08-23-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 23, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. (6. DRAFT OLD CRYSTAL BAYROAD TRAFFIC STUDY, Continued) Franchot commented that children in this age group will exhibit some more risky behavior and that opening up that lane will generate higher speeds rather than lower speeds. Franchot expressed a concern that the City could spend millions of dollars without really addressing the problems. Franchot commented that in his view it could be made a very attractive welcoming place that is not a through street. White noted the high school parking lot is the one that is highly used and that there is adequate room to move that access. If the lot is relocated, it would remove approximately 50 percent of the traffic in that, one area. Israelson stated currently students are parking along Kelley Parkway, which is a chief source of the pedestrian crossings. The school district has indicated that next year on street parking will be restricted. One option discussed with the school district is to force all student parking to the west side of the roadway. The school district does not have the existing parking available to accommodate that option. McMillan asked how much the school district has been involved in this study. Israelson indicated he has met with representatives from the school two or three times. McMillan noted this issue has existed for a number of years. McMillan asked if the school district has • commented on the alternates. Israelson stated they have provided some preliminary verbal comments. Kellogg indicated the discussion regarding land has been pretty much limited to pedestrian crossings. If a sidewalk is added, it will be outside the right -of -way. The City will also need to look to the school district for their help on sewer and storm water. There currently is no curb and gutter, but once the road is widened, there will be no room for a ditch since it will take up all the right -of -way. Kellogg indicated they have not had any discussions regarding land for relocating parking. McMillan asked if the school start times are staggered. Kellogg stated to his knowledge the morning start times are staggered as well as the afternoon times. In terms of how the whole campus functions, there has been an attempt to centralize the drop off location, which may be an obstacle that will be difficult to overcome due to the layout. Kellogg stated the alternatives do not illustrate fully the ultimate access closures that would be accomplished. Israelson indicated the school district is willing to look at the location of their driveways and how that access could be improved. McMillan suggested access to the city hall be relocated solely to Kelley Parkway. Loftus stated the City Council should decide whether they are interested in pursuing any of the three • options. Loftus pointed out that they have not met as a group without representatives from the school Page 12 of 18