01-26-2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCEL MEETING Monday, January 26, 2004 7:00 o'clock p.m. MAYORICITY COUNCIL REPORT, Continued Murphy suggested the City monitor the public's reaction to the increase, noting that the increase might deter people from asking for variances, to a certain degree. McMillan queried the potential of offering a separate breakout based on the number of variances requested for an application. Gaffron stated that, administratively, some applications begin with 1 -2 variances, which under further examination turns into 4 -5 variance requests. McMillan asked if other neighborhoods were affected this same way in the Orono area. Gaffron stated that many neighborhoods were zoned differently than what is in place in an effort to protect the lake in the 1970's. McMillan pointed out that rezoning these pockets might, in fact, reduce the workload for the Planning Commission and staff. Since the reality is that, many areas are zoned differently than actually exists, she questioned the amount of time and resources spent trying to obtain a balance. Acting Mayor White suggested this discussion be continued during an upcoming work session agenda. While he had many concerns to add to the discussion, White pointed out that, often, the smaller neighborhoods are where the lower to moderate income residents reside in Orono and • questioned how the fee schedule might impact their ability to improve their housing situation. Murphy set forth an altogether different perspective, the option of not considering variances at all. He believed, though cumbersome, the process was effective. n U Sansevere questioned how the City's fee structure compared to other communities. Gaffron stated that, while the new fee structure put Orono on the high side, Orono entertains more variance requests due to the restrictive zoning and number of nonconforming properties. Council member Murphy gave a progress report on the Highway 12 project, stating that MnDOT is in negotiations with Ames Construction to renegotiate the contract for construction, in an effort to recalibrate the accompanying timeline and road closures. Murphy recommended staff and Council do its best to remind citizens that over the next 3 -4 years all the major thorough fares will be closed at alternating times. He stated that Old Crystal Bay Road was expected to be the first to close in mid spring for the next few years, during which extensive rerouting of the public and school system will be necessary. Murphy indicated that weekly meetings and updates are ongoing with MnDOT. He mentioned that the City of Long Lake would be asking Orono to join them in a series of discussions about the turn back of Highway 12. PAGE 5 of 10