01-06-2014 Council Minutes Special Meeting

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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 6, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 13 of 27 (1. #13-3638 and #13-3639 SOURCE LAND CAPITAL, LLC (PAT HILLER) O/B/O GRANT WENKSTERN (LAKEVIEW GOLF), 405 NORTH ARM DRIVE – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AND SKETCH PLAN REVIEW, Continued) Broden stated one of the things he does besides being a technical person is to be part of a public policy group called Civic Caucus. Every Friday morning the Civic Caucus gets together and interviews someone involved in public policy. For the last nine months, Civic Caucus has been focusing on the foundational competitive factors of Minnesota and what makes Minnesota strong and how it can be made stronger. Broden stated one of the things Civic Caucus found is that the quality of the local communities, the quality of the environment, and the way the state protects and uses the land is a key part of the foundational competitiveness of the State of Minnesota. Those elements add value and purpose and strength throughout the state. Broden stated to be changing those foundational visions at this time is a short-term vision and a short- term action that will affect the long-term position that a number of people are trying to establish. Broden indicated this is not just a decision that will affect Orono but it can reach out throughout the state with a domino effect. Broden noted a number of people are watching this application and want to see what is happening. Broden stated in his view they are talking about a policy issue and not a management issue. Broden commented it is very easy to manage a problem but it is difficult to discuss a policy issue, which is where the City Council should be focusing on. Broden stated good government comes first with good policy followed by how you implement it. The vision that Minnesota has today has grown through a series of legislative actions. In the early 1970s, green acre legislation was put in place, which was said by some people to be for rural areas, but the implications were state-wide. That legislation has since been amended, strengthened, and applied for 50 years. At the same time, Hennepin County established its county park system, which protects open spaces and adds value to the local communities. That park system has evolved into Three Rivers. The initial objectives of the Metro Council were to ensure good land use throughout the metro area. Broden stated basic land use should be setting a vision. Broden noted that recently several reports have come out about the quality of water in Minnesota. While some people never thought that would need to be discussed in Minnesota, today it is one of the top priority issues going on across the state. Broden stated by protecting and having visionary statements and activities, Minnesota protects its foundational competitiveness and provide opportunities for generations. Broden stated protecting that vision is critical. While there have been a number of environmental changes over the years, not all of them have resulted in positive changes. Broden noted at one time it was thought that draining prairie pot holes would be a good idea in order to accommodate greater land use. No consideration was given to the impact on water tables, water quality, soil conditions or water fowl habitat. In addition, the use of agri-fertilizers has impacted the quality of water.