10-13-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 13, 1997 ( #19 - County Road 6 Tunnel Agreement with Spring Hill Country Club - Continued) Flint questioned the use of a license and who would do the licensing. Crosby said it could be done by Spring Hill. Flint questioned how that could occur if it was a City tunnel with access owned by Spring Hill. He noted the tunnel extends beyond the right - of -way resulting in a mix of ownership. Flint said he did not necessarily have a strong viewpoint regarding what type of document is used, he would like the decision regarding public use made at this time. He noted the large amount of good will that has gone into the negotiations to allow construction to occur this year. The trail agreement is an example of the use of good will throughout the process. Flint noted the scope of the discussions regarding the tunnel thus far drawing the conclusion that only one tunnel could be built. He feels the tunnel can be used without interference with the design in the winter months. Crosby said it was a matter of use and not design. Flint said a determination would have to be made as to how the tunnel could be reached in the winter. Kelley asked who would maintain the tunnel during the winter months. Flint said the City would have to maintain it during that time period. Jabbour felt plowing would not be effective. It was noted that there is a 80' right -of -way and the tunnel would be 86' in length. Kelley did not feel the City should be involved in this with private property on • both sides of the tunnel. He felt if it was used as public, that portion could be paid for and the benefit to residents could be determined and charged accordingly. Discussion ensued regarding the feasibility of using the tunnel during the winter months noting the difficulty in gaining access to the tunnel during that time and the conditions found within. It was suggested by Kelley that skiers would most likely prefer to take their skis off and walk across the road than use the tunnel. Jabbour felt the City should not have had to become the middle man in this issue as no distinction has been made regarding funding. He said the City embarked on pursuing the tunnel to facilitate the golf club and people have had a vision of using it as part of the over -all plan. Crosby reported that the document regarding the tunnel was in the hands of the County the last two months. He felt it was unlikely that any work would be done on the tunnel this fall. He would like to have the time to finalize the agreement with the County and have the ability to look at the location during the winter months to determine if there would be any practical use of it. He noted the 86' long tunnel would be unlit, which is an unlikely fit for Minnesota winters. Crosby asked that the agreement be delayed for these determinations to be made. s 20