09-14-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, August 17, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 6 the answer was no. He said it just seems like the world shifted. He also asked to clarify that there is no cost impact to the current residents on Orono Orchard Road, and if the City brings sewer and water, there is no incremental cost or negative environmental impact for them. Mr. Barnhart said the expansion costs are all borne by the Applicant. He said he cannot say there won’t be some disruption, as obviously there will be some work on Orono Orchard Road for the utility connection so there may be some temporary negative impacts, but there will be no cost impacts to any adjacent property owners. Ressler asked Barnhart, if Mr. Lowe would like to tie into the sewer that is not being expanded, is that something the City would be able to assist him in, noting that typically there is a hook-up fee and things like that. He said since that was of interest before, perhaps it would be of interest in the near future, also. Mr. Lowe said he appreciates the question and he doesn’t know if they’d want to tie in or not. He then asked Mr. Barnhart how much disruption there would be, whether it means five minutes or five weeks. Barnhart said he doesn’t know but it will be a road project in the middle of the road, he would imagine they will not close down the road but will probably have to do some work in the right-of-way, noting they are well premature on the details at this time. To be up front, Barnhart said they get that question a lot, if there will be any impacts to residents and then six months down the line when the road is closed down to put in a utility pipe, that is an impact. He said he just doesn’t have all the details yet and said once they know more about the final plans, that is a good question to be asked during the final plat. Mr. Lowe asked to clarify that the plan is not to call for more than five homes. Barnhart answered the proposal is for five homes. Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 7:56 p.m. Ressler said without regurgitating all of the comments, they’ve had some very productive dialogue back- and-forth leading up to the discussion. He said the way that this is laid out seems to be tasteful and he thinks it makes sense as far as what the Commission is trying to do and it’s always nice to be able to add in to sewer, it makes it less complicated which has been noted. McCutcheon asked to clarify that everything is at least 2 acres. Barnhart confirmed yes. McCutcheon said what is on the table is the setback lot width and the extension of the line. He stated he loves Orono and the greenspace but he is hesitant to extend the line, although it’s not a new trunk line, as it would be expanding an existing route and there is no pump station needed. He said it’s a slippery slope because if the line is extended, regarding the density numbers, the Met Council will come after them again and say they want more or higher density from Orono. McCutcheon said whether they will put another condo, apartment or other higher density building in the City, he doesn’t know if they have the space for that, and eventually they will have to come into the rural space and this gives the Met Council the ability to do that. As a function of time, anything that is on the Met Council sewer line is going to be higher density, noting that eventually the City will not be able to hold that back. He stated he likes that this is a 2 acre minimum; he is fearful of it but thinks he will have to support it because it aligns with the