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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,May 16,2011 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Dan Saufferer, 16820 Edgewood Avenue,Minnetonka,stated he approached Mayor McMillan about a <br /> community garden or a donation garden being started in Orono. Initially they were looking at a parcel <br /> located at the corner of Willow arid Wayzata Boulevard,which is owned by the bank,but was informed <br /> that they could not have a garden at that location unless it was ten acres or more. Saufferer indicated he <br /> then asked Staff if that rule could be changed. <br /> Saufferer indicated he is interested in finding out how they can put together a donation garden for the <br /> local food shelves on properiy located by the City of Orono. The water would be provided by the City of <br /> Long Lake. On a half acre garden, approximately six to seven thousand pounds of fresh produce would <br /> be produced each year. Saufferer commented that a garden of this type would be a very positive thing for <br /> the community. <br /> Saufferer stated as it relates to the roadway leading into the garden from the fire station,it is his <br /> understanding the City of Orono owns the south side boundary drive that goes behind the fire station and <br /> does not actually enter the fire station parking lot. There is ample space for multiple cars in that area but <br /> some minor improvements would be required to prevent cars from sinking into the mud. <br /> The garden at St.Therese is an 80'x 80'garden and last year it produced 3,400 pounds of fresh produce, <br /> which went to support the ICA Food Shelf in Hopkins and Minnetonka. <br /> Saufferer pointed out the area on the overhead that the fire chief requires for the helicopter to land and to <br /> accommodate parking for the pancake breakfast. There is a retaining pond located on the other side. This <br /> is the only site that can accommodate the garden. Saufferer pointed out Mrs.Miller's properties.At the <br /> present time the site is covered with high grass and would need to be mowed. The access to the garden <br /> and the parking area was pointed out. Saufferer indicated there would probably need to be some <br /> aggregate placed in the area for the parking as well as some leveling of the site. The water spigot would <br /> be located near the site and the water would be supplied from the City of Long Lake. <br /> Schoenzeit noted a 100'x 100'foot garden would be approximately a quarter of an acre rather than a half <br /> acre. <br /> Thiesse asked whether any portion of the garden would be located on the Miller property. <br /> Saufferer indicated it would not be on the Miller property and noted that the city-owned property consists <br /> of approximately three acres. Saufferer pointed out on the overhead the location of the garden. <br /> Schwingler asked what challenges he has encountered with the community garden at St.Therese. <br /> Saufferer stated the main issue has been deer eating some of the produce a few times last year but that for <br /> the most part they have not encountered many challenges. The city of Deep Haven has a restriction of a <br /> five foot fence and so they erected a three foot fence for bunnies and then erected strands of wire along <br /> the top of the five foot fence posts. Saufferer indicated he is not sure what Orono's ordinances are for <br /> fence height but that they are willing to comply with that. In addition, odor deterrents will prevent a deer <br /> from entering an area and that can be used along the perimeter. Saufferer indicated he has utilized <br /> laundry detergent in the past to keep the deer from entering the garden area. <br /> Schwingler asked whether they are envisioning a shed on this property or have one at St.Therese. <br /> Page 7 <br />