5.3. SR 08-22-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. The final plat for Country Crossing was approved on 6/27/94. At this meeting the City Council also authorized the public hearing for the Western Area Phase II public improvement project. The City Council also formally requested the County to consider selling the City .67 acres for the extension of Orono Parkway in order to save trees in the new park. City staff appeared before the County Board on 7/5/94 in order to formally present the City's request to the County Board. At another County Board after the 7/5 presentation, a County negotiating team was established in order to review the City's request and negotiate a transaction with the City. On 7/25/94, the City Council held a public hearing on the Western Area Phase II public improvements. Following this public hearing, the project was ordered. On 8/1/94, the City Council approved the plans and specifications for this project and ordered the advertisement for bids. On 8/8/94, the County negotiating team met with the Mayor, City Engineer, Park and Recreation Commission Chair Dave Anderson, and me. At this meeting, the City heard that the County would not sell any land to the City. The County would only accept a land exchange. In order for the City to obtain its desired .67 acres to preserve trees in our park, the City would then have to provide the County with an equal amount of land. . This position of the County complicates matters and makes timing more of an issue. We have already purchased land from the County for the extension of Orono Parkway and could easily have "reproduced" this type of document for the purchase of an additional .67 acres. However, when we get into terms and conditions for land exchanges, future land uses (i.e., fencing, improvements, City use of the area, etc.), City Council and County Board approvals, and the legal work necessary to complete a transaction, it becomes apparent that even the understanding for a land exchange most likely could not be finalized in order for the project to begin in early September. ISSUES There are, generally speaking, two land and transportation issues to consider. The first issue is the extension of Orono Parkway and the City's desire to purchase .67 acres. The second issue deals with Orono Road as it intersects with the proposed Joplin Street. Joplin Street will be constructed from County Road 30 to Highway 10 in 1995. This will require the discontinuation of Orono Road in its present alignment at Highway 10 near Cenex due to safety concerns. . The City desires to deal with these two transportation issues independently. Since Joplin Street will not happen until 1995, City staff believes that we can