02-27-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 13, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. they want to send letters to the sponsors of these bills about being a low density city and the Metropolitan Council wanting to go the other way. Crosby reported the Orono Dance Team is going to state competition for jazz and their kick line. Crosby encouraged everyone to be careful on the ice since the ice in some areas is not very safe and people need to remain vigilant. Dankey stated Fun Fest was fun. Walsh stated he also attended Fun Fest and that his daughter won the 5 -foot bear. Walsh stated he also attended the pre -40th birthday party event in Maple Plain for Council Member Printup. Walsh stated one of the goals of the Council for this year is to simplify the variance process and that the Goal Review Committee has been moving forward with their review. Walsh stated some of the items the City is considering is getting rid of escrow requirements, reducing fees, and simplifying the process. Walsh noted at the last Council meeting they discussed the need for a new planning person and that he would like to set up an organizational chart committee to review the duties and responsibilities of each Staff member. Walsh stated he would like to appoint Council Member Seals and Council Member Printup to that committee. Walsh reported that he and Council Member Seals are also on the communications committee and that they recently met with the City Administrator and the previous City Clerk. A discussion was had about bringing the City's website, Facebook, and other technology together to make it more user-friendly. Walsh noted the City brought in more revenue than anticipated in 2016 and that they are looking at adding some of the additional revenue to the Pavement Management Fund so the City will be able to do more road projects. Walsh stated he also received a letter from Mr. Cassidy and Mr. Ristad at 1005 Old Long Lake Road regarding the trail connection that will be put in. Walsh noted he had notified the neighbors that this was on the agenda previously since the project will disrupt the use of their property. Walsh stated he understands Hennepin County did send a letter to the resident but that it was really a letter explaining what they will be doing. Walsh commented he is hoping Hennepin County will reach out to that resident and that perhaps Staff can help facilitate with that in order to alleviate some of their concerns. Walsh noted when the proposal came to the Council, he and Council Member Printup voted no due to some of those issues but that they were outvoted 3-2. Walsh stated he hopes Hennepin County will have some conversation with those residents. Seals asked if there is any way to foster that conversation so the residents feel there is an opportunity for open dialogue. Seals stated she is not sure if the plan can be changed at this point. Walsh suggested the City Administrator copy Hennepin County on the email response to the property owner. Page 15 of 18