07-26-2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 26, 2004 7:00 o'clock p.m. • (3. BIRCH LANE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, Continued) White stated that the option to split the water two ways seemed the most logical solution, especially in light of the extensive public testimony over the past several months. Sansevere urged Gappa to contact the owner of the parcel in Washington State via telephone and attempt to negotiate with him regarding the easements or inform him of the condemnation proceedings. Betsy Nusbaum, 3480 North Shore Drive, asked if the 90 day condemnation proceedings would delay the entire project or whether the City could begin to lay the curb and gutter etc. Gappa indicated that the curb and gutter could be laid along Birch Lane. Kenton Carlson, 3498 North Shore Drive, stated that, having lived here for 35 years, his experience had been that the 8" pipe could typically handle 98% of the runoff. It is in the spring when the pipe is still frozen and the snow begins to melt that the neighborhood is faced with problems. He was confident the City would not have problems until next spring again, when the pipes freeze. In the meantime, Carlson suggested the City resolve the problems faced by the residents on the south side by crowning the road and installing curb and gutter directing water to the corner, while it continues work on the condemnation proceedings which would then allow the project to be completed. Mayor Peterson reiterated the question whether the City could complete this half of the project iswhile pursuing the condemnation process. Gappa agreed this could be done. • Charlotte Lipa asked who made the decision to install curb and gutter and urged the City to give careful consideration whether they wish to install additional impervious surface of curb and gutter in this rural narrow street. She was concerned about the cost of the installation, as well as, the stormwater flowing directly from Birch Lane into Crystal Bay via the 8" pipe. Gappa maintained that the only way to direct water away and past the lower lying properties along Birch Lane would be to install curb and gutter which could channel the water to the corner. McMillan explained that oftentimes, curb and gutter can be used to channel water in an efficient manner to areas where it can be treated. She commented that, unfortunately, the design of the existing pipe was a poor design from the beginning, but must be used to resolve the immediate issues. Mayor Peterson noted that this narrow road had long since lost its rural nature, due to the sheer density of the area. She indicated that she agreed with the staff recommendation. White pointed out that the installation of curb and gutter was discussed in previous meetings and indicated that if Ms. Lipa had reservations, she should have voiced them at that time. PAGE 3 of 10