05-24-2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 24, 2004 7:00 o'clock p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS — Mark Fritzler Fritzler reported that most of the Planning items were contained in the Consent Agenda. He pointed out that the Park Commission and City Council would soon see a developer's request for 7 lots off South Brown Road, in which the issue is the lack of access to the Luce Line. LMCD REPORT — Debora Halvorson No report was given, since representative Halvorson was absent. PUBLIC COMMENTS Former Mayor Ed Callahan, 108 Orono Woods Apartments, stepped forward stating that he had attended a recent meeting at the Tamarack Center with the task force for the tumback of saving Highway 12. He wished to congratulate the City Council for having the foresight to prepare, attend, and take an active role in the turn -back process. In addition, Callahan encouraged the City Council to use the same foresight and preparedness when addressing the problems created by the abandonment of the Vets Camp at Big Island. A past controversy, he explained that this issue has been quiet for many years and poses some critical questions for the City. Callahan urged the City to deter further development on Big Island and instead consider purchasing it, or partnering with the County to purchase the site to become a park. He advised the Council to be concerned and involved in the abandonment of the Vets Camp and 0 • future plans for the parcel. • While an organized group of vets overturned a similar vote in the 1970's, Moorse reported that the Board of Governors had indeed voted to abandon the camp. He believed that public entities would be offered the first opportunity to make a bid for the parcel over the course of the next year. Murphy concurred with Callahan, stating that it would be in the City's best interest to stay on top of this issue to ensure that something irreversible does not happen at Big Island with regard to development. He asked what the plan for accountability at the camp was over the summer. Moorse indicated that they had contacted the Board to suggest they keep some level of security out there this summer. Attorney Barrett stated that, if the site has been officially abandoned, the person holding the title would be responsible for security at the Camp. He indicated that they could begin a title search. Murphy stated that it would be wonderful if the vets rose up again, as they did in the 70's, to overturn the Board's decision. Moorse acknowledged that posting `no trespassing' signs may be warranted. Gerry Timm, 2885 6"' Avenue North, asked whether any progress had been made relative to their driveway zoning situation since the last month. r: Page 2 of 8