11-14-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 14, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 10. CSAH 112 TRAIL AND PARCEL EXTENSION McMillan stated the advantage to it is that it creates a looped trail system and the north end of Orono would be getting a great trail system if approved. McMillan noted in order for Orono to do this trail on their own, it would cost around $400,000 and that they would basically be getting the trail for a fourth of the cost. McMillan stated in her view it is a nice amenity with a huge cost savings. Walsh commented the trail is definitely a draw for the community and the only concern he had is what the residents think about the trail. Walsh stated he did attend the open house but there were no residents there at that time. Walsh indicated he spoke to a couple of the residents when he visited the area and that it would be helpful to have Hennepin County place some stakes showing where the trail will be. Walsh noted the property owner at 970 Wayzata Boulevard had no issue with the trail and the other two residents were not home and he did not have a chance to meet with them. Mayor McMillan asked if any residents would like to comment on this item Kent Cassidy stated he did attend the open house and at the time he did not vote against it. Cassidy stated they were not told what the impact would be to their property. Cassidy stated over the weekend they went out and measured it and they realized that from the arbor in the back of their yard to the edge of the pavement is 15 feet. Cassidy indicated they are concerned about privacy along there. Cassidy noted their back yard has been featured in a couple of magazines, they have had some weddings back there, and the Minnesota Arboretum has toured their property a couple of times. Cassidy stated they also have a pool in the back and that they have some concerns with safety given the pool. Cassidy stated they currently are very secluded and no one really knows there is a pool. Cassidy noted there currently is no fencing around the pool. Cassidy stated from the information they have been given, which is not a lot, he and his wife feel it will have a big impact on the way they enjoy their property and the value of their property. Cassidy stated they also recently installed an invisible fence for their dog which will probably have to be torn out. McMillan asked if anyone from Hennepin County talked to them at the open house. Cassidy stated they did not really speak to anyone from the County. Cassidy indicated they were gone for a week during this time frame and that they were thankful they found out about tonight's meeting so they could appear here. Cassidy stated they definitely are against it right now. McMillan noted Hennepin County will be here at the Orono City Hall at 8:00 a.m. Thursday morning and that he is welcome to stop by at that time. McMillan stated he could also leave his address and contact information with the Public Works Director so he can pass it along to Hennepin County. McMillan stated it is her belief that most of the trail is going within the right-of-way. Edwards stated all of the road and trail improvements are planned for within the right-of-way but there are some portions where the runouts for grade will go into existing private property and will result in the County needing to obtain the necessary casements to perform that work. Page 10 of 28