03-26-2002 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes March 26, 2002 Page 9 e Isabella Smith, 18263 Concord Street, suggested that there should be an access to the north for the Fire Department to get to Orono Road. She asked if there would be any changes to the trail along Lake Orono to the park. Ms. McPherson stated no. Ms. Smith asked what type of fencing would be used for the impound lot to screen it from the park area. Dan Pelliner, representing Tushi Montgomery, architects for the project, stated that due to budget constraints, the rock-face block may not be used, and instead, some other type of opaque metal fencing will be used so cars in the lot will not be visible. Commissioner Baker asked if a vegetative cover could be used on the fencing. Mr. Pelliner stated that it will be considered. Bob Dilly, 12943 Orono Parkway, stated that he has lived on Lake Orono since 1965. He stated that when the City Hall and Police Station was first constructed, they had to ask the City to turn down the lighting because it was too bright. He stated that he also remembered being told that Orono Road going east would only be used occasionally by police vehicles. He asked that the City ensure that the lighting was subdued. Mr. Dillon also expressed concern for speeding vehicles trying to get to the fire station for a call. Ms. Smith asked if police officers were required to use Highway 10 and not Orono Road. Ms. McPherson explained that the officers generally try to use Highway 10 but there is no written policy. e Commissioner Mesich asked if this facility would replace the downtown fire station. Fire Chief Bruce West stated that the downtown station would remain the primary station and this facility would be a secondary station. He stated that safety is the fire fighters' number one concern when traveling through residential neighborhoods. Chief West noted that they will generally use Highway 10 by way of Joplin Street, unless Orono Parkway is the shortest route to a fire, such as Main Street or the downtown area. Chair Pederson asked if certain fire fighters will be assigned to this station. Chief West stated that firefighters must live within a 3-mile radius of the station. They currently have 35 fighters and anticipate adding 5 more. He noted that the Public Safety station will have fewer fire fighters than the downtown station. Chair Pederson asked if fire fighters are allowed to speed to get to the station. Chief West stated that all fire fighters must abide by the laws. Commissioner Pederson asked if the department plans to add an ambulance. Chief West stated that if a second ambulance is added, it would be housed at the downtown Jackson site, since it is more centrally located. Commissioner Mesich ask if this station would service Big Lake. Chief West explained that the City services a small portion of Big Lake Township located by the Pinewood Golf Course, the 145th Avenue area, just this side of County Road 15. Commissioner Mesich asked if there might be a better location for a second station than the City Hall site. Chief West explained that this site has been under consideration for some time and feels that the location is ideal. He stated that 1 or 2 other stations in other areas of the City may be required in the future, as the City grows. e Commissioner Baker questioned why access for the Police and Fire Departments off Orono Road to the north is not being considered. Ms. McPherson explained that the master plan