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ORONO JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION <br />& CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br />Wednesday, March 2, 2011 <br />5:30 o'clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />  <br />Page 9  <br />  <br />   <br />Gozola indicated they will double check the code for consistency. One example of inconsistency is that <br />decks are always considered hardcover but that there is another section that says you can add hardcover <br />under your deck if certain conditions are met. <br /> <br />Gozola recommended another area to be considered is whether the current ordinance compels citizens to <br />comply with the regulations or encourages them to do things without proper permits or oversight. In <br />addition, some thought should be given to how much additional survey costs citizens incur to demonstrate <br />compliance to the current tier system and whether the permitting process is timely. <br /> <br />Gozola asked whether there is anything about the current ordinance the group would like to discuss. <br /> <br />Printup stated the common theme repeated tonight has been the need to ensure there are clear definitions, <br />and that when the definitions are not consistent, it creates frustrated. <br /> <br />Rahn concurred that consistency throughout the Code would be good. <br /> <br />McMillan commented that another criticism she has received concerns gravel driveways and why they are <br />not promoted more. McMillan stated there can also be issues with performance standards, such as pavers <br />that are installed and then not maintained properly over the years and then they are paved over, or rain <br />gardens being filled in after the property owner has been given credit for them. Performance standards <br />are great if the residents know how to maintain the items. Lakeshore buffers are also another item that <br />over time tend to become a maintenance nightmare. <br /> <br />Loftus noted in Tonka Bay they started requiring easements over the improvements as well as access <br />easements, with language allowing the City to assess the costs back to the property owner, which helps <br />with the enforcement but created some anger among the residents. <br /> <br />McMillan noted that Minnetonka also attempted that. <br /> <br />Loftus stated that was the only way they could think of to gain access to a property. Enforcement and <br />access are huge issues and it will generate some anger. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated they are dealing with that as it relates to wetlands and wetland covenants. <br /> <br />Schwinger indicated that a lot of what they are dealing with is items relating to redevelopment and new <br />technology. <br /> <br />McMillan stated one of the best things people can do it aerate their lawn every fall to help with water <br />absorption, which does not need to be spelled out in an ordinance but is more an education piece. <br /> <br />Kang asked whether the City could provide a one page list of various resources to the residents. <br /> <br />Loftus noted the City currently does that. <br /> <br />McMillan suggested that information also be included on the City’s web site. <br /> <br />Bremer stated the question becomes, how do you stop people from finding ways to circumvent the <br />Item #03 - CC Agenda - 03/14/2011 <br />Approval of Joint Planning Commission & City Council <br />Work Session Minutes [Page 9 of 13]