04-10-1989 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1989 COUNTY ROAD 116 CONTINUED would not be done. The issue Bernhardson was bringing forth for discussion is what Orono will do should the County Road 116 project proceed. It was Bernhardson's understanding that the project was going ahead. If Orono wishes to have any upgrade done within its City limits, they will need to notify the County soon. Mayor Grabek stated that he was still opposed to County Road 116 going ahead at all, but it appears as though it is. In light of that, he did not believe that the City should miss the opportunity to have that portion of the Road that lies in Orono upgraded with County funds. He did not want to burden the taxpayers with the cost of the inevitable upgrade of the Road. He felt it best to ask City Staff to keep the Council abreast of the progress and indicate when it may be appropriate to contact the County. It was moved by Mayor Grabek, seconded by Councilmember Goetten, that while remaining opposed to ,the construction of County Road 116 south of Highway 55, the Council directs the Staff to work with the County to have it extended from the Orono /Medina border to Highway 12 if County Road 116 is to be constructed in Medina. There was a question from the public (Tom Haislet) as to whether the upgrade of County Road 116 would allow for a stop light to be put on Highway 12? Bernhardson replied that such a decision would have to come from MN DOT, not the County. Mayor Grabek asked about possible funding available to upgrade Willow Road south of Highway 12. Bernhardson stated that the City has not pushed for that. Councilmember Goetten concurred with Mr. Haislet in that a stop light was needed at the intersection of Willow and Highway 12. City Administrator Bernhardson explained to Mayor Grabek that the City needed to indicate its position on upgrading the Road to Highway 12 as soon as possible. Councilmember Goetten did not believe that such a decision should be left up to City Administration. Councilmember Callahan asked for clarification regarding the proposed realignment to the west that would be necessary. He asked who would be responsible for condemning the land that would be needed. Bernhardson said that the County does the right -of -way acquisition, but the City would be responsible for some of the cost. Motion, Ayes =4, Nays =O, Motion passed. COUNTY ROAD 15 BOULEVARD RESTORATION Public Works Director Gerhardson said that in his opinion, it would be in the best interest of the City to put concrete in the boulevard west of Blaine Avenue to the Orono /Spring Park border. The Council had previously agreed to put grass in that area. However, Gerhardson believed that grass would not be maintained and would become an eyesore. Councilmember Goetten said that she reasons for wanting to put concrete in the that sod was more suited to Orono's rural 12 understood Gerhardson's boulevard, but thought character. • • •