01-27-2009 Council Work Session Packet

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Orono City Council Committee of the Whole January 27, 2009, 6:15 p.m. Orono City Council Chambers Present: Mayor Jim White, Council Members Lili McMillan, Doug Franchot,Jim Murphy and Cynthia Bremer; City Administrator Bill Wells, Finance Director Ron Olson, Assistant City Administrator for Long-Term Strategy Mike Gaffron, City Clerk Lin Vee 1. Update on Big Island Project—Gabriel Jabbour and Renae Clark • Removed and disposed of mobile home and bathroom. Very little cleanup left. • Pleasure to work with MCWD—energy was placed on working together. Almost all rip rap is installed. MCWD has authorized funds to complete the missing section. • Renae Clark, MCWD, project manager, indicated buckthorn removal, debris cleanup, wetland restoration, and rip rap installation were the main components of the project. • Rip rap and bluff restoration were approved with DNR cooperation. The contractor included the use of bio-rolls and tree plantings for the bluff restoration. • The park site and a few other small sites are demonstration installations. Contractors are invited to pre-construction meetings to obtain information for constructing similar projects. The suggestion was made to document these projects with pictures to show the changes from year to year. • MCWD is in the process of revising shoreline regulations. • Buckthorn removal is mostly a case of managing rather than eradicating. • A summary of the Conservation Easement for Big Island Park was distributed, which outlines restrictions and parameters for development. • A conservation officer has been warning and ticketing snowmobilers and other motorized vehicles on Big Island as they are not allowed. City needs to take formal action to include in Code. • As the Management Plan for Big Island Park is developed, a representative from MCWD should be included. • Bald eagle has returned. • Roof was fixed and some openings were sealed. The City will receive a bill from Howard Bennis. • Xcel wants to be out next week to replace poles on Big Island. • Vehicle went through the Lake. MCWD had concerns about winter construction and low construction bids. Paul's Landing access—continue to look at whether it should remain open in winter and alternate access points as there have been a number of vehicles that have gone through the Lake in this area. • Consider installation of another floating dock and fence. Need to get signage in place. 2. Discussion Regarding Minnetrista Development • Group from Minnetrista opposing Minnetrista's Comp Plan wants to convince their Council to do high density development in northern part of Minnetrista rather than near Highway 7. Low density zoning is adjacent in both Orono and Independence. Minnetrista zoning in the northern area adjacent to Orono is urban reserve. If Minnetrista's area was designated as high density, it would be surrounded by low density. The Minnetrisa group is asking for Orono support for their proposal. Orono will not support their request.