09-24-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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�J MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, September 24, 2001 (Coffee Channel, Continued) Soltau stated the fire lane was utilized by them for snow storage and has never been purposely blocked by them since it was always their understanding that the fire lane was not to be used by snowmobilers. Soltau indicated the sign was taken down for awhile due to some work that occurred on their property to correct drainage problems and was re- erected by Mr. Kirchner. Soltau stated it is her belief that this is not an appropriate place to send 300 snowmobilers or however many snowmobilers in one week. Bob Albertson, 2100 Shadywood Road, indicated his son did go around the area by the channel and collected 214 names on a petition. Albertson stated the names on the petition are taxpayers who pay to use the lake. Albertson stated unfortunately a solution will never be found that is 100 percent acceptable to everybody, and due to the safety issues with the channel, the fire lane offers the best solution at this time. Albertson suggested the fire lane only be used during the times when the channel is unsafe, which will probably be four to six weeks a year. Albertson stated by blocking this fire lane, it will result in more snowmobilers traveling through other people's private property. Albertson suggested the City check on the number of accidents that have occurred on County Roads 15 and 51, noting in his view crossing the road at this location should not be a problem. Sansevere inquired whether David Albertson told the people he approached with the petition that if the alleyway is closed it would result in snowmobilers going through their properties. . David Albertson stated absolutely not. Albertson stated he spent the time explaining the situation, with homeowners telling him that they have snowmobilers going through their yards. • Robert Kirchner, 2000 Shadywood Road, stated he disagrees with Mr. Albertson regarding the safety of the corner in this area, with the grade of the road going up as to come to the roadway. Kirchner stated in the wintertime the snow tends to block the view further. Kurt Silton, Mound, indicated the manufacturers of snowmobiles today are making snowmobiles quieter. Silton stated in general the snowmobiling community is concerned about the noise generated by snowmobilers, with steps being taken to address that issue. Carol Weiland, 1966 Shadywood Road, stated in her view the pictures shown by Mr. Kirchner are worth a 1000 words and that she would not want to put up with what those two property owners would have to put up with if snowmobilers are allowed through this fire lane. Weiland stated one main issue the Albertsons have discounted is the high volume of traffic in this area, with Shadywood being a hazardous intersection. Weiland encouraged the City Council visit that intersection and imagine what it would be like to see a snowmobiler coming. Weiland indicated she is not familiar with the ordinance referred to earlier, but to her knowledge there are a number of pathways that have been constructed alongside of highways for snowmobilers to use, which would eliminate the need for snowmobilers to go through people's yards. Weiland noted the Albertsons do live on the lake and are able to access the lake through their own property, and suggested that the Albertsons open their property up for snowmobilers. Mayor Peterson closed the public comment portion of the hearing at 8:36 p.m. PAGE 7