04-23-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of the Orono City Council & Planning Commission Special Joint Work Session Monday, April 9, 2018 Council Chambers 5:00 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Richard F. Crosby II, Wendy Dankey, and Victoria Seals. Representing staff were City Administrator Dustin Rief, Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, and City Clerk Anna Carlson. Guest Presenter: WSB & Associates Inc. Representative Eric Zweber, and Planning Commissioners Meeting Start Time: 5:00 p.m. 1. Navarre Area Plan Review WSB & Associates Inc. Representative Eric Zweber, presented the final report for the Navarre Area small area Plan. The plan was guided by the Project Advisory Committee (PAC). PAC Meetings, an open house, use of Social Pinpoint, an online engagement tool, and previous plan studies have been used to gather information for the plan. There was discussion regarding the focus of improvements, visibility, traffic issues and concerns of placement of the pedestrian walkways for the Navarre area. Discussion regarding the park, trail, and safety of use for pedestrians followed. City Administrator Dustin Rief mentioned that the feedback received mentions that residents are more likely to use their car in the area versus walking around. Rief also mentioned that we are currently in the utility stage, and there is a big focus on the pedestrianibiking traffic. Hennepin County is aware of these issues and is focusing on improving it. Zweber mentioned other areas of focus related to design that impacts other property owners. Zweber mentioned that a survey was used to gain feedback about these design elements and areas of concern. Zweber noted that there was not a large number of concerns, the main concern gathered from the survey was that there was desire to maintain the neighborhood character of the area. Other concerns that came from the survey were the timing of construction, teardowns and replacement of older houses and how that would affect the look of the area. Zweber mentioned that implementing standards for new development, code enforcement and encouragement of up keeping of existing homes in the area. There is still quite of bit of time for this process and review of this plan. There was discussion regarding the need to engage with a larger number of people and also include engagement through ways other than only the internet. Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart mentioned there will be an open house for the entire Comprehensive Plan in May. The Planning Commission will see it in