Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,May 20,2019 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Paidosh indicated it is pretty steep topography and would likely create other issues. <br /> Erickson asked whether the applicant has given any thought to planting any native grasses along the <br /> shoreline to help improve water quality. <br /> Paidosh stated people have approached them on that in the past and that it might be something he would <br /> consider in the future. <br /> Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. <br /> Thiesse noted he did not hear any benefit to the City for vacating the rights-of-way and that the DNR and <br /> City Staff is against it. Thiesse stated he does not recall the City ever vacating any property that provides <br /> access to the lake, and for that reason, he would have to say no to the request. <br /> Gettman stated he has a neighbor who has a narrow lot like this and that they have been told numerous <br /> times they cannot build that far down because of the two neighboring homes as well as issues with getting <br /> the house to fit outside the easement. Gettman indicated he is struggling to find a justification for the <br /> vacation and that he has not heard what other kind of easement adjustment there could be or whether this <br /> is the last resort. <br /> Bollis stated he does not see a public benefit to the vacation and that he would like to see a variance <br /> application. Bollis asked if there any type of setback issue with relocating the driveway onto Park Lane. <br /> Curtis stated the City Engineer had also suggested the relocation of the driveway access. <br /> Erickson stated to some extent the vacation benefits the other neighbor more than the applicant because <br /> that property is smaller and narrower to begin with,which currently is a nonconforming use at four-tenths <br /> of an acre in a one-acre zone. By taking advantage of this vacation,that neighbor would pick up more <br /> land,which would allow that property owner to be more in compliance. Erickson stated the City should <br /> always try and get people going in the positive direction towards the ordinances whenever they can. <br /> In addition,both neighbors would have the benefit of the vacated property, which would go on the tax <br /> rolls, especially with the applicant constructing a new house. Erickson indicated he likes the shifting of <br /> the driveway to Park, and if the applicant would be willing to plant some native grasses,that would have <br /> some environmental benefits. <br /> After serving on the Watershed District for five years,Erickson stated if they think about invasive species <br /> on the lake, such as zebra mussels and how they got from Duluth to Lake Minnetonka,the only answer is <br /> from boat accesses. The eggs of the zebra mussel are microscopic, go undetected on a boat,and then go <br /> into the lake when that boat is launched. Similar things could be said about other invasive species. <br /> Theoretically, if there were no boat accesses on Lake Minnetonka,there would be no zebra mussels or <br /> milfoil. The City already has a goodly number of accesses,and as was mentioned earlier,the Hennepin <br /> County boat ramp is two minutes way and the state has a huge facility that is three minutes away. <br /> Page 4 of 16 <br />