expensive and he did not want to encourage development of the property to the north. Overdevelopment of that property could also cause erosion into the Wildhurst area. In his opinion, relocating the easement is the second best alternative. He would prefer purchasing the Church parking lot for a niunber of reasons. There would be no need for two parking lots. The Church currently uses their property for a ball field when parking is not needed. It would make sense to put a City ballfield in the saipe area. The issue of safety because children are not visible would be addressed with a ballfield in the Church lot. Few trees would need to be cut. If the City could buy the property, the Church could still use the parking lot when it needed to. He felt that it was unfortunate that the Church was in a difficult position with the neighbors. Jabbour noted that the City has considered potentially buying a piece of land to swap with the Church for the parking lot. Goetten agreed with other Council Members and would like to see discussions continue with the Church with the full support of Council. Kelley moved, Goetten seconded, to recommend that City staff, along with the City Attorney and Mayor, work on negotiations with the Church for the best possible access to the property. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 8