05-22-2000 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 22, 2000 I* (Narrows Dock Lots, Continued) Gappa stated this item has appeared before the City Council on a couple of previous occasions where concerns regarding parking along both sides of Shadywood Road were discussed. In June of 1999, the City installed "no parking" signs along both sides of Shadywood Road north of the Narrows Bridge. These signs were installed because of safety concerns caused by vehicles parking in this area and concerns regarding safe access into the driveways in this area. Gappa stated the status of the easements has been uncertain in the past, with several options previously discussed for access to the dock lots. One possible discussed option was the construction of a new driveway entrance on the north side of the dock lots. The existing entrance had always been off the private road along the south side of the dock lots. The space available for a new driveway on the north side is limited because of the steep topography. Obtaining the easements for this new driveway would also be very difficult. Another option presented was allowing parking along the southernmost 100 feet of the southbound shoulder area. Gappa noted there still is a safety concern from bicyclists moving out into traffic to pass the parked vehicles. Gappa indicated City Staff has since researched the easement issue further, with copies of the recorded easement documents being obtained from Hennepin County. Gappa stated in 1955, • numerous registered land surveys were done in this area, with a number of lots being created at that time. Gappa stated the dock lots are considered Torrens property rather than Abstract property. The Certificates of Title for these dock lots list easements that are recorded against the properties going back to 1955. Based upon City Staff review, it appears that road easements were granted to allow for access to the various properties. Gappa stated the easements diminish the need to consider changes to the current no parking area. Gappa noted the City has received numerous letters regarding the use of the dock lots and the conditional use permits that have been approved in this area. Gappa stated this hearing is intended to give the neighbors a chance to provide their input into this matter and what, if any, action the residents feel is necessary to address the issues regarding the dock lots. Mayor Jabbour stated following a rather big event held on Big Island approximately one year ago, the City Council passed a resolution to eliminate parking along Shadywood Road. Jabbour stated the City has been requested by the dock owners to revisit the issue and reconsider the City's position. Jabbour noted since this issue was first discussed, City Staff has determined that easements in this area exist. Tom Barrett, City Attorney, reiterated that City Staff has looked at the easements in this area, noting a formal survey of this area could be conducted for approximately $500, which would • outline all 38 lots and the cross easements. Barrett noted the City has not had a formal survey