08-12-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2002 0 4. North Arm Paving Project — Continued Jim Neilson stated that the road also stays icy in the winter because the snow never melts, which it would probably do on a blacktop road. Dave Supprell stated that rain causes large ruts and gulleys on the road. He added that the Passes don't live on their property on North Arm Drive. Mark Larson stated he was interested in the cost being fair to all residents. He has a widow next door, who was out of town for the meeting, who would not be able to afford the assessment. She lives near the entrance on the already paved portion of the road and was not be interested in the project. Gappa stated that the project would have varying impact on the residents. White asked how the assessment was determined. Gappa stated the total cost was divided by 7, and that the frontages vary for each property. Brad Pass of 235 North Arm Drive stated they currently live in Minneapolis, and they just bought the property 4 days ago. The property's been in Mrs. Pass's family for over 50 years, and they'd like to see the road stay gravel because they made a conscious decision to not develop the property, but keep it natural. • Acting Mayor Sansevere closed the Public Hearing at 7:20 p.m. 0 Gappa stated that there was the possibility of residents appealing the assessment, but he felt the City could prove the benefit of the project and would not lose an appeal. Sansevere stated he was concerned with the hardship to residents. Gappa stated they had 3 neighbors in favor, 3 opposed, and 1 undecided. Murphy stated that of the residents in attendance, they had a majority vote in favor of the project with 3 in favor, 1 opposed, and 1 undecided. He felt that the other neighbors should have attended the meeting or provided written letters in order for their votes to count. Murphy asked Mr. and Mrs. Pass if their issue was aesthetic or financial. Mrs. Pass stated it was basically aesthetic, as they want to keep the road a "country lane." White asked if the plan was to pave the existing road only. Gappa stated it was. They would only pave the current width, not widen or add curb and gutters. They would be paving it at about a 14' width with a 1' gravel shoulder on each side. White stated he supported the project and felt that the low density of the area, not whether or not the road is paved, defined a country feel. He stated the dust and dirt that gets into houses creates a hardship for the residents. 3