01-23-1989 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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U MINUTES OF THE ORONO COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 23, 1989 COUNTY ROAD 116 CONTINUED the width of the current Orono section of road. Public Works Director Gerhardson said that it was 22 -24' for the travelled portion, from curb to curb it would be 40'. Acting Mayor Callahan asked, if approval were given to do so, would the extension to Highway 12 also take place in 1990. Murphy explained that there would be an upgrade in their program mid -year and they would have to find the funding. However, if Orono approved, the County would do everything possible to bring that about. Callahan asked how County Road 116 was chosen for upgrade when there was so much opposition to the project. Murphy said that the City Council of Medina had indicated that road was very important as a north /south connector. The County also had the upgrade of County Road 116 in their plans for the same reason. The fact that funding was available made the present time the best time to go ahead with the project. Mr. Wilfred Sherer, a Medina Councilmember, was present, as was Mr. James Dillman, the Medina Public Works Superintendent. In addition, there were many concerned citizens from Medina present. • Ms. Marsha VanDeVen, said she has been involved with this issue for two years She said that she obtained over 350 signatures on a petition opposing the upgrade of the road. Unfortunately, the City Council did not take that into consideration when making their decision. She wanted to encourage the Orono City Council to really examine what effect this project would have on Medina. She hoped that Orono would have some creative alternatives to offer and indicate to the County Commissioners that they were not in favor of the current proposal. Ms. Madeline Wink said that she is very concerned about the speed of the traffic; she has four children who catch the bus in that area. She questioned whether the County would aid in financing the extra police protection that would be necessary due to the increased speeds. She did not believe that the Medina Council took the citizens' concerns seriously. Mr. Wilfred Sherer stated that a plan had existed for County Road 116 for the purpose of emergency vehicle access. He acknowledged that there was opposition to this project, but felt that the election results were more indicative of the Medina's stand on this project. He believed that his views represented the views of the majority of Medina citizens. Acting Mayor • Callahan asked Mr. Sherer if Medina had any plans regarding development of the land immediately to the north of County Road 6. Mr. Sherer said that the Votech property off of Morningside was the only undeveloped property in that area. Ms. Debbie Lewis, an Orono citizen, believed that the 400 3