02-28-2005 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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mir‘11 »«ccTiWn FEB'd 6 2005 REQUEST FOR COUNCII. ACTION DATE: February 24, 2005 nITEM NO. Department Approval:Administrator Reviewed: Name Michael P. Gaffron^f^y<v*V Title Planning Director ^ Agenda Section: Zoning Item Description: Extension of Wetland Moratorium List of Exhibits A - Affidavit of Publication B - Proposed Extension Ordinance for Adoption C - Current Moratorium Ordinance (No. 17, J“’ Scries) On August 23, 2004 Council adopted a moratorium prohibiting land alteration activity on all real property within the City of Orono which can be defined as “wetlands” within the meaning of that tenn given it in Minnesota Statutes Section 103G.005, Subd. 19, and on all property within 26 feet of the boundary of such wetlands. The moratorium was scheduled to expire on February 23, 2005. While the study to consider the language and provisions of a new wetland ordinance has commenced, the study has not been completed, and a new wetland ordinance has not been adopted, prior to February 23, 2005, Minnesota Statutes regarding moratoria were significantly amended by the Ixgislaturc in its 2004 session. The amendments place much tighter restrictions on extensions to moratoria. Effective August 1, 2004, while an initial moratorium docs not require a public hearing, extensions to moratoria do require a public hearing. Also, moratoria arc generally limited to one year in cases where a comprehensive plan is in effect. The attached Ordinance extends the wetland moratorium an additional 6 months to August 23,2005. Staff anticipates bringing Council a final draft ordinance for consideration within the next 30 days. COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED Hold a public hearing regarding extension of the wetlands moratorium. Motion to adopt the attached ordinance extending the wetland moratorium for an additional six months to August 23, 2005. 1