08-23-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 23, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. 9. NORTH FARM ROAD PETITIONS FOR SANITARY SEWER, Continued Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to authorize the preparation of a feasibility report for North Farm Road, and to direct the City's septic inspector to contact the various property owners to verify the compliance of their system. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. 6. DRAFT OLD CRYSTAL BAY ROAD TRAFFIC STUDY Kellogg stated the City Council previously authorized the preparation of a traffic study to review pedestrian and vehicular issues along Old Crystal Bay Road between Old Highway 12 and County Road 6. The draft study has been completed and addresses traffic counts and other issues associated with the school and roadway. Kellogg indicated their office and Staff have developed a good relationship with the school on this project. . Kellogg indicated the next step in the process is to prepare a feasibility report that will identify such things as project feasibility, estimated base project costs, optional project costs, right -of -way needs, storm water improvements, utility improvements, etc. In order to stay on schedule and try to have a bid set ready by early 2011, work must begin on the feasibility study in the near future. Scott Israelson, Bonestroo, addressed the City Council regarding the proposed project for Old Crystal Bay Road. There are a number of issues associated with this project. Israelson indicated he did visit Old • Crystal Bay Road while school was in session and have held a number of discussions with the school district, City Staff, and law enforcement. The study found that there currently are unsafe conditions for pedestrians, excessive congestion on the roadway, and right -angle conflicts. The main issue is the unsafe conditions, which are caused by frustrated drivers. Pedestrians also cross in unexpected spots, which creates an additional hazard. Currently Old Crystal Bay Road is posted for 40 miles an hour but there is also a 20 -mile per hour speed limit sign for when children are present. Israelson indicated very few vehicles are traveling 20 miles an hour. The school district is dissuading students and children from walking or riding bikes due to the traffic conditions. Israelson pointed out the middle school on the left -hand side, the intermediate school on the right -hand side, and the drop - off/pick -up area. Making matters worse is that there are vehicles that want to go straight'through but they are caught behind vehicles wanting to turn right or left. In addition, there are a number of right -angle conflicts given the number of driveways along the roadway, which raises the potential for collisions. One solution is to add a sidewalk to the west side of the roadway, which would make it more pedestrian friendly. The second option is to install a roadway median and streetscape features to create a physical or psychological barrier to prevent pedestrians from crossing wherever they want. Bremer asked if there is a concern that the pedestrians will still cross wherever even with marked crosswalks. iIsraelson indicated that is a concern and that the intent is to create an atmosphere where the students feel safe in the area designated to cross. A very clearly defined crosswalk would be needed. Israelson Page 9 of 18