09-16-2002 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, September 4, 2002 5:30 o'clock p.m. ROLL The Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Commissioners Jeanne Mabusth,David Rahn, Cynthia Bremer, J. Mark Fritzler, Jan Berg. Representing staff were Planning Director Mike Gaffron, Zoning Administrators Wendy Bottenberg and Paul Weinberger and Recorder Denise Leskinen. Absent were Chair Sandra Smith and Commissioner Liz Hawn. Commissioner Mabusth called the meeting to order at 5:35 P.M. (#1) #02-2821 TEMPLE ISRAEL (CAMP TEKO) 645 TONKAWA ROAD Bob Shiff,representing Temple Israel was present. Also present for the applicants: Leon Wong, of Rafferty Rafferty Tollefson Architects, Allan Engler, of Diversified Construction and Julie Peterson, accessibility consultant. Bottenberg explained that the applicants have requested a conditional use permit to permit construction of an addition to the existing dining hall and make improvements to trails on the property. The first construction project would be to add an addition and a deck to the existing dining hall and to repair the existing open air chapel stage, benches, and railings. The improvements to the trails consist of 10 trail projects that take place on different areas of the property. Many of the trails are only to be fixed due to erosion; others are upgrades to make them passable. The only project that is a concern for staff is Trail project#5. Bottenberg stated that it is a concern because it is next to the lakeshore and normally city ordinance doesn't allow improvements such as retaining walls. She continued stating that Camp Teko is unusual in that it is one of only two camps in the City, the other being the Vet's Camp on Big Island. The applicants have submitted plans which were forwarded to the engineer for review; the engineer had been on vacation therefore staff is still waiting for comments. Bottenberg pointed out that the applicants have submitted plans to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and obtained an approval permit from them. Bottenberg stated that staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit for the building and trail projects with the following conditions: 1) The retaining walls and erosion control measures to be constructed on trail project#5 along the lakeshore be approved by the City Engineer and the Building Official prior to issuance of a building permit. Where retaining walls will be visible from the lake, the applicants shall incorporate vegetative screening into the design where feasible. 2) The lighting on the dining hall shall meet City Ordinance standards. 3) Silt fencing must be installed to prevent runoff into Lake Minnetonka. Bob Shiff thanked the Commission for allowing them to be off the regular agenda to accommodate the holiday. He stated that the interest to improve the camp is aimed at making it a wonderful opportunity for kids and noted also that the camp is available in the winter for use by other organizations. Shiff went on to say that like many other religious organizations funds can be scarce and maintenance is deferred. This year a significant amount of money was raised Page 1 of 5