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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 10, 2011 7:00 o'clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 13 3b. NAVARRE - JEANNE ENGLUND McMillan stated tonight she would like to get a process developed for the City to address the Navarre area. Kempf suggested the City take an incremental approach to the Navarre area and pick one or two items that can be accomplished in the near future. Kempf recommended the City consider finishing the connection between the trail and the parking lot, which would help improve the business area. McMillan stated she would like the City Council to discuss how to put a process in place to look at the Navarre area and develop a more detailed list of ideas. McMillan indicated she would like to try to keep the process in house and then look for input from the residents once some definite goals are identified. Rahn stated it would be interesting to know how many improvements the City can move forward with without having to partner with the County. Rahn noted the sidewalks and crosswalks are more of a county project but that he would be willing to look at some smaller projects that can be undertaken by the City depending on the funding. McMillan stated the City can do some small beautification projects that does not involve much money. Printup stated in his view the Council has a good foundation to start with and a couple of people to go to for input. McMillan noted she has not had an opportunity to read the information presented by Jeanne Englund yet and that Staff should also review the information. Franchot commented he has been looking at different ways to improve the Navarre area and that he would be in favor of looking at different options for moving forward. Franchot stated in his view Concept A is a good idea but that the history has shown a lack of funds. Franchot stated the City should move forward and keep the local residents involved early in the process. McMillan commented she is excited about the grassroots involvement of some of the citizens and that she prefers to speak with the residents about these types of projects. Bremer noted she was a long-term resident of the Navarre area until a few years ago but that she still likes to shop in the area. Bremer stated in her view the speed limit in the area is rather high and that until you get out of your car and walk around, you don’t realize all the improvements that can be made. Bremer stated the City can start small and identify some of the larger improvements that can be completed in the longer term. Bremer stated there are some really reasonable things such as banners, planters, sidewalk maintenance, and repainting the city parking lot that would help improve the appearance of the area, which would also give the residents the impression that the City feels the area is worth improving and might prompt some of the residents to also get involved. McMillan recommended Staff be given some time to look at the information and develop some recommendations for improvements the City can undertake. The City Council took no formal action on this item. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 10/24/2011 Approval of Council Minutes 10/10/2011 [Page 4 of 13]