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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, January 24, 2011 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 15 (5. #11-3495 CITY OF ORONO, AMEND CITY CODE SECTION 78-43 VOTING REQUIREMENTS, Continued) City Attorney Poehler noted the state statute was changed a number of years ago and that it is likely this section of the code was overlooked and not updated. Poehler indicated there was also some question at the time the statute was enacted as to whether it was mandatory, and recently the attorney general has indicated that it is, which has led to the updating of Orono’s City Code. Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 84, Third Series, an Ordinance Changing Voting Requirements for the Amendment of Zoning Ordinances. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. *6. #11-3497 CHOICE WOOD COMPANIES ON BEHALF OF WILLIAM TRUBECK, 3300 FOX STREET – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – RESOLUTION NO. 6023 Bremer moved, Printup seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6023, a Resolution Granting a Conditional Use Permit Pursuant to Municipal Zoning Code Section 78-303(3)(A), for the property located at 3300 Fox Street. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. 7. HARDCOVER ORDINANCE REVISION AND CONSULTANT PLANNER UPDATE Curtis stated the City of Orono has been regulating hardcover on shore land properties since the mid 1970s. While the basic premise of limiting each setback zone to a specific percentage of hardcover has not changed, the City’s administrative policies and definitions have evolved. At this time Staff is proposing an in-depth review and analysis of the City’s hardcover regulations and philosophy. We feel this is important in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling on variances, in order to be responsive to new technologies regarding storm water management and pervious pavements, to meet the Council’s goal to have Orono viewed as an innovative leader and excellent steward of the environment, to respond to the DNR’s update of the shore land rules and to generally refresh our views on hardcover regulations. In August the City Council authorized Staff to use a planning consultant to support the Planning Department on an as-needed basis. The Council asked to be updated on how this consultant was being utilized. Attached are invoices reflecting $1,034 of incurred charges for planning support from August through December 2010. The 2011 budget allocates $35,000 for planning consultant services. The estimated planning consultant cost for this project is $8,000. Staff feels that this project, plus any additional general planning assistance for 2011, will be within the budgeted amount. Staff would like to establish a diverse focus group made up of members of the Council and Planning Commission, a few lakeshore property owners, and perhaps some local industry professionals in order to have a well-rounded perspective. The focus group’s main goal will be to do the heavy lifting on the development of the hardcover ordinance. Staff would like to incorporate a variety of public participation opportunities, such as e-mail, informational open houses, newsletter articles, etc. A public hearing will ultimately be held before the Planning Commission once the ordinance is in draft form. The Council should consider directing Staff to proceed with the hardcover ordinance update in accordance with the draft timeline, authorize the planning consultant to head the project, and determine a Item #03 - CC Agenda - 02/14/2011 Approve Council Minutes 01/24/2011 [Page 4 of 15]