03-08-1993 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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REASONS FOR WANTING TO SERVE ON THE COMMISSION: I have lived around Lake Minnetonka for most of my life and have witnessed the significant changes that have occurred (positive and negative!, particularly in the past several years. Given the recent completion of 1-394 and the proposed reconstruction of I-35W it seems clear that this area (Orono in particular) is directly in the path of growth. Over the next five to ten years Orono will face its greatest pressure for growth and change. The growth of our community is inevitable, but depending on how it is managed it can be either a positive or a negative change. I would like to take an active role in helping to shape that change.I believe that with my education, knowledge and experience I can provide a valuable contribution to the community for managing development pressures in a positive way. I also believe each individual has a responsiblity to contribute in some beneficial way to the good of their community. I feel that I can best serve my community by participating on an advisory board or commission because it's purpose is most relevant to the area of knowledge and experience I consider to be my greatest strength. I have channeled my entire education and professional career toward the construction and development industry. It is the area that I can be of greatest service. VIEWS ON THE ROLE OF THE COMMISSION The primary purpose of the Planning Commission is to play an advisory role to the Council. The Commission is an intermediate step in the approval process that serves to flush out the legal and development issues surrounding a given proposal. Also, it provides an opportunity to hear public opinions about a proposal in a public hearing format: something not accomplished during staff meetings. The Planning Commission then makes recommendations to tne Council regarding conditions of approval or denial. In this discovery process the Council is given an opportunity to study each of these cjmponents (laws, public opinion, development issues etc.) to determine a position that best supports the health, safety and welfare of the community. The Planning Commission also serves as an opportunity to search for alternatives or middle ground in proposals that might otherwise be unacceptable. The Planning Board acts as a sounding boaro for proposals so that if changes are possible or acceptable an applicant has an opportunity to modify their proposal prior to the binding decisions rendered by a council.