05-23-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 23, 2011 7:00 o'clock p.m. • (8. VI-35N PUBLIC HEARING - CITY OF ORONO - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS. GARDENAS A PERMITTED USE, Continued) not sure about the tax implications for this piece of property but it could be substantial if the land remains a garden for a number of years. Acting Mayor Printup opened the public hearing at 8:23 p.m. John Thiesse, 3845 Bayside Road, asked if the Council makes the garden a principal use in a private area, whether it is possible to have an adjoining piece of property that is then rented out. Thiesse indicated he is not asking for licensure of private gardens but that gardens on vacant lots need to be regulated for the people who live around them. Franchot stated the city should be cognizant of gardens on vacant lots and the impact to neighboring properties. Dan Saufferer, Minnetonka, indicated he is the one who approached the City regarding a community garden and donating the produce to the local food shelf. Last year they had a garden at St. Therese in Deephaven and they grew approximately 3,200 pounds of food which was donated to the ICA. Saufferer indicated they had pretty good success with the garden last year and that they had roughly 250 volunteers that donated over 800 hours of volunteer time through the growing season. At the end of the season the garden was rototilled. Saufferer indicated he initially made a request to the City and the Planning Department about using a • piece of private property on the corner of Wayzata Boulevard and Willow since he knows the owners of that property. Saufferer stated he called the City to ask whether it would be an appropriate use in the City of Orono and was told that any agricultural use in the City required 10 acres, which then prompted this request. Saufferer indicated he is looking at a 100' x 100' plot behind the fire station and that he is not sure whether the fire station would be considered a primary building on this lot since it might be considered two separate lots. Franchot noted they are two separate lots. Saufferer indicated the City of Long Lake is willing to provide water to the garden and that there is good community support to help with planting, harvesting, and growing cooperation between the two cities. Franchot asked why Mr. Saufferer does this type of activity with community gardens. Saufferer indicated he does not make any income off of it and that it is a volunteer effort on his part. Last year he spent approximately 100 hours at St. Therese. Saufferer indicated it is his desire to build 100 of these gardens around the Twin Cities. Saufferer stated he does this because it is for a good cause and is a positive thing. Saufferer stated that gardening is also a good thing for kids to learn. Bremer asked if Mr. Saufferer has had a chance to look at the license agreement that is attached to this application. Saufferer indicated he has not. • Bremer asked if Mr. Saufferer has entered into other licensing agreements. Page 14 of 24