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• <br />MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />MONDAY, September 24, 2001 <br />(Coffee Channel, Continued) <br />Sansevere stated at the beginning of the meeting he was willing to consider leaving open the channel <br />when it was deemed safe by the Water Patrol, but based upon the comments by Mr. Albertson and the <br />representative from the Water Patrol, he is convinced that is not the best way to go. Sansevere noted <br />Albertson indicated the water could become open at any time, with Mr. Erickson indicating that the ice <br />in that area is not safe at any time. Sansevere stated in his opinion there are safety issues with using the <br />fire lane due to the closeness of the residences and that these two property owners should not have to <br />live with this dangerous situation. Sansevere stated he would propose to close the channel and alleyway <br />and leave it open only for use by the Water Patrol, with Staff being requested to work with the DNR on <br />finding another viable solution. <br />Mayor Peterson inquired whether the Water Patrol deems any part of the lake to be safe at any time. <br />Erickson stated the Water Patrol would never say the ice is safe anywhere on the lake, especially in the <br />channel. <br />Sansevere stated he is not suggesting the entire lake be closed, but that the safety issues with using the <br />channel need to be addressed. <br />Nygard stated to his knowledge the City Council does not have the authority to close the channel and <br />that the LMCD would have the proper authority to close it. <br />• Sansevere suggested this item be discussed with the LMCD. <br />• <br />Flint stated there are a number of government agencies that would need to be involved with closing the <br />channel. He would not subject any resident of Orono to the noise and vehicles using this fire lane. Flint <br />stated in his opinion using the fire lane is not the best long -term solution and that if the alleyway is <br />opened for snowmobilers, it may become the long -term solution and other options would not be <br />explored. Flint stated in his opinion the City needs to continue to work with the DNR to allocate <br />the appropriate funds to deal with this solution. Flint stated he would prefer some type of solution with <br />the bridge be explored. <br />Nygard stated this is a confusing situation and there are a number of issues that need to be considered. <br />Nygard suggested a three -way stop at the intersection by the Super America station be considered in <br />order to address the traffic concerns and help slow the traffic down in that area. Nygard stated <br />unfortunately this is a large safety issue, with the responsibility of the Council being to address that <br />safety issue. Nygard stated he would be in favor of closing the channel down periodically when there is <br />open water and utilizing the fire lane. Nygard stated there are also issues relating to the bridge during <br />the summertime as well that need to be addressed. <br />White indicated he is in support of keeping the alleyway closed. White stated in his opinion most <br />snowmobiling clubs are very responsible and tend to follow the rules, with the snowmobilers who do <br />not belong to clubs tending to be the ones who do not always follow the rules. White stated in his view <br />these two property owners who live next to the fire lane should not be subjected to the amount of traffic <br />and noise that would be generated by snowmobilers. White stated he is in agreement that if the <br />alleyway is left open, it may become the permanent solution, which is not a viable option. <br />PAGE 9 <br />