06-09-2014 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, May 27, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 20 of 23 CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 12. LAKE MINNETONKA SCENIC BYWAY Loftus stated Wayzata has proposed a Lake Minnetonka scenic byway, with discussions going on for approximately the past year. In February Wayzata hosted an informational meeting with representatives from the 14 lake communities. Loftus stated Staff’s memo includes the responses received from the various cities on whether they would be interested in pursuing further study of the scenic byway. Loftus stated the draft resolution proposed by Wayzata has been included in the Council’s packet. Loftus suggested the City Council discuss the pros and cons of the scenic byway. Loftus indicated she has received calls from two former mayors regarding the long history that Orono has had with traffic on those county roads and their capacity. Traffic counts have been obtained from Hennepin County on County Roads 15 and 51 in Orono. Printup asked what this stretch of roadway is designated as in the Comprehensive Plan. Gaffron stated the Comprehensive Plan designates them largely as scenic parkways and consist mainly of county roads. The intent originally was to give them a designation that attempts to limit the amount of traffic on them while at the same time knowing that they provide access to a variety of houses. Gaffron stated a number of the scenic routes being proposed have houses every 100 feet. Printup stated it is interesting that Orono has been kind of ahead of the curve in attempting to keep traffic counts down over the past four decades but yet recognizing that scenic parkways are a way to help preserve the area. Printup stated he does not see how it makes sense for Orono to jump on board with the scenic byway since Orono has already designated a number of the roads as scenic parkways and traffic is already a concern. Bremer indicated she is in agreement with Council Member Printup. Bremer noted there were two local cities who indicated they are not in favor of the scenic byway and that other cities have not weighed in yet on the matter. Bremer stated she is struggling to figure out what the benefit would be to Orono. Bremer noted the Noerenberg Garden is a wonderful, well-used amenity, and frequently hosts groups from around the metro area that hold photography classes and other different events. Bremer stated in her view those events are doing fine as they are and that she has a concern with adding more traffic to the roadways as well as joggers and bikers. Bremer stated she personally likes Minnetonka Beach’s approach, which was to send a letter, and that she would recommend Orono do something similar. Bremer stated she also would like to still keep receiving information on the scenic byway. Levang indicated she also is not in favor of the scenic byway for the reasons already stated but especially given the amount of traffic and the lack of economic benefit to Orono. Levang stated Noerenberg Garden is already well used and that she does not really see how it would benefit Orono. Levang stated in her opinion a letter would be sufficient and that she would also like to continue to receive information on the progress or lack of progress being made on the project. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 06/09/2014 Approval of Council Minutes 05/27/2014 [Page 20 of 23]