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 16 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) Johnson stated this experience has provided a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and every day is a new learning experience. Johnson indicated he spent two hours today with Dr. Glen Nelson and Marilyn Carlson-Nelson, two residents of Orono who are very interested in what is happening with Lakeview. Johnson stated at the end of the conversation, the Nelsons asked him to bring a note to the Council which states as follows: They have become aware of the impending potential amendment of the Orono Community Management Plan as it pertains to the Lakeview Golf Course. We believe that more studies should be undertaken before undertaking the plan. We appreciate all you do to maintain the character of our beautiful community and we also respect the rights of our respective Orono families. Therefore, we urge you to declare a moratorium to provide further time to explore all options to achieve an optimal outcome for the owners of the property and for the people of the community. Johnson stated a moratorium may be another element of flexibility available to the City and is part of the whole message of caution and questioning by the residents on whether there is another alternative available to the City. Pat Hiller, Source Land Capital, stated at the November 12 meeting, the City Council indicated they would like additional testing and more information submitted on the viability of a residential development on this site. Hiller noted that information has been submitted to Staff. At that time the City Council also heard from the public a number of concerns ranging from traffic congestion, septic issues, stormwater runoff, and impact from the water usage. Hiller stated between then and now, another neighborhood meeting was held on December 19, which was attended by 20 to 25 residents. The meeting was held as an open house with nine different easels set up containing different information regarding their proposal and provided them with an opportunity to answer the questions of the residents. Hiller noted a few weeks back, pursuant to the request of the City Council, additional information was submitted, including an updated concept plan, soil boring testing, a completed wetland delineation report, with the field work being completed in September and October prior to the ground freezing, percolation testing conducted on 14 locations, a survey, a traffic management assessment from Hennepin County, and answers to an environmental assessment worksheet. Hiller stated he would also like to discuss a city water solution for this property. Hiller stated in his view this is the information necessary to substantiate the viability of the site. Hiller indicated their updated concept plan shows 55 lots with a single access off of West Branch. Each of the lots averages a little over two acres. Hiller noted the lots do vary in size, with some being closer to one acre and some consisting close to three acres. There are also areas that are proposed to be maintained in a conservation easement. Hiller indicated they would like to dedicate a portion of the site to a conservation easement and restore the land to native grasses and vegetation. Hiller stated the light gray areas represent the approximate building pads and septic sites.