01-24-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, January 24, 2011 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS Ralph Kempf, 3675 Togo Road, addressed the City Council regarding the long -term vision for the Navarre area. Kempf indicated on Sunday he visited the Navarre Bowling Alley, which has turned into a nice addition to the community and offers some recreational fun for children and their parents. Kempf stated he also drove around other areas of Navarre that day and discovered that there is a great diversity of businesses located there, ranging from a hair salon, a coffee shop, an auto parts store, a liquor store, a grocery store, a hardware store, a tavern/restaurant, a design studio, a glass shop, an insurance agency, a local bank, a couple fast food restaurants, and three gas stations. A major concern among the citizens of Navarre is safety, especially given the amount of traffic and the new addition of the Dakota Trail. Currently there is a sidewalk that runs from the Navarre business district, past the park, and within one block of the trail. Given the amount and speed of traffic in that area, pedestrian safety is a big concern. Kempf encouraged the City Council to look at that area to see what improvements could be made, especially at the intersection of County Road 19 and County Road 51. The amount of traffic through that area is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Kempf encouraged the City Council to develop a long -term plan for the Navarre area. Franchot noted City Code states that only two gas stations are to be allowed at any intersection, and asked IS what the rationale was for the City approving three in that area. Franchot concurred that the City does need to take a look at the Navarre area. Gaffron stated to his knowledge the City Council did have a lengthy discussion about allowing three gas stations in that area and finally came to the conclusion that it would be allowed. Gaffron agreed the City should revisit the goals for Navarre. Bremer noted the Dakota Trail has been added to that area since the last time the Council discussed the long -term vision for Navarre, and that now would be a good time to look at the area again. PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT 5. #11 -3495 CITY OF ORONO, AMEND CITY CODE SECTION 78 -43 VOTING REQUIREMENTS — ORDINANCE NO. 84, THIRD SERIES Curtis stated currently Orono's City Code requires a two- thirds vote of the entire Council for'adoption of new zoning ordinances and amendments. This is inconsistent with the requirements in MN State Statute Chapter 462. The City Attorney has proposed revised language that would be consistent with state statute. The proposed language requires a simple majority vote for zoning code adoption or amendments. A two - thirds vote of the entire Council is still required for changes in zoning district classification from residential to either commercial or industrial zoning. • McMillan asked whether state statute has changed recently making Orono's Code inconsistent. Page 3 of 15