01-13-2014 Council Minutes - Lakeview Section Only

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 13, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 9 of 17 (5. #13-3638 and #13-3639 SOURCE LAND CAPITAL, LLC (PAT HILLER) ON BEHALF OF GRANT WENKSTERN (LAKEVIEW GOLF), 405 NORTH ARM DRIVE, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AND SKETCH PLAN REVIEW – RESOLUTION NO. 6360, Continued) Brixius stated during this process, the applicant has provided information and made an argument that it is no longer economically feasible for them to continue to operate their golf course and they are requesting an alternative use consistent with the current zoning. The proposed development is an unsewered, 2-acre lot rural residential development. The development is also intended to reflect the rural densities that are currently allowed in the neighborhood. At the last City Council meeting, the Council specifically indicated to the developer that no lot averaging will be considered and that he must meet the required two acres of buildable land for each lot. Brixius noted to date there have been no formal approvals of any development plans or subdivisions and these would have to subsequently be presented. Brixius stated the proposed development will be an unsewered area and will depend on either private well systems for each lot or possibly water coming out of Minnetrista, which is undetermined at this time. Any new subdivision will be required to comply with Orono’s current contemporary stormwater management requirements that will address both rate control and water treatment. The development will likely cause improvements in both of those areas. Information has been provided that the proposed development will have similar traffic generation as the golf course, and through the subdivision design will create alternative access points that will distribute the traffic in a variety of manners. Brixius noted the City currently has in place contemporary management and regulations on stormwater, septic systems, water supply, and road designs that will all have to be incorporated and addressed through the subdivision process. Brixius noted the findings of the City are that historically Orono has only chosen to acquire public land or open space through dedication, donation, or negotiated purchase, and has not sought pubic acquisition of property against the wishes of the property owner. In choosing to follow that current practice, the designation of the property to an alternative land use would be appropriate. Brixius noted that the City is also is making a finding that the application of the rural residential land use category to this site appears to be the most viable and realistic alternative and is most consistent with the surrounding land uses. In addition, the City is making the finding that the proposed use will not overburden the City’s public service capacity or infrastructure, and the City is also stipulating that the conversion from open space to rural residential will not have a substantial impact and will be consistent with the surrounding land use in the area. Brixius noted that the Planning Commission voted in October on a 6-1 vote to approve the land use change. If the City Council is satisfied with the findings contained with the resolution, the City Council should make a motion to approve the Comprehensive Plan change. Brixius noted the Comprehensive Plan change would be subject to Metropolitan Council review and approval. McMillan noted many of the findings were discussed last week at the special meeting on Monday and that the proposal was also discussed on November 12, including a public hearing, which was followed by a 60-day extension. McMillan stated in her view the City Council has had a fairly lengthy discussion on all the issues regarding this amendment.