04/20/2009 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Apri120,2009 6:30 o'clock p.m. this structure has existed for a considerable length of time and that a pitched roof would be preferable over a flat roof. Kang moved,Schwingler seconded,to recommend approval of Application#09-3399,Dean Trongard, 1240 Garden Court North,granting of a variance to enlarge a two-car garage,subject to the shingles of the new roof matching the house shingles and the siding of gable end being the same as the siding of the existing walls. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. PLANNING COMIVIISSION COMMENTS 4. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDING COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 23,2009. Kempf reported on the March 23, 2009, City Council meeting. Attending the meeting was Kevin Bork, Westonka School District,who stated their goals for the coming year are to maintain Westonka's high test scores and regain their financial stability. In addition, a representative from the DNR discussed stabilization of certain areas of lakeshore that require attention,including a city-owned strip of land on Brown's Bay. A number of the neighbors were present for the hearing and offered their input on the restoration project. Neighbors expressed concern that there would be an expansion of the use by the general public of that area as well as increased noise and trash. The possibility of having a fence erected along the property line was discussed but no firm decisions were made concerning the fence. Kempf noted that Jasin Larson's application was discussed. The applicant's revised plan included substantial dormers in both the front and the back,which had a considerable impact on the massing. The application was ultimately approved by the Council. Kempf recommended that future applications in which revised plans are required reappear before the Planning Commission rather than proceeding on to the Council. 5. OTHER ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION Kempf welcomed Denise Leskinen to the Planning Commission. Leskinen noted she was employed by the City of Orono a few years ago and that she is presently employed by the City of Wayzata. Murphy stated the work near Molly's Corner is proposed by the Watershed District rather than the DNR and that it is likely a fence will be constructed along the property lines of the city-owned lot. The main concern of the residents in the area was access during the winter months. Historically this area has been used as a fishing spot and the Council would like to maintain that use. Murphy noted Orono's Board of Equalization met last week and that there were approximately 40 people in attendance. Murphy noted Orono's share of the property taxes is 14 to 16 percent of a resident's total property tax bill but that a number of the people are expressing dissatisfaction with the amount of taxes that they are paying in total. Orono has seen approximately a one percent decline in value on lakeshore properties and a five to six percent decline throughout the rest of the City. Murphy stated in his view the PAGE 3