09-24-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, September 24, 2001 (Fire Station Committee Update, Continued) Murphy indicated the committee did inquire of the construction manager's fee schedule and how that would be paid. The committee at this point feels that there will be sufficient savings on the construction in order to offset the costs of the construction manager. PUBLIC HEARING — 7:00 P.M. ( #2) COFFEE CHANNEL SNOWMOBILE ACCESS Moorse stated a public hearing has been scheduled to discuss possible options for addressing the snowmobile access issue, the use of Coffee Channel, and the use of a 15 -foot wide alleyway located between 1998 and 2000 Shadywood Road. In March of 2001, the Hennepin County Water Patrol closed Coffee Channel to snowmobiles due to unsafe ice conditions, which resulted in a number of snowmobilers using the alleyway. The City Council, in response to concerns raised by the two property owners on Shadywood Road, decided to close the alleyway to snowmobiles and directed City Staff to explore solutions to the snowmobile access issue. Staff explored the option of a floating bridge to provide safe access through the Coffee Channel, which was determined to not be feasible due to a number of reasons. The primary reason was that a floating bridge would not have a solid base at the ends due to the current in the area. Other issues considered by Staff were the possibility of purchasing property to provide for a wider access lane; widen • the channel and replace the bridge with one that accommodates snowmobile access; close the channel to snowmobilers; open the alleyway to snowmobilers; and close the alleyway to snowmobilers with the exception of use by the Water Patrol. The Water Patrol has requested the ability to use the alleyway. Staff also discussed this issue with the DNR, with the DNR indicating that the 15 -foot wide alleyway located directly adjacent to the two homes is not a desirable snowmobile route and is agreeable to working with the City to arrive at a long -term solution. Moorse stated the DNR did indicate they would be agreeable to working with the City to determine whether the acquisition of property would be a more feasible option, with possible funding being available through the DNR to implement this solution. Moorse stated Hennepin County Transportation has indicated the current bridge on Shadywood Road is structurally sound, with no work being planned on the bridge over the next five years. Staff feels the 15 -foot wide alleyway is not a desirable snowmobile access alternative due to noise and safety concerns. Staff feels the best long -term solution would be the acquisition of property for snowmobile access. Mayor Peterson noted the City did receive some letters from local residents indicating their position on this issue. Mayor Peterson opened the meeting for public comment. John and Carol Weiland, 1966 Shadywood Road, addressed the Council regarding their concerns for opening the alleyway. Mrs. Weiland stated they are aware of the snowmobile situation in this area and have discussed this issue with Council Member Nygard regarding possible solutions. Mrs. Weiland stated they would propose that the City leave Coffee Channel open for access by snowmobilers as long • PAGE 2