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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 22, 2015 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 19 develop some lots on the lake, two lots in the woods, and two lots on the upper portion of the preserve. Gronholz stated they viewed an initial plat that not only met every code and ordinance; it actually exceeded the City’s requirements. Gronholz indicated this piece of property could really hold up to 30 lots and still meet every City requirement but that the property owner and developer chose to only propose 11 lots to again meet their vision of preserving the prairie and not have the development become an eyesore in the community. Gronholz stated as a result of sharing the same vision as the property owner and developer, they signed a purchase agreement for one of the wooded lots in the proposed development. Shortly after signing the purchase agreement for the lot, they listed their current home for sale in early April and were very fortunate to come to terms with a buyer toward the end of May. On May 18, the Planning Commission discussed this plat for preapproval. There was a good discussion on some items to be tweaked and the Planning Commission then tabled the application. On or about June 4, Gronholz indicated he and his wife heard that a revision of the development was being made that included removal of the lot on which they had a purchase agreement and an additional lot had been added to the southern part of the development in the prairie. Gronholz stated since this was not consistent with the property owner’s desire or vision, he was curious to know why the change was made, especially since the initial plat met every City requirement. Gronholz stated his understanding of the change was that the Mayor of Orono had provided guidance to the property owner and developer on how the plat should look to obtain approval from the Planning Commission and eventually the City Council and that it appears the Mayor placed a higher value on preserving the woods and less value on preserving the prairie, which was the exact opposite of the property owner’s vision. Gronholz stated the nature of how this change in the plat has occurred has raised a few questions and concerns for him personally. Number one, why was a plat that conformed to City requirements changed when it met the vision and desire of a private property owner and developer? Two, why is the Mayor of Orono unilaterally changing a development plat prior to a public hearing or the City Council’s review of the application and final plat approval? Three, why does the Mayor have the authority to impose her personal preference in changes to a plat prior to final approval by the City Council? As a result of this unusual change in plat design, Gronholz stated he would recommend the following two steps be taken: The City Council should review both the initial plat design as well as the final plat design for final plat approval; and if the initial plat meets all City requirements, it shall supersede the revised plat. Secondly, as a judicial agency, Gronholz stated he believes at a minimum the Mayor should recuze herself from the final plat vote as well as any other Council Member who has influenced changes from that initial plat. Gronholz stated in closing, he and his wife have retained counsel in an effort to resolve this matter and protect their rights and it is their hope and desire that the issue be resolved without filing any motions or complaints against the City of Orono. PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT 5. #15-3716 DALE GUSTAFSON O/B/O MARK AND KRISTEN ANDERSON – 3850 WATERTOWN ROAD, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – RESOLUTION NO. 6516