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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> MINUTES FOR JULY 19, 1999 <br /> III (#2) #2501 CITY OF ORONO, 3601 BAYSIDE ROAD -VARIANCES AND CONDITIONAL USE <br /> PERMIT <br /> Weinberger stated that the City of Orono is requesting a conditional use permit and variance to <br /> relocate an existing dock at the north end of Stubbs Bay. Weinberger commented that this <br /> application was reviewed at the June Planning Commission meeting. <br /> The City of Orono has maintained a municipal dock and walking path for many years on the <br /> north end of Stubbs Bay. A recent survey by an adjacent property owner revealed that the <br /> dock and path were not located on City owned property. The dock has since been relocated <br /> on City property. Relocating the dock and walking path within the undeveloped Oak Street <br /> will require filling a small amount of wetland for the path. A small amount of fill is necessary <br /> to provide better access and handicapped access to the dock,which has existed for a number <br /> of years. This area also exists as a snowmobile access to Lake Minnetonka. <br /> Smith commented that snowmobiles are not allowed east of Stubbs Bay. <br /> Weinberger stated the City is proposing to place 180 square feet of fill in the wetland to create a <br /> base to accommodate a walking path to access the dock. The Wetland Conservation Act allows <br /> filling of wetlands up to 400 cubic feet if certain measures of avoidance and minimization are <br /> demonstrated. A permit is required from the MCWD to fill. <br /> Weinberger noted that the City has received a number of phone calls requesting that the dock <br /> remain as well as requests that some additional improvements to this area be made. The Parks <br /> Commission has reviewed this application and has concluded that this area will not be developed <br /> as parkland. The small size of the property limits any recreational use or placement of picnic <br /> 411 tables on the site. This dock is intended for pedestrian use only and not for boat storage, with no <br /> parking being allowed along Bayside Road. <br /> City Staff is recommending approval of this application. <br /> Gappa stated that the dock was relocated a few years ago, with direction being given by the City <br /> Council that this access be upgraded. Gappa commented that the fill is needed due to the uneven <br /> topography of the land. Gappa stated that this request is reasonable and necessary in order to <br /> improve the dock and walkway. <br /> Renae Mueller, 222 Bederwood Drive, stated she is in favor of the dock and that the existing dock <br /> should be maintained and improved, noting that the present dock is not very stable. Mueller <br /> commented that she had questioned whether a bench could be located near the dock, and inquired <br /> whether that would be permitted. Mueller stated as far as drainage is concerned, there is a <br /> catch basin and culvert in the area, which should be able to handle the runoff from the street. <br /> Jeff Mueller, 222 Bederwood Drive, commented he would like to see the dock improved, noting that <br /> he is not in favor of wetlands being filled, but that this dock should be accessible. <br /> Sherokee Ilse, Parks Commission, stated this application has appeared before the Parks <br /> Commission twice, with the general consensus of the commission that the filling of the wetland <br /> should be avoided if at all possible. Ilse commented that the Parks Commission would like to see <br /> the dock extended. <br /> Ilse also inquired if the fill was to be located in the area where the cattails have been cut down. <br /> • <br /> 3 <br />