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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 28, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 11 (5. WILLOW DRIVE PRELIMINARY DESIGN UPDATE, Continued) McMillan noted this is a pretty heavily traveled road and that the Council likely will want to look at having some paved portion. Anderson asked if it would make sense to relocate the trail. Martini indicated he would be consistent with the trails being on the same side of the road and that at least three feet of shoulder could be provided for bicyclists if that is what the Council would like to do. McMillan stated in her view Option 3 is good and that now might be a good time to look at the access situation around Otten Brothers. Martini stated the property owners do not see much benefit to them in relocating the access point at the present time. Martini indicated another logical place to have this discussion would be during the turn back process but that Staff would like some direction on this matter. McMillan noted they will be reconstructing Old Highway 12 in the near future and that that would be another opportunity to look at it. Bremer noted the City has looked at the Otten Brother access previously and that the same concern was raised back then as was raised now. Bremer asked if anyone from the City’ safety committee has looked at this issue and whether the City has any information about actual accidents that are happening there. Struve indicated his information basically comes from Mike Gaffron and that it does not sound like there have been very many accidents in that area. This issue has been discussed in the past as simply a preference to relocate the access for future traffic conditions and making the intersection easier to negotiate by motorists. With the reconstruction of Willow Drive, now is a good time to address it or the City can look at it in five or six years when Old Highway 12 is reconstructed. Bremer noted there were different plans for that area previously created that could be reviewed. Gaffron stated once Stone Bay is completely built out, there will be a greater demand for that intersection to be changed. Currently Stone Bay is only half built out. One of the things that should be considered is that there will be a right in and right out for traffic to get into the site on the south side and that one of the key elements to changing the access was to stop people from making a U-turn in that area. Bremer indicated she is fine with Staff’s recommendation. Struve stated it sounds like the Council would like Staff to look at a three foot paved shoulder for Willow Drive and to come back with different costs. Staff will continue speaking with Otten Brothers but that the Council does not need to make a firm decision at this point. McMillan asked whether a public hearing will be scheduled. Struve indicated once the plans are more finalized, they will have a meeting with the residents. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 02/11/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 01/28/2013 [Page 7 of 11]