10-26-2009 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 26, 2009 10 7:00 o'clock p.m. (4. DAKOTA RAIL TRAIL PARKING — THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT, Continued) Farniok recommended an overall parking plan be developed for the area. Mrs. Schneck, 2230 Bayview Place, commented that six spots would not be adequate and that adequate parking areas need to be identified. Schneck also expressed a safety concern if bikers /pedestrians go down County Road 19. Meyer stated temporary no parking signs could possibly be utilized until the users get used to going to a different area. Farniok recommended a decision on whether that two vehicle bus stop will remain should also be addressed. Meyer commented that the bus stop area could be expanded slightly to accommodate a few more cars. White stated that signs that say trail parking not allowed in this area or signs that identify where trail parking is available is another option. White stated now is the time to address this issue when the usage is down over the winter. Gaffron stated if you look at where the lot lines are, there is a limited amount of room for parking. One of the driveways is actually located in the railroad right -of -way. Gaffron noted the Metropolitan Council • owns this triangle of land that they have designated for their lift station. McMillan noted the other property that people are utilizing for parking is owned by Hennepin County. Gaffron illustrated the city's right -of -way and the railroad right -of -way. Meyer stated he would like to see the parking kept out of the neighborhood. Gaffron noted there is no sidewalk that connects from Snyder's down to the trail. Meyer stated originally the City had planned to put sidewalks down one side of the road and that he would not be opposed to a sidewalk on both sides as long as there is an eight -foot fence erected. McMillan commented that the municipal parking lot is probably the ideal spot since it is within a couple of blocks and would also promote the Navarre business area. Carlson stated this is an issue that they face on every trail and that the lack of close and adequate parking has resulted in a couple of deaths over the years. Carlson stated as it relates to the development of this particular corridor, there was one community that was very interested in ensuring that pedestrians stop at every crossing, which is now being revisited. Carlson stated if there are stops at every intersection, it diminishes the importance of stopping. Three Rivers has decided to remove the pavement markings on the street, which essentially puts the responsibility on the trail user to proceed with caution. There is a discrepancy or misunderstanding as to whose responsibility it is to stop, and the challenge on a four -way roadway is that the first car stops but the second car does not. It is the goal of Three Rivers to have the cars be as predictable as possible to Page 7 of 11