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 Flint commented that it seemed there was too much usage proposed for the access road when the greatest problem was during rush hour. There may be ways to get around the problem, such as limiting the hours, to address the safety concerns that Woodhill perceives. Ackman responded that there wouldn't be much usage of the Woodhill Avenue road during the week. He agreed that the afternoon, when traffic is coming out of the City, is a dangerous time. Flint expressed concern that leaving the Woodhill Avenue access open during the suggested hours could become a convenience factor rather than a safety factor. Ackman stated the reason the issue is before the Council is because Woodhill believes they have the right to use the access. Limiting the hours would be cumbersome. Jabbour commented that Council understands the Country Club's belief that they have the right to use the access. He added that in the past year, the City has taken the position that major activities would be accessed using a major thoroughfare, i.e. Spring Hill Golf Course. Ackman responded that Spring Hill is being permitted while Woodhill already exists, and they are trying to meet the exigency of the current situation until November. Jabbour asked if the Country lub would consider a trial period where the City would request • Y p the County to repost the road at 30 mph. The Country Club could also supplement by policing. Lord Fletcher's is in a similar situation and uses two off -duty police officers. This may help to alleviate the problem rather than transferring the traffic to another area. Jabbour expressed concern that once the access is opened, it would become a permanent situation. Public safety is a major concern. Dayton noted that an additional problem will result when the County installs a culvert under the Woodhill driveway. Bruce Malkerson, 901 Marquette, representing the neighborhood group on Woodhill Avenue, highlighted some points from his letter of May 22, 1998. - In 1968 the Club became a legal, non - conforming use. The Club has applied to the City for a number of conditional use permits over the years for specific projects, but not for the whole club to become a conditional use. As a non - conforming use, the Club cannot intensify or enlarge its use. 18 0