07-27-1998 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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To the City Council and Citizens of the City of Orono May 15. 1998 Storm Water Management Planning In 1996, the City Council authorized the development of a surface water management plan for the City. The plan will clarify city objectives and policies regarding surface water management. This plan will provide solutions to existing storm water problem areas, which will enable the City to be proactive in planning surface water management facilities. The surface water management needs of the City can be met as cost effectively as possible with the implementation of this plan. The City should be able to identify funding needs and funding sources well in advance of the projects which will be identified in the plan. Labor Relations Labor relations are continuing on a positive path. The police officers have agreed to a two-year contract for 1997 and 1998 with wage increases of 3% in both years. Park Planning The City continued efforts toward developing a parks and open space master plan. The City Council has adopted a resolution indicating the City will be more proactive in acquiring land for parks and open space to enable land to be acquired in advance of development, and to be acquired as cost-effectively as possible. HiGifWAY 12 Corridor The major east/west transportation route in Orono is State Highway 12. Orono and the other cities along the Highway 12 corridor have been involved in a process with Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) since the late 1980’s to determine a corridor for the upgrade of Highway 12 to address safety and transportation needs. A proposed corridor location has now been approved by all of the affected cities and by Mn/DOT, subject to the completion of an environmental assessment which is to be completed by the end of 1998. The proposed corridor addresses the major concerns of the affected cities. Land U se Planning The City is preparing to update its Comprehensive Plan. The City Council has indicated the overall vision Md philosophy regarding the development of the City will not change. The City will continue to develop in a way that protects Lake Minnetonka and preserves the City’s natural open rural character. The City has completed a land use study of the Highway 12 area, which includes the City’s prime undeveloped commercial property. The purpose of the smdy was to clarify the City’s vision for the types and character of development in the area. This study and subsequent follow-up review have enabled the City to manage the upsurge in development proposals related to this area to ensure the development does not conflict with the City’s vision for the area. -6-