04-14-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2003 • 12. #01 -2714 Fred Puzak,1340 Baldur Park Road — Review of Variance Conditions The applicant was not present, so Council decided to table the item indefinitely. Nygard moved, and White seconded, to table Item 12. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT Murphy stated that he had attended the Parks Commission meeting. There was a discussion concerning hardcover variances given over the last few years. They feel that if Orono is serious about the lakes and water quality, then they should look at how variances are given. Mayor Peterson stated that there is a lack of trees on Fox and Old Crystal Bay Roads. Gappa stated that the trees were trimmed because they were in the right -of -way and had to be dramatically cut back because they had grown into the street. The homeowners had asked the trees be replaced, but he feels that is unnecessary. If the City replaces the trees, they would have to do so for every homeowner who complains about how their trees are trimmed. Murphy stated that the trimming had changed the character of the neighborhood. Gappa stated that if the City replaces the trees, they would need to give a • specific reason to justify it in this one instance. • Nygard stated there will be a buckthorn removal DNR project in the park behind Trinity Lutheran Church on County Road 6 in Wolsfeld Woods. He suggested the City help advertise for volunteers. Nygard asked if the street sweepers clean streets near the lakes as a first priority, moving dirt away from the lake in order to avoid early rain washing sand and salt into the lake. Gappa stated they begin with the main roads. Nygard suggested they clean the lake streets first to help protect the lakes from unwanted runoff. PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTOR'S REPORT *13. Accept Quotations for Heritage Drive Sewer Extension Murphy moved, and Nygard seconded, to establish a $14,400 per property connection fee for the connection of 1955 and 1980 Heritage Drive to the Heritage Drive pressure sewer extension project with the provision that the property owners can request to be assessed for the project costs at a 6.25% interest rate for a 15 -year time period. Vote: Ayes 4, Nays 0, Abstain 1 (Sansevere). 7