11/10/2008 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 10, 2008 7:00 o'clock p.m. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT White stated a couple of years ago in connection with a different application Shardlow had suggested closing Kelly Avenue. White suggested the Council look at the bigger picture for this area and how the shopping center might change in the future. White stated the owner of a structure should be required to be involved in the application process. Turner stated she has spoken with the property manager about the parking lot repairs and the lights. Turner indicated she did invite him to attend the Planning Commission meeting. Murphy commented the building is owned and managed by an absentee owner and that the majority of the tenants are not happy with the situation. McMillan noted she and Mayor White attended a meeting of the Metropolitan Council where Mary Smith was thanked for her service and that it was a nice opportunity to touch base with them on a more informal basis. McMillan indicated she has requested some statistics on the park- and -ride facilities in the area regarding their use and capacity. White stated he did mention to some of the Metropolitan Council representatives that he would like to discuss MUSA in the near future and the fact that Orono is not in favor of increasing the housing density around Lake Minnetonka. • Gaffron noted he would be attending a community development meeting next Monday at the Metropolitan Council. • Bremer commented it would be nice to have a get- together with the new mayors and council members in the area to help everyone get to know one another. Murphy noted the grand opening of the highway has been delayed and that he is unsure at this time when it will be. McMillan asked what the nature of the delay is. Murphy stated the contractor was delayed pouring the concrete for the last sections of the road and that there is a concern the blacktop companies will be shut down in the near future due to the colder than normal weather. White noted there is a nationwide shortage of blacktop. Gaffron indicated Mn/DOT's web site, which was updated last week, states that the new Highway 12 project in Orono is expected to open up around Thanksgiving but that additional work remains to be completed, such as the retaining wall and other minor items. Murphy noted there was a Fire Commission meeting held last week and that Chief Farniok expressed concerns regarding how the new highway is striped and signed. Murphy stated they will be having a meeting with Mn/DOT this Wednesday to discuss the Jacob Mills development and the striping of the highway. Page 10 of 13