10-14-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 14, 1996 • (Corridor Selection for Hwy 12 Upgrade - Continued) - Coleman said he has dealt with the Council and Mn/DOT only since last year and has found Mn/DOT to be dismissive and duplicative. He believes the Council is acting with a minimum of information and a maximum of haste. Coleman noted that if the behavior of governmental bodies is held in least favor, less people will want to be involved. Callahan responded if the citizens realized what they as a governmental body have gone through, they would not want to be involved. Jabbour responded to the aforementioned comments from Coleman noting the Council to possess a value for the way of life in the community. He reported that he has been involved with the process and mediation for many years and has at times been to as many as 14 meetings in a week's period. He noted the polling that has been conducted and the meetings held with other politicians. He also remembered that the citizens asked four years ago for a decision to be made. He said he is bewildered by the position that the Council is now acting in an urgent manner. Without the ability to move forward, nothing can be done or questions answered. He also noted that the Council has worked closely with Long Lake citing the issue of the MUSA line. Coleman said his experience with government has been only over a year's time period but has found the experience to be fruitless. Jabbour responded that he has personally met with Coleman three times in the last month. Keenan Richardson made the comment that if the Council has worked so closely with Mayor Tod Olson of Long Lake, why they were unaware of the school data. Bill McGran reported that he has been a member of the North Long Lake Association for the last six years. In response to an earlier speaker asking for a proactive solution, McGran said he knows the Council has taken a proactive approach with the government and legislative body. McGran said he understands the solution is not perfect considering the cost and damage to the environment, but on behalf of the North Long Lake Association, who has also worked with the South Long Lake Association, asked the Council to vote and support Alternative 6. Nancy Bordson, Orono Oaks Drive, noted the list of demands presented by Long Lake to Mn/DOT, and asked the Council if they had such a list. Callahan and Jabbour said the City does not. It was noted that the Council will work with Orono homeowners who are affected. Callahan said the concerns of Long Lake were presented to the citizens in a different manner. he cited the issues of relocation, damage payment, question of replacement of the City hall, and destruction of utilities. Callahan said, although he agrees with the problems, the approach is different. 13