10-14-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO JOINT CITY COUNCIL, PLANNING COMMISSION, AND PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION Thursday, September 12,2002 S:30 o’clock p.m. Gaffiron stated that high water level problems are showing up on Mooney Lake, in Plymouth, which borders Orono and, in fact, one property on Mooney Lake falls within Orono. Because Plymouth has developed at such a high density, the MCWD is currently working with them on the high water level problem, proposing a pumping system to lower the water level. Gaffron point rd out that all the water and overflow from Mooney Lake will eventually make its way into Lake Minnetonka. Gaffron pointed out that, Stubbs Bay is one of Orono’s highest priorities in terms of water quality, and it really in itself functions as a sump or stormwater pond. He noted that the low quality in Stubbs Bay in turn is affecting Maxwell Bay. He emphasized the need to adopt a plan to investigate Stubbs Bay and Forest Lake for potenti^ stormwater projects in the future. Murphy encouraged the Commissioners and Council Members to think into the future. He questioned what Orono was at the greatest risk of losing by 2020. In his view, Gaffron indicated that Orono is at risk due to more and more people moving into the area with higher demands and little understanding of where we’ve been or what we plan. People need to understand these fundamental elements within the Orono philosophy. Rahn questioned how other Cities impact Orono. He cited Painters Creek as an example where developers have been allowed to densely develop what they want, even against public outcry. He questioned how Orono could possibly pass on their philosophy to other communities. Gaffron noted that the LMCD and MCWD have worked to make an impact, however, people are willing to pay to get lakeshore at any cost. Jabbour pointed out that Orono is looked at as a leader in the community ensuring the preservation of its natural resources. While 40% of the lakeshore falls within Orono, we are one of 14 Cities on the lake, and over the past 15-20 years if a Mayor’s meeting was to be held it was called by Deephaven or Orono. He maintained that nothing can happen on the lake without affecting Orono. Rahn asked how Orono could reach out and talk with other Communities and Mayors to get on the same page and ensure some form of unity with regard to the lake. He wondered how to spread the word about the importance of preservation. Jabbour stated that it is difficult to find the courage to speak out against other City’s Comprehensive Plans, but it is necessary. Former Mayor Callahan indicated that the key to getting others to cooperate with us is negotiation, meeting, talking to each other, and recognizing that each representative takes great pride in their own say so. Callahan maintained that cooperation comes from making contacts with other Cities, including various organizations of Mayon and inviting these people to set up meetings to discuss ideas. He continued that persuasion and friendship will help to bring others PAGE 3