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To: Chair Ressler and Planning Commission Members Ron Olson, Interim City Administrator From: Jeremy Barnhart, AICP Community Development Director Date: February 16, 2021 Subject: #LA21-06, City of Orono, 365 Old Crystal Bay Road, Amendment to Comprehensive Plan to expand MUSA Public Hearing Background The City recently purchased the 5.85 acres at 365 Old Crystal Bay Road from MnDOT. The city intends to relocate the public works facility to that location. Public works activities include storage and maintenance of vehicles and equipment necessary to maintain the city’s streets, parks, and utilities throughout the year. The buildings to be built likely will generate waste water flows from restrooms, a kitchenette, and a wash bay. Sanitary sewer flows from the proposed facility will likely be pumped under Hwy 12 and the rail road to the city meter-shed north of Hwy 12. Because of this sewer flows are not expected to increase with the relocation. The new use for the existing facility will create a difference in flow. This future re-use has not been determined. The subject property is not located within the MUSA boundary, and for the parcel to be able to connect to sanitary sewer services, and amendment to the Plan is necessary. This amendment will need to be approved by the Metropolitan Council. Analysis: City owned public service structures are a permitted use in the RR-1B zoning district, no change relative to Comprehensive Plan land use or the zoning of the property is necessary or proposed. The Comprehensive plan anticipates the need to amend the MUSA boundary from time to time, and establishes priorities when contemplating expansions of the MUSA. Of concern to the drafters of the Comprehensive plans over the years has been uncontrolled expansion of the sanitary sewer service, and with it, increased residential densities necessary to pay for such expansion, i.e. “the Urbanization Spiral.” The proposed expansion for this proposed new development falls under priority 6: Application Summary: The applicant is proposes to amend the Comprehensive Plan to expand the Metropolitan Urban Services area (MUSA) to incorporate a planned Public Works facility. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval of the MUSDA expansion for a public service facility as proposed. Council Exhibit F