05-09-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 9, 2011 7:00 o'clock p.m. (LMCD REPORT, Continued) Rahn asked whether inspections are adjusted for fishing tournaments and other special events. Nyberg indicated special event permitting was delegated to the Sheriffs Water Patrol in an effort to streamline it. The coordinator passed out information on AIS infested waters and the inspections were being done on a voluntary basis. The program did not work the way the Board intended it to back in the 1990s. The LMCD is still getting the same information out but they are now working with tournament coordinators to spray the boats on their way in and out of the lake. Nyberg stated the perception is that the tournament people are one of the biggest risks to the lake but there are a substantial number of recreational boats that travel on the Mississippi River that are of higher risk. The inspections have found that most tournament boats are very clean. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS - LOREN SCHOENZEIT, REPRESENTATIVE Schoenzeit stated he had nothing to report but would be available for questions. PUBLIC COMMENTS Paul Pesek, 1235 Lyman Avenue, indicated he was the chairman of the Planning Commission a number of • years ago and also on the city council for two or three years. ' Pesek indicated he has been involved in Orono a lot over the years. Pesek stated he was very curious about the road project and that he has conducted his own research into the project. The project is expected to cost between $2.7 and $3.3 million. Pesek indicated he went up to Old Crystal Bay Road at rush hour in the morning and night and that the traffic does pile up but that there is a pretty easy solution to the problem. Pesek indicated the problems occur when the cars dropping off the students cannot get out of the parking lot. Typically the first car pulls up and stays there for five minutes. Pesek stated that time could be shortened up and that there are other easy solutions to the congestion problem. The traffic circles or roundabouts are only meant to slow down traffic and not relieve congestion. The cars do not slow down with the roundabouts. With a four -way stop, the cars would actually stop. Pesek stated he is appalled by the roundabouts and the price tag and that he has a big problem with the whole concept. Pesek stated he is not sure how much review the City Council has given this project and that he would like to hear their comments about the proposal and why the City wants this project. Franchot indicated he does not have much to add to the e-mail that he sent Mr. Pesek. Pesek stated the City does not have $3.3 million to spend on this project. McMillan indicated the City Council will take Paul's comments tonight and put them into the record. L� Page 10 of 17