03-02-2011 Council Work Session Minutes

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ORONO JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION � & CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Wednesday, March 2, 2011 5:30 o'clock p.m. regulations and how that can be built into the process. Gozola stated they do recognize the need for maintenance oversight and that will be taken into consideration as they go through this process. Gaffron stated another item the group may want to consider is stormwater quality rather than hardcover limitations. The goal behind limiting hardcover on a site is to increase the water quality of storm water entering into area water bodies. While limiting hardcover is certainly one way to achieve the goal, the group should consider whether there are other solutions that achieve the same goal. Gaffron stated the City will want to try to avoid the need to have builders, contractors and homeowners do some type of complicated calculation. Curtis stated the City could also require a higher level of approval. If the resident is able to meet this new number, they are allowed to do it, but if it requires five percent more hardcover, then the City could incorporate additional best management practices, which could lead to a higher level of approval, such as requiring a conditional use permit. Gozola concurred that there could be ways to tier out the performance standards and hardcover regulations. Rahn stated new technology also needs to be considered as part of this process and that the City needs to motivate people to do the right thing, such as installing impervious pavers, and perhaps providing them some type of minimal credit for those types of items. Curtis commented when Staff speaks to a homeowner and they want a logical solution and you talk about arbitrary standards, they start to doubt where the City's intentions are. When they are told they can do something that is beneficial but they don't get credit for it, they become defensive. Schwingler indicated that is seen from applicants going before the Planning Commission because the rules do appear arbitrary. Bremer stated one of the things that should be gained from this process is that the City feels like what is being required is justified, has a rational basis, and is consistent. Whether or not the homeowners are happy cannot be the focus of this process or the regulations. Franchot concurred that is one of the goals and that it would be impossible to make everyone happy. One of the City's goals is to uphold Orono's rural character, which is in conflict with people's desire to do what they want with their properties. The rules need to make sense and be clear. Schoenzeit stated the City needs to be able to show that they have done the due diligence on the different technology. Gozola stated as it relates to the timeline, during March they will be in contact with the MCWD and DNR to get supplemental support for developing a template ordinance. In April the goal is to have the research completed on all final DNR and MCWD rules and look at possibly revising the timeline to accommodate final goals and objectives. The goal in May is to be able to hold city open house to introduce the process to the public, solicit _ ___... _____. __. __....._ Page 10 _ _