01-10-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 10, 2011 7.00 o'clock p.m. (6 OLD CRYSTAL BAYROAD RECONSTRUCTIONPLAN UPDATE, Continued) Franchot stated it would make sense to spend a little bit of money to make this area attractive since it is the entrance for the schools, the city hall, and the police department. A one to three foot concrete median would give it a more industrial look, which is not a good reflection of Orono's rural philosophy. McMillan stated she personally does not believe in irrigating roadways and that the City should look at hardier plants. Bremer commented she would like to know what the costs of the landscaping options are before making a decision. Bremer questioned what impact a narrower median would have on snowplowing and stated that a raised median would help deter people from crossing in areas where there were not crosswalks. Bremer stated she does have a concern with smaller plantings and the possibility that kids will walk across them as well as the possibility that the plants could possibly block motorists' views of anyone crossing. Bremer commented she would prefer a raised median, which would likely prevent people crossing the road at undesirable locations. Kellogg stated if the Council does not desire any median treatments, they should make that decision tonight. The project is at a point where if the City does want to bid the landscaping as an alternate, they will need to know that by the next meeting. • Kellogg stated he has gotten the impression that the City Council would like to see something natural, does not require irrigation, and would help deter people from crossing the street except at the designated crosswalks. Kellogg indicated he could put together some options for the next meeting. McMillan noted there will be landscaping contained within the roundabouts. Kellogg stated their office's landscape architect could discuss this with the Council at their next meeting. McMillan concurred that a raised median would send a better message that people should not cross at that area. Kellogg stated they will look at different options and bring them back for Council consideration at their next meeting. Kellogg noted since this is a state aid funded project, there are some deadlines that the City needs to meet and that they are allowing six weeks for review by the state. Kellogg indicated the review person at the state is retiring in June and they have not currently found a replacement, which could create a backlog. McMillan asked about access to city hall. Kellogg indicated the current access to city hall will change and will be incorporated into the southern roundabout. Kellogg noted that concept was discussed with the City Council and School District previously. Kellogg illustrated on the overhead the proposed layout of the road and the access to city hall. The police • chief has indicated he would like the access to the police station to be separate from the city hall access. Page 5 of 12