04-23-2007 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 9, 2007 7:00 o’clock p.m. ___________________________________________________________________________________ (15. #07-3274 BRUCE PADDOCK, 1450 AND 1500 BRACKETTS POINT ROAD, Continued) associated with the narrow road and the City receiving a letter from the affected property owners accepting those risks. McMillan noted this is going to be a brand-new road rather than an existing road and that she would like to see the road constructed to 20 feet. Bremer noted the City Engineer is recommending 24 feet. Stickney reiterated he is attempting to save as many trees as possible. Stickney stated they are also proposing to do a considerable amount of landscaping in the area. Bremer stated she has a question regarding Item No. 12 and whether the City should receive any compensation for the roadway vacation. Murphy stated since the City would be receiving new infrastructure in this area and the other easement would be vacated, he would consider that a trade-off. Bremer stated in her view the biggest benefit realized by the City would be the removal of the hardcover in the 0-75 foot zone. Bremer noted the Planning Commission felt rather strongly that there should be some compensation given to the City and that there were a couple of Council members that had also expressed that concern. Rahn stated it was the Planning Commission’s desire that the applicant suggest an amount. White commented the City has a responsibility to carefully look at this issue prior to a decision on whether to vacate the roadway. Stickney stated the public use has been in existence since 1903 but it has not been maintained by the City since that time. Stickney stated another benefit is the removal of the hardcover in the 0-75 foot zone. Kellogg noted that public access was rebuilt in 1997 at the time the sewer was put in. City Administrator Moorse stated one benefit to the public is that the City does not have to maintain the road any longer. Moorse stated the access would be changed from a public road to a private road and that the City would no longer have to maintain it. Mattick stated when the City vacates a road, the City does eliminate its obligation to maintain the road as well as eliminate some liability issues. Mattick stated when the City is not utilizing a public access, it sometimes is better to turn it over for private use. White stated he would like it stated very clearly in the minutes what benefits the City is receiving by vacating this public access. Stickney reiterated that the proposed roadway is an improvement over what currently exists. PAGE 17 of 22 Item #02 - CC Agenda - 04/23/07 Approval of Council Minutes From 04/09/07 [Page 17 of 22]