04-27-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 13, 2015 7:00 o’clock p.m. __________________________________________________________________________________ Page 32 of 40 (11. #15-3722 STORM WATER AND DRAINAGE TRUNK FEE REVIEW continued) Gaffron stated the City needs to collect the fees up front at the time of the development and not on a piecemeal basis. Gaffron noted the fees are not based on how much hardcover each property has. Gaffron stated he likes the idea of going on a per lot basis rather than an acreage basis, which is similar to the park dedication fee, as well as providing some credits for certain things, such as wetlands. Gaffron noted the City receives easements to protect the wetlands in new developments and that the developer probably should not have to pay for those. In addition, conservation easements that are required should probably receive a credit. Gaffron stated there are probably different ways to interpret what the existing code says, but the way it has been interpreted in the past is that in the 5-are zones they receive a 50 percent credit. That 50 percent credit means that up to half of the acreage they do not pay a fee at all. Gaffron stated they could perhaps say that they get a certain percentage off for each acre that is in conservation. Gaffron stated there are different ways to look at it and that he has attempted to lay some of those options out in the exhibits. McMillan asked if the Council should continue this in two weeks due to the lateness of the evening. Cornick stated he would like to work on it in a work session atmosphere. McMillan noted it was brought up to the City Council level since there are some developers who are waiting for the Council’s decision on this item. Walsh stated if they are just talking about new development, he does not agree with the per lot basis. Walsh stated he would assume that everyone is at 25 percent and that it should be based on the hardcover. Levang noted not everyone has 25 percent however. Walsh stated they could base it on whatever district they are in. Levang stated she likes the per lot concept since it is very explainable and that giving credit for mitigation is an important issue. Levang noted the City has been telling Lakeview that they are working on it and that she would like to be able to give them something. Levang stated she would also like the new community development director to weigh in on this subject but that unfortunately he will not be able to start until May 11. Levang stated she would like the Council to get this worked out so they can be respectful and responsive to Lakeview. McMillan asked if Soren Mattick reviewed this. Gaffron stated it is doubtful. Walsh stated per lot is just an arbitrary number and that they are not explaining how they arrived at that number. McMillan stated the City currently has a number per acre. City Council Meeting April 27, 2015 Page 34 of 257