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Planning Commission Minutes March 26, 2002 Page 11 e Commissioner Mesich asked if Orono Road were left open, would fire trucks utilize Gary Street. Chief West stated that Gary Street would not be used in any case, since it is not signalized and is not considered a safe crossing. Commissioner Baker asked if the Public Safety facility was part of the master plan. Ms. McPherson eXplained that future expansion of the City Hall was planned when it was originally proposed, as well as was some type of public! community center facility, and the plans did include the closure of Orono Road. Commissioner Baker stated that the plan did not include a public safety facility with emergency vehicle traffic. Ms. McPherson stated that the police station would still be located here. Chair Pederson asked if the Public Safety building could be moved so that Orono Road could remain open. Ms. McPherson stated that there is no other space to relocate the building. Mr. Pelliner noted that the City owns property up to Highway 10 (Orono Park), but that the City intended to minimize the impact on Orono Park as much as possible. He stated that it has been the City's plan to connect the park with the softball field complex. Mr. Pelliner stated that he felt there would be more safety issues in keeping Orono Road open and having emergency vehicles using it, given the heavy use of the park and softball fields. e Ms. McPherson reviewed the 1999 State-certified traffic counts at this time which showed 850 average daily trips for Orono Parkway. She then reviewed original expansion plans which included the closure of Orono Road. Ms. McPherson noted that the Master Park Plan included expanding and connecting the green space between the softball fields and Orono Park. Commissioner Mesich asked if the City property near the Gary Street water tower was considered for the Public Safety facility. Ms. McPherson stated yes, but that the intent is to keep the buildings close together in one location. Commissioner Baker stated that he felt the traffic counts were relatively lower than he would have expected. Commissioner Anderson stated that he was aware there have always been plans to expand, but that a fire station was not planned. He felt there are access and safety issues that need to be addressed. Commissioner Baker felt that consideration should be given to moving the Public Safety building closer to Joplin. He also supported some type of flashing warning lights. Mr. Pelliner explained that the plans include 3 well-designed accesses to the site. Commissioner Baker asked if the building could be moved to the west. Mr. Pelliner explained that it would not work to move the building closer to the property line, since there is the need to create a secure area for police and fire vehicles which is separate from the general public. Chair Pederson asked how many parking spaces will be available. Ms. McPherson stated that there will be more than 180 parking spaces for general use. e