05-10-2010 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 10 of 15 (7. ORONO 2010-2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, Continued) White commented that the City Council cannot delay formal action on the Comprehensive Plan much longer and that once the process is started, it will give the Council a chance to focus on what it will really mean in reality. The City will get to choose how developments should be allowed. White noted the traffic situation in Navarre is not something that the City really can deal with since it is a county road but that they have prevented the roads from becoming a major freeway which will attract even more people. White stated if the road is widened through Navarre, the traffic would double. McMillan stated given the sheet that was distributed by Mike Gaffron, she is unsure whether she can make a decision on the plan tonight. McMillan stated if the City has the opportunity to reduce density somewhat, she would be in favor of looking at analysis over the next two weeks and revisit it at the next council meeting. McMillan stated in her view the high density goes against everything Orono believes in and that the City Council should take their time on it and make sure it is exactly the way they want it. Once the land is reguided, there is an expectation that is set, and the City Council should be comfortable with the proposed density. Bremer asked if there is a deadline. Gaffron indicated the City is past the deadline and that two weeks probably would not make a difference to the Metropolitan Council but that it cannot be delayed for another two months. Franchot stated he would like to move forward even though he understands Council Member McMillan’s position. Franchot noted the City still retains a lot of authority to dictate how the development will happen. McMillan stated the Comprehensive Plan lays out a future of high density and that the Council needs to be very sure about it. McMillan stated she does not know why the City Council has to approve it tonight given its importance. McMillan indicated she appreciated the citizens’ input and that they have tried to condense the process into this past month and that another two weeks would be appropriate. McMillan reiterated she would like more time to review the information provided by Planner Gaffron. Murphy moved, Franchot seconded, to approve the requested changes for the reguiding of 3245 Wayzata Boulevard, and to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 5929, a Resolution Granting Preliminary Approval of the Orono 2010-2030 Community Management Plan. Gaffron asked if the City is going to allow reguiding of the Eisinger property and approve the Klingelhutz property addition, but not approve any changes to the fire station site, not remove the Mud and bowling alley site, and not approve any other requested changes. Murphy stated it is his understanding that they are not approving any of the latest corrections or changes and that they are adopting what is proposed. McMillan reiterated that there is no reason to rush this and that the Council was given some information tonight to help guide them on how density could be reduced and still meet the Metropolitan Council requirements and it is worth another two weeks to think about it. Bremer asked what would happen to Area F, 2525 Shadywood. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 05/10/2010 Approval of Council Minutes 04/26/2010 [Page 10 of 15]