07-14-2009 Council Work Session Packet

Home Browse Search

Orono City Council Committee of the Whole July 14, 2009, Following Council Meeting Orono City Council Chambers Present: Mayor Jim White, Council Members Cynthia Bremer, Doug Franchot, Lili McMillan and Jim Murphy; City Administrator Bill Wells, Finance Director Ron Olson,Assistant City Administrator for Long-Term Strategy Mike Gaffron and City Clerk Lin Vee 1. Sewer Availability to Spring Hill Road and Fox Street Properties • These two properties are large lakeshore lots with past due deadlines to replace septic systems due to lack of separation from the seasonal saturation zones. Both properties are also in the M USA. • Staff has met with the Met Council. Per Jim Utley, the Met Council plans to wait until the Comp Plan Update is through the review process before further discussion regarding these two sewer connections. • McFarlin has also had communication with Utley regarding sewer connections for these two properties. • Staff is waiting for further information on Utley's response to McFarlin's questions as outlined in the information distributed by Gaffron. 2. Moratorium on Duplex Conditional Use Permits—Ordinance • The issue of duplex conditional use permits came about because staff saw a listing of lots for sale in the Navarre area that were being marketed for duplex use. • As staff reviewed the applicable code for these lots, it became evident that during the most recent recodification that some of the default references were not carried over to all sections of the code. These "housekeeping" errors could be resolved with an ordinance amendment by holding a public hearing in August, with Council action in September. Duplex development has been rare and a moratorium is probably not necessary. 3. Discussion of Narrows Dock Lots Situation • These dock lots were created in the 50's to serve neighboring properties. Over the years, the lots were sold to people outside the neighborhood. • In 1985, the city issued conditional use permits to these properties as a way to regulate non- resident docks. • The issue of dock lots has been reviewed by staff and the attorney. Because of the history and issuance of conditional use permits, it is virtually impossible to legislate these docks out of existence. • Some of the issues the neighbors are experiencing can be addressed by police enforcement. Most issues cannot be addressed through the zoning code. • Some problems noted are lighting, noise, people living on boats,tight area, and negative social aspect for the neighborhood. • Dock rentals are not allowed. A dock is the only structure on these 20' x 20' parcels. • LMCD rules allow 2 boats per owner and the boats must be registered to the person who lives on the property. If more than 3 or 4 boats are docked, the city will follow-up if a complaint is received and the boats are not registered to the property owner. • Council authorized Gaffron and Mattick to further research the situation. Minimal time should be spent to document and state the city's position. • If the city wishes to attempt to prevent future situations, code changes may be required to clarify docks and boat slip rentals. Page 1 of 2