09-29-2009 Council Work Session Packet

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, _ Orono City Council Committee of the Whole September 29, 2009, 6:15 p.m. Orono City Council Chambers • Site issues were noted by Mike Gaffron as follows: o The property is a small site with only 1.6-1.7 acres available for development. The property to the north is about the same size but the city is not aware if it is for sale. o The south half of the 3-1/2 acre site is not useable because of a wetland, detention pond and utility easements. o The availability of public transportation in the area is very limited. o Access would be on the public road that serves the fire station; access off Willow Drive would be preferable. o The property would need to be re-platted and zoned for residential use. • Council was in agreement to support the workforce housing concept and recommended that CommonBond proceed with a full proposal and zoning application. • Gaffron distributed a memo to Council with additional information regarding development limitations of the property. 2. Follow-up to Prouty Project • Council determined that another half day session would be beneficial. Bremer will work with Mike Felmlee to schedule. • Council is continuing to review the process to be followed for replacement of the City Administrator. 3. Watershed Grant for Orono Golf Course • A meeting was held with Natural Shore Technologies to discuss a naturalization project at the golf course to include creating a buffer zone along two ponds and developing several "no-mow" areas. A pre-application for grant funding for the naturalization project will be submitted to the Watershed District on Wednesday, September 30. • Funding for the project is estimated at$27,788 and includes 3 years of maintenance for the newly planted areas. The Watershed District awarded grant money to Medina for a $17,000 project. • Staff suggested changing "Bid" to "Estimate" or"Quote" on the application or justification should be provided for only one quote. 4. Additional Comp Plan Discussion • Some suggestions for working with Met Council regarding density and affordability in relation to the Comp Plan Update were discussed. • Although Orono would like the Met Council to look at density expectations regionally instead of by city, it is doubtful the Met Council would support the concept. • Council discussed several properties that could potentially be reguided for higher density with development restrictions. 5. Comments Regarding Information Update • None 6. Miscellaneous • Planning Commission Appointments for Chair and Vice Chair o Council agreed that Kim Kang should be considered for appointment as the Chair and Loren Schoenzeit as Vice Chair based on their participation on the Planning Commission and Page 2 of 3