05-26-1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 26, 1998 ( #21) Woodhill Golf Course Alternate Access - continued Mr. Dayton reiterated that the Country Club felt it was an easy decision to open the access because of safety issues for their members. They realize the neighbors also have safety concerns. These concerns have been addressed at a meeting held with the neighborhood. The Country Club has agreed to use the access only for their members and would police to that effect. The speed limit would be posted at 10 mph. During the day, maintenance people could be used to police the road for speed limit and outside usage. They also agreed to control dust by using water or other means; and to make no improvements to make it look like a permanent use. They have offered to put up signage including "No left turn". The Country Club feels it is a question of who is more at risk - a large number of elderly people on County Road 15 or a small number of children who live a substantial distance from the public road. They feel with the safety precautions they have offered, they can police the situation. They are asking for use of the access on a temporary basis until November 1. Peterson did not think opening the access was a simple solution. She questioned the traffic numbers and if Woodhill staff would use the access. Dayton replied that staff would not use the access, and it would only be open during the daylight hours until 8:00 p.m. She asked if 20 cars during the weekdays was a reasonable estimate as it seemed low. Dayton replied that he was • unsure, but that Woodhill is not overly used. 40 Mr. Albrecht added that during the week on a Tuesday there could be 15 -40 golfers, many coming from the east. An average Wednesday would be 40 golfers. Thursday is Ladies Day and there may be some guests. Friday is an up and down day. Saturday and Sunday could have 130 - 180 golfers from the area. He noted that all the golfers would not use the Woodhill access. In 1978 -79 the City did a traffic count indicating 25 - 60 golfers a day. Dayton added that the membership levels are the same today as in 1978. Jabbour asked why the road was opened in 1978. Moorse responded that historically the road had been opened and closed a number of times, the most recent being 1978 -80. There was no action taken by the City, the road was just opened. Larry Ackman, counsel for Woodhill Country Club, commented that he had talked to -a 92 -year old member of the Club who stated the access had been open his entire life. Ackman also talked with Ralph Bagley and Bob Searles who also confirmed that the access has been open. Gates have been used to open and close the road for various reasons. 17