05-23-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 23, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 5. ANNUAL PUBLIC HEARING FOR NPDES PHASE II STORM WATER PERMIT (continued) Mayor McMillan closed the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. Levang noted on the City's home page, there is a drinking water report available to the residents. Levang asked whether that report is part of this permit. Edwards indicated it is part of a separate program but it is an annual report that the City makes available to the residents. McMillan commented the Public Works has been very prompt and regular in their street sweeping efforts. Edwards noted the City just took delivery of their new street sweeper. Levang moved, Printup seconded, to adopt the NPDES Phase H storm water permit. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 6. 16-3832 CITY OF ORONO, VARIANCE, PUBLIC HEARING Barnhart stated the Parks Commission is in the process of developing an off -leash dog park within the Lurton Park. The plan includes a 47 -inch high fence, an expansion of the parking lot, as well as picnic tables and benches. Since some of the fencing is located within the wetland and lakeshore setback, a variance is required. The Planning Commission has not reviewed the variance application. The Council, by unanimous vote, may waive reference of the application to the Planning Commission and hold the public hearing. Barnhart stated this application was not brought before the Planning Commission since the City wanted to move forward on the park as quickly as possible. If the decision to waive the review by the Planning Commission is not unanimous by the Council, the application will be discussed at the June meeting of the Planning Commission. Levang moved to waive the review by the Planning Commission. McMillan noted the City Council will hear public comments tonight if anyone in the audience would like to speak to this application. McMillan asked if the City Council has the ability to send something back to the Planning Commission if the Council discusses it tonight. Barnhart stated what the Council would be doing tonight is voting on whether to waive the requirement for the Planning Commission to review this item and that they do not have to vote on the variance if they choose not to. Barnhart noted Staff did notice a public hearing for tonight on this matter but that the Council does have the option to send it back to Planning Commission. In Staff's view, there has been proper notice for the Council to hold the public hearing. McMillan stated the thought is to hold the public hearing tonight but that the City Council has to first waive the review by the Planning Commission Page 9 of 23