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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, October 8, 2018 <br />7:00 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Page 16 of 18 <br /> <br />Fretham stated to his recollection there are no trail easements in that area because to the east it was a <br />challenge to get across the wetland. <br /> <br />Barnhart stated for the project on the corner of Orono Preserve there was an easement and that he will see <br />whether there is an easement on this site. <br /> <br />Crosby asked how they are planning on using the building. <br /> <br />Fretham stated they have not made that decision yet and that it will either be senior housing or an <br />apartment building. <br /> <br />Crosby stated his concern would be the height issue. Crosby noted this Council was not here when those <br />other buildings were discussed and that in his view they should stick to the 30 feet. <br /> <br />Seals stated the density is a benefit to the City. Seals noted Orono Woods was before her time on the City <br />Council and that they cannot go back in time to understand why they did what they did. <br /> <br />Walsh stated one policy question is the density and the other is height. Walsh asked what the Dumas site <br />is guided for. <br /> <br />Barnhart stated to his knowledge it is 7-10 units per acre in the 2030 plan, which was lowered. This <br />project was originally guided for 10-15 and that was lowered to support the flats. Barnhart stated the City <br />does have the flexibility to lower the density in certain areas. <br /> <br />Walsh noted across the street further down the road there is a senior housing project and then an <br />apartment building. <br /> <br />Printup stated in his view this is an appropriate place for the higher density and that he is in agreement <br />with the 30-foot height. Printup stated it is important to plan out a trail system in this area heading east <br />and then west to the dog park because if the City does not get the easement now, they will not be able to <br />get it later. <br /> <br />Walsh stated he is in agreement with the 30 feet and that this is a good spot for the higher density. <br /> <br />Dankey asked if the one road in will be enough for all the housing units. <br /> <br />Barnhart stated the next level of analysis will include Hennepin County. The original plan had two <br />entrances, but the County suggested removing one. Hennepin County may revise that analysis to include <br />two entrances. <br /> <br />Seals stated in her view it will be a lot for one road. <br /> <br />Rief stated part of the challenge is that the road rises in that area, and if the T is where the current drive is, <br />then the two entrances are on opposite sides and they cannot see one from the other. <br /> <br />Dankey asked whether Hennepin County is considering a sidewalk in the area. <br /> <br />Rief indicated that will be discussed as part of Phase 3.