07-13-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION June 22, 2015 5:00 o’clock p.m. ___________________________________________________________________________ PRESENT: Mayor Lili Tod McMillan, Council Members Aaron Printup, Lizz Levang, and Denny Walsh. Representing Staff were City Administrator Jessica Loftus, Finance Director Ron Olson, Public Works Director/Engineer Adam Edwards, Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, Senior Planner Michael Gaffron, , and City Clerk Diane Tiegs. GUESTS: Terry Bount of WeCab, Representatives from Abdo Eick & Meyers ___________________________________________________________________________ 1. WeCAB Request Terry Blount of WeCAB made a short presentation and distributed informational brochures to the City Council on the transportation services provided to people who are unable to drive in the Westonka area. The organization is comprised of volunteers who contribute their time to provide transportation to medical appointments, shopping and errands in the local community. Mr. Blount is asking Council to consider a donation towards their non-profit organization. 2. Goals Council continued the 2015-2016 goals discussion from the May 26th Council Work Session. The Comprehensive Plan will require a pro-active plan and will need to be addressed when system statements are received sometime next year. Council discussed the need to understand housing mix and locations. Affordable housing and homes for residents that want to downsize in the future need discussion to determine whether there is a problem, the scope, and bring about possible solutions. Council should have a response for the MET Council on Orono’s available housing since they work with communities to plan housing needs. Council discussed the goal to streamline the building permitting process. Community Development Director Barnhart will review the process to determine if there are ways to make the process more efficient. Council discussed the issue of residents with small do-it-yourself projects and how the permitting process should be less cumbersome. If a defined objective is determined for the permitting process then consideration to appoint contractors and residents to a committee for their input would be helpful. Barnhart also stated that the City Code updating is in progress and on -going for 2016. A project goal for 2016 is a second North well which Council agreed is a must do goal. The Wayzata fire service contract was discussed along with costs and how best to meet the response needs of the residents. Council agreed that cooperative efforts and sharing resources is an on-going must do.