03-11-2019 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 11, 2019 7:00 o'clock p.m. The City's Comprehensive Plan does talk about expansion of the MUSA. The first guideline is to look to serve properties that are adjacent to the lake. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan includes six priorities as guides for considering modification to the MUSA. The first priority is the property must abut the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka, which this property does. The existing home must have a failing or non-conforming septic system and replacement drain field sites are not available. In the City's sewered areas,the City has to maintain a general density of 3.0 units or more. Orono's density ratio is currently above three units, and if the Comprehensive Plan is amended, it would drop it slightly to 4.11 percent. Additional information as to the status of the system and alternative sites is necessary prior to formal application. Based on the information provided, it does appear that the island fits priority one and condition two can be satisfied. Condition three cannot be fully met. At this time the applicant is looking for feedback on the proposed modification to the Comprehensive Plan. Staff does not see this as opening the door to high density in the area. Walsh stated without owning both pieces,they would probably not get an easement,and if the City includes this property in the MUSA,it would drop the City's density number even though Mound is supplying the sewer. The City included Wildhurst because it was felt to be better for the environment if the development was sewered. Seals noted there is a problem with the quality of water for Lake Minnetonka, and questioned how they would know if the pipe fails if it is 10 feet underground. If the pipe does fail, who would pay for it to be repaired. Seals stated when you think of other islands like Big Island, the impact there is greater,and that this might not be as straight forward as it first appeared. Barnhart stated that is one of the six priorities that should be considered for expansion and that the Council could have a conversation with any number of communities about serving Big Island. Seals commented this could have a domino effect. Barnhart noted there are a number of permits and inspections that would be required as part of the installation. Seals asked if the City has done anything similar on the lake. Rief noted Ivy Place runs under the lagoon and the City of Mound has also bored under the water. Crosby asked if the property owner is looking to construct a bridge eventually. Barnhart stated not to his knowledge. Johnson noted there is a house out there currently. Walsh asked who would be responsible if it fails. Page 13 of 16