09-13-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 13, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. • '(S. ADOPT 2008 -2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, Continued) Gaffron indicated back in 1996 and 1997, the City established some MUSA areas. The City then added a number of sewer projects within those boundaries between 1996 and 2005. The changes the Metropolitan Council made in 2004 and 2006 resulted in the City not being able to develop those areas at the low density they were guided for and some of the properties were not allowed to connect to the MUSA system. There are currently two properties consisting of approximately seven acres located in the MUSA. The City was told two to three years ago by the Metropolitan Council that they were denying hookup to those properties, which is the reason for the guiding of several properties throughout the City at a higher density, which will allow the City to meet the Metropolitan Council's mandates for three units per acre for overall density. McMillan noted at that time the City was given 50 sewer units that could hook up if they were adjacent to sewer lines. McMillan asked if those units are still applicable. Gaffron stated those units, according to the Metropolitan Council, have been used up on previous projects, with only a number of the projects being located within the MUSA. Staff did not consider all of those properties as being part of those 50 units but at this point Staff does not have the ability to change the Metropolitan Council's decision. The 50 units are scattered throughout the city and are typically adjacent to a city street with sewer in it but are outside of the MUSA. In the past,.as people requested sewer hookup, the City would allow them to connect and then bring them into MUSA as a group. White commented that it is difficult to not adopt the comprehensive plan since there are a number of • properties who are waiting to hook up to the MUSA system and those hookup's would not be allowed if the plan is not approved. White noted other cities who have sued the Metropolitan Council in the past have lost. White commented Staff and the Council is following the most prudent course for the City by adopting the comprehensive plan. McMillan commented that this has been a difficult process for the City and that the Metropolitan Council's rules have changed over the years, which mandates the City to meet certain density requirements. McMillan stated one of the main issues she has with the situation is that a review by the residents of the Comprehensive Plan was somewhat rushed given the CommonBond application that was coming before the City Council. McMillan stated she would have liked to have had a more in depth conversation regarding the density numbers and that she has some issues with the density being guided for certain areas in Navarre and the fire station property. The City Council subsequently lowered the density in Navarre following some lengthy discussions. McMillan commented it is unfortunate the discussions over the Comprehensive Plan have become politicized and that the residents of Long Lake were frustrated by the limited public comment period. McMillan stated the City has the ability to lower the high density numbers since the Comprehensive Plan has a higher density than what is required by the Metropolitan Council. McMillan stated she would like to see the density on the fire station property lowered. McMillan noted the City has to have performance levels showing that they cannot meet that density and that in her opinion it would be easier to increase density on properties at a later date rather than attempt to lower the density. The City Council has to ensure that the right density is being guided for individual properties. • PAGE 4 of 14