08-25-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 25,1997 ( 916 - Casco Cove Road Maintenance - Continued) Jabbour informed him that the City policy must be followed. He reported that if it is • taken over, it must be to City standard. He suggested the possibility of vacating the road and becoming a private road. Jabbour asked Glassman and neighbors to consider his viewpoint of using the cost and condition of the road in 1987 as a guideline. Glassman said he would speak with others in the neighborhood. Jabbour indicated that the comments made by Flint are accurate. Glassman referred to the comments regarding the road made by Gaffron. He noted that there are public utilities in the road. Jabbour said that can continue through the use of utility easements. He informed Glassman he did not want to create false hopes. Glassman said he would like to see the road snowplowed. Jabbour noted that rural roads are all plowed by the residents. The vote for the motion to take over responsibility for the maintenance of the road was: Ayes 4, Nays 1, Flint. Jabbour reiterated that only blade patching would occur at this point. Kelley suggested there be a one month period in which the residents must respond if major repair is desired. By the end of that time period, if Staff has not heard from the neighbors, the road will be blade patched and snow plowing will occur during appropriate times. ( #17) CITY POLICY REGARDING BURNING PERMITS • Moorse reported that a discussion ensued at the last Council meeting regarding the policy on brush burning and burning permits and how it relates to State requirements and other cities' regulations. Moorse said he found that historically the WCA had authority over burning permits and was very strict in its regulations. The City followed the guidelines set by the MYCA regarding the burning of brush, remaining strict in its regulations regarding burning. The DNR then took over authority. Their viewpoint is more liberal. Other cities have followed in loosening their regulations but Orono has not done so. Jabbour inquired whether the fire department is aware of the changes that were made. He said he has discussed the topic with the Long Lake Fire Chief, who has indicated that the City does not need to be as strict in their regulations. Jabbour noted that this contradicts the recommendations made by Staff. He feels there is a major distinction between what should occur in urban vs. rural areas. Jabbour said brush burning should only occur in rural areas if the regulations once again allow this to occur. Goetten said she would like to see burning approved noting the need for the activity in emergency situations. Goetten would like to see residents have the opportunity to burn. She noted there were 97 requests for burning permits this year. 0 20