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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 22, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 6 of 20 (5. DAKOTA TRAIL PARKING AT BAYVIEW PLACE, Continued) Levang asked what the City Engineer would like to see done in that area. Struve stated he has not fully evaluated the entire area as it relates to the drainage. The road belongs to Hennepin County and the trail and culvert is probably out of City control. Struve indicated he can attempt to contact the appropriate people and see what can be done. McMillan asked what can be done in the short-term as it relates to the parking. McMillan stated it appears the City Council is in agreement to remove this parking area. Gaffron stated the first step would be to make sure the Regional Rail Authority does not have a problem with any of the work and that the next steps would be to perhaps install a curb and some landscaping and signage. Struve stated eliminating the parking area is a relatively easy solution but that it might take some time to obtain the appropriate approvals. Bremer stated erecting the no parking signs could be done fairly quickly, which would start to improve the situation. Struve suggested the City Council consider holding a public hearing to involve the neighborhood. Levang indicated she would not be in favor of holding a public hearing and that the minutes reflect the comments of the neighbors from a public hearing held back in 2009 and 2011. Levang stated the residents have been waiting since 2009 for the City to take some type of action to address this and that she feels embarrassed the City has kept the neighborhood in limbo. Levang stated in her view there needs to be immediate action taken. Struve noted that once the no parking signs are erected, there will be no temporary parking allowed for the bus stop as well. Levang stated it is her impression that that is what the neighbors would like to see happen. Police Chief Correy Farniok suggested the City Council take a broader view of the situation and what will likely happen if parking is restricted in this area. Farniok indicated if parking in this area is restricted, that opens up the possibility of pushing the parking up on to Crystal Place or other residential streets. Farniok stated if people are accustomed to parking in this area, they will attempt to find a solution in the nearby vicinity. Farniok noted it would also create parking issues when the residents have a graduation party or other social event if the area is marked no parking. Farniok suggested the City Council consider having a little cut-out for school bus loading and unloading. Farniok pointed out if the area is designated no parking, that would mean cars stopping near the bus stop even for a couple of minutes would be in violation and they could be cited. Levang stated if there is an area designated for loading and unloading, people might assume that means for the trail as well. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 08/12/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 07/22/2013 [Page 6 of 20]