11-14-2022 City Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 14,2022 6:00 o'clock p.m. curious to know more about that. She noted Staff is using language from cities such as Plymouth, Saint Louis Park, and Wayzata as guidance for the City of Orono. She feels those cities do not compare in terms of density and character.ADUs are national trends and this is a very popular model in California where affordable housing is hard to come by. Ms.Benson asked how it will affect density in the City, noting she received many questions while campaigning about Met Council requirements. She asked how these ADUs would impact the rural character, affect landscape,sightlines,hardcover, sunlight, and she asked what the height requirements are. She spoke about a letter from people on Casco regarding the one- acre limit. Ms. Benson asked how the non-renting clause would be enforced. She thinks it is potentially prudent to table it until more research has been done. Penny Saiki,2874 Casco Point Road, agrees with Ms.Benson on many points. She added there is no definition of an accessory building, and asked if the people living there always have to be family members. She spoke about variances and thinks the City Council will be seeing variances all over the place as this is not just a simple issue. She noted there is no control over a caretaker,healthcare worker, childcare provider,and in compensating them that is a rent exchange. She noted within the City it is variance after variance after variance and things are moving away from strict interpretation of the Ordinance. She noted there is not enough definition to the text amendment. Kim Carswell,261 Cygnet Place,read a note from a neighbor at 190 Cygnet Place that could not attend, written in opposition of the text amendment. Ms. Carswell asked what prompted the City Council to allow this rather than have people come to them with exceptions and variances. Johnson replied there is nothing in the Code right now, so one cannot ask for an ADU if it is not there. Attorney Mattick clarified that the City Council is empowered to provide variances for performance standards but if the use is not explicitly listed they cannot provide a variance. Mayor Walsh clarified the City Council has tried to reduce variances by amending the Code and giving Staff some flexibility in getting things done without coming to the Council.He does not think this is a huge change but does allow some flexibility. The City Council discussed the item, clarified floor area requirements, and spoke the flexibility it would allow Staff. Johnson moved,Printup seconded,to approve LA-000023, City of Orono Text Amendment related to Accessory Dwelling Units.VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. FINANCE DIRECTOR REPORT 16. THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT Finance Director Olson gave a presentation noting the report is unadjusted and the numbers are through September.He stated revenue is at 71.21% of revenues for the year, and the City will be over revenue for the year.He shared about revenue numbers including property taxes,licenses and permits,other governmental revenue, and the golf course. Olson noted they are at 107%of budget for building permits Page 4 of 7