05-24-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, May 24, 2010 is 7:00 o'clock p.m. (13. REVIEWPRELIMINARYDAKOTA TRAIL PARKING OPTIONS, Continued) Gaffron stated the Three Rivers representatives can inform the Council on what they have done in other cities for parking. Gaffron asked if they would like a public information meeting that includes both the Planning Commission and the City Council at the same time or at a separate time. Jessica indicated she does not have an issue with it being part of a regular City Council meeting. White noted that Three Rivers has not made much progress on this issue over the winter and that more information is needed. Gaffron stated Staff and Three Rivers have analyzed a variety of sites and the issues associated with each site. Bremer stated the question becomes what the City wants, regardless of what Three Rivers is suggesting. The City needs to be able to refer people to certain locations for parking. In her view not many of the proposed spots are good parking options. Bremer stated she would like additional information regarding the city parking lot lot and how many cars it can accommodate. The local businesses may be upset to lose more parking and that issue needs to be explored further. White stated the reality is that people will park where they want to park and that the City should look at areas to designate as no parking. • McMillan concurred that areas should be identified as no parking. McMillan indicated she has observed people using the Crystal Bay Post Office parking lot on the weekends and that there is a port-a -potty available there. Franchot requested Staff provide the City Council with a list of locations that they felt were more ideal. Gaffron indicated Staff will gather the requested information and provide it to Council as well as inform the Three Rivers representatives that they would like to hold a public information meeting. Murphy asked if anything substantive will be accomplished by having the Three Rivers representatives attend the public meeting. Gaffron stated Three Rivers is willing to take it a step at a time and look at all the issues. Franchot noted this process was started by the City asking them to address this issue. Murphy recommended notice of the information meeting be put in all the local newspapers. Murphy noted that every intersection is a dangerous situation given the number of vehicles and bicyclists. Gaffron state the police department has installed no parking signs in the Bayview Place area. McMillan stated it would also be helpful for the police to provide some input on what they observe over the next few weeks and months and what issues they have encountered. Issues will only increase as the trail becomes more popular. McMillan reiterated that there should be parking available in the business • districts and that that should be the emphasis for people who are coming into the area to utilize the trail. Page 7 of 11