03-28-2022 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 14, 2022 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 8 BIG ISLAND DOCK LICENSE REQUEST – JOE THULL – Continued Suzy Thiss, 270 Big Island, asked regarding the $12,000 for the survey, did that include the surveys of all paths on the island? Edwards replied it was not all of the paths but a number of them. Ms. Thiss noted the paths are wetted out from the ATVs and motorized vehicles on the island. She asked what the ordinances are on the island regarding ATVs as it is turning into an ATV park. Mayor Walsh stated Mr. Edwards can get her the information on ordinances on the island. He clarified that there has always been a dock available at that location for the last 50 years and the people there could have put a dock in at any time but did not. He noted the City is not creating something new. Ms. Reinmann stated the cabin that is on her property had been using it since the early 1900’s. Mayor Walsh again noted the City is not creating anything as there has always been the ability to have a dock there. Ms. Reinmann said if the dock will be put in position it needs to be moved over. Johnson replied Ms. Reinmann needs to talk to the LMCD because they are the ones that approved the dock permit with their required setbacks. Mayor Walsh noted those things can only be changed at the LMCD level as the City only applied for a permit based on their rules. That is where the dock goes because that is how the LMCD approved it. 20. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HOUSING AND LOCAL DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY – RESOLUTION NO. 7258 Community Development Director Barnhart noted at the last meeting the City Council asked him to provide information regarding legislation relating to affordable housing. There are some bill proposals trying to mandate higher density in the area and there are a number of concerns which would come from the State and apply to the City. The League of Minnesota Cities is putting out a draft resolution and asking the cities to approve it, which basically says while they recognize the concern or issue of affordable housing, they do not think it is appropriate for a City to give up local government control where elected officials would make decisions for a local neighborhood. Mayor Walsh clarified that legislature wants to take some of the decision-making processes the City has about putting higher-density projects in and take that out of the City’s hands. At that point the State could tell the City that they will put an apartment complex in a location within the City and the City has no choice regarding the matter. Communities all around Orono are signing the same letter Mr. Barnhart referenced and he stated the City of Orono is on board with signing the letter. Crosby moved, Johnson seconded, to approve Resolution #7258, Resolution Supporting Housing and Local Decision-Making Authority. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 0.