11-18-2013 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, October 21, 2013 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 33 of 42 Johnson noted the time frame to come up with reasonable alternative uses that are economically viable for the property owners has been very short. Johnson indicated the post card she received said it was mailed on the 11th and that when she came home on Tuesday night, it said that there was a public meeting and that any public comment was due that day. Johnson noted the majority of the neighbors did not know anything about it before then and that the time frame has not allowed meaningful public input as it relates to finding alternatives that really respect the long-range goal that the City and residents have worked on over the years. Johnson stated she understands the Planning Commission is charged with evaluating alternatives but that in her view the City has not received adequate data for properly evaluating the impact on the whole City. Johnson acknowledged a property owner has a right to reasonable economic use of their property but that there is a question over what is reasonable. Johnson stated she knows everybody has this American dream of great wealth, and questioned if the owners are able to sell it as a golf course, is that reasonable compensation for that property. Johnson stated the question is whether that is reasonable and whether someone really has to maximize the property for income. Johnson stated she does respect their right to sell the property but that it does impact the whole city, particularly those that live around the golf course. Johnson stated she heard at the work session that it was not economically viable to continue it as a golf course and questioned whether the City really knows that. Johnson stated there might be better ways to manage it so that it can be more viable economically or perhaps sell it to another entity that wants to purchase it as a golf course. Johnson stated she would encourage the Planning Commission to table the application until the City has time to research other options that do not violate Orono’s principles. Grant Wenkstern stated in response to the question about whether the golf course is economically viable, his books of business are open to anyone who wants to see them. Don Winter, 420 North Arm Drive, stated several years ago he had to drill a new well because the water level dropped 10 to 15 feet. The addition of 59 houses will take more water. Winter stated he read in the Minnesota Conservation magazine that the average person uses 80 to 100 gallons of water per day. Winter indicated he is afraid of what is going to happen to the aquifer and that it is his understanding his property is using the same aquifer the golf course is using. Winter stated that is another concern, similar to septic systems, which should be addressed. Winter stated as it relates to accessing North Arm, when he exits his driveway, he has to look up towards the clubhouse. Winter stated he typically does not see anything coming until it crests the hill. County Road 19 is an uphill road and it is very difficult to see oncoming traffic until after it comes over the hill. Dan Iverson, 4640 North Arm Drive, noted his sons and daughters have worked for Grant Wenkstern. Iverson stated he agrees with everything that has been said already. Iverson noted he has lived there approximately 20 to 25 years, and when it rains, the area turns into a lake. Iverson stated he would challenge the developer, if they want to break it into two acre lots, to come up with 15 lots due to the water table. Iverson stated the better question to ask is whether the land can be preserved. Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 10:00 p.m. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 11/18/2013 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 10/21/2013 [Page 33 of 42]