04-26-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 12, 2004 7:00 o’clock p.m. (20. STUDY REGARDING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS - ORDINANCE NO. 6, SERIES, continued) Murphy asked about the proposed time-frame for the moratorium. Moorse responded that the goal was to complete the study within six (6) months or sooner if possible as this would be a high priority to accomplish but acknowledged that it does not take long to use 3-4 of those months with the planning review process itself. Attorney Barrett and Moorse clarified that the proposed ordinance language indicates that the moratorium would expire in one year and can be repealed earlier if the City Council so decides. Acting Mayor White asked for public comments on this matter. Mr. Charles James expressed his disappointment with the process for discussion of a moratorium as he had received no prior notice of this topic being on the City Council’s April 12, 2004 Agenda. He identified himself as part of the family who owns property across Higliway 12 from the Orono High School and that their business developed the award-winning facility for the best 100,000 s.f. shopping center with the Chanhassen Bycrly’s. Further, he expressed frustration with prior city contacts compared to his experiences elsewhere that were much more collaborative and his view that the moratorium would basically involve only their family’s property and one site by the water tower. Mr. James indicated that this is their first residential development and that their goal is to develop the lowest residential density proposal. He explained that he contacted many residential developers who would contact the City regarding housing development proposals and received conflicting impressions about affordable housing in Orono. Mr. James stated that he received a telephone call notifying him of this Agenda topic at S:4S p.m. on April 12, 2004 and indicated his the concern that the proposed moratorium would basically involve only their property. Mr. James advised that they have narrowed their .search for developers proposing the lowest residential density. Also, their development is relying on the availability of fill material from the Hwy 12 improvement project this summer which will mean a reduced development cost ,o the project. He stated that he does not think the property is a good spot for residential development but that is what the City is guiding the site for. He questioned the need for a moratorium when the site will be a PUD for twenty acres with one applicant. Further, he repeated that he felt they had been run rough-shed over by the city and has never experienced a collaborative process with Orono as he has in other locations. Mr. Steve Johnston advised that Mr. James contacted Landform Engineering to perform a wetland delineation of the site about one year ag. He has had infomial discussions with Gaffron. \Vlien Mr. James came to the conclusion that he wanted to sell the property outright, Landform Engineering connected Mr. James with Brenshall Homes and they are ready to meet with the City next week for a pre-application meeting. Mr. Johnston stated that he received a phone call from Moorse at about 5:10 p.m. providing notification about the proposed moratorium agenda item. He continued by describing their proposed Sketch Plan that docs meet current Guide Plan requirements, that it is a reasonable use of the site for what the market w ill bear. Without a moratorium, they arc looking at the soonest the project would be through the city and watershed review process will be March, 2005 if they were Page 13 of 20