10-18-2010 Planning Commission Packet

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� Cou1.N�t�l—(�o�-I� �sslorJ �t ruwr�S �3/p 9 — /o�i��/o range of fees charged for similar permits and licenses. Staff attempts to keep fees comparable to other cities and avoid extreme increases in one year. Various permits related to building, such as mechanical and plumbing, have not been increased in 5 years. • Sewer and water connection fees are unique to Orono and are based on initial construction costs of a project. An inflation factor is considered each year,generally in the range of 3%. • A 3%increase in sewer and water rates has been standard over last several years. An annual increase avoids a large increase in one year. • The Police Special Services rate is for an Officer who is paid at the overtime rate to provide special services at private functions or at Lord Fletcher's. A fair amount of revenue is collected over the year. • Planning and zoning fees have not been increased since 2004. A review was completed in 2003 when the basic application fee was$250. After the analysis, staff determined that a more accurate fee for the complete zoning application process was over$600,and the fee was increased in 2004 to$600. Staff felt it was an appropriate time to establish another increase. An option would be to increase these fees annually at 3%. Zoning application fees probably never totally cover the cost of staff time involved in the application process. • Council Members indicated the proposed changes to the 2009 fee schedule were acceptable. 4. Surface Water Management Plan Update—Authorize Commencement of Work • Bonestroo completed a Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP)for the City in 2001. There are a number of mandates that have occurred since formal approval of the plan that need to b addressed. A significant change is the requirement to meet specified levels of phosphorus reduction. • Because of the level of expertise required to address these changes, staff has discussed a proposal to update the SWMP with Bonestroo. The intent would be to complete the update of the SWMP in conjunction with the update of the Comp Plan. • The update could be funded from the Stormwater Fund. This Fund has 2 sources of revenue— quarterly fees and new development. Not much revenue in the future will be generated from development. The City will need to spend $20-25,000 to get the plan up-to-date. • Another element for consideration is to create a Design Guide that can be given to developers planning to work in the City. Bonestroo has two levels that could be done. Another option would be to have staff work on a Design Guide as time permits. • Council Members indicated approval to proceed with Bonestroo to work on the SWMP update and Phosphorus Reduction Plan,with formal action at the January 26th meeting. Staff will give further consideration as to how and at what level the Design Guide should proceed. • Part of the SWMP includes a CIP for$2,500,000 of stormwater improvements. Very little work has commenced, and the City has fallen behind in stormwater emphasis. The first 5 years of projects were priorities that the City identified, with most involving remedial work that needs to be done. Some ofthe Casco Point reconstruction work will involve stormwater improvements. 5. Process for Visioning and Strategic Goal Setting • Discussion with the Council and City Administrator.