Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY PLANNING COMMISSION <br />Monday, October 21, 2013 <br />6:30 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />Page 35 of 42  <br />  <br />Gaffron indicated he would need to provide that information later since it would be difficult to define a <br />possible list of uses for open space tonight. <br /> <br />Landgraver asked what are the current uses. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated when you look at the existing properties in the City that are guided for open space, they <br />consist of city parks, Hennepin County parks, DNR wildlife or natural areas, and four golf courses. <br />Gaffron stated that is essentially it. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit stated he is not sure how the land is held on Big Island and whether it could be sold or if the <br />community would be interested in a referendum of A versus B. Schoenzeit stated in his opinion the City <br />is not going to gain enough revenue from the sale of the 9-hole course and that this is land that is more <br />attractive for open space use that can be accessed without a boat. <br /> <br />Gaffron asked Mr. Grittman if he is aware of a city that has put a tax on all its residents in order to <br />purchase recreational open space property. <br /> <br />Grittman stated that was a question in Mendota Heights. In that case they had to pass a referendum to <br />approve the city purchasing the property, which did occur. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit stated he is not necessarily talking about taxing residents but that the City may own a piece of <br />property that could perhaps be sold to purchase this. <br /> <br />Leskinen noted that Three Rivers Park owns part of the land on Big Island. <br /> <br />Gafffron stated the City owns approximately 60 acres of the land on Big Island, Three Rivers Park <br />District owns a portion of it, and the rest is in private hands. <br /> <br />Lemke stated he understands the desire of the residents to keep this land as open space but that he does <br />not see the City’s ability to deny the property owner the right to develop his land since it fits within the <br />City’s guidelines. <br /> <br />Leskinen stated she also does not know if it is reasonable to require the City to maintain the open space <br />and that it likely does not have the resources. Leskinen stated she would have a difficult time denying the <br />Wenksterns the opportunity to sell their property. <br /> <br />Leskinen noted the City does have an opportunity to change the zoning to rural residential and they also <br />have the opportunity to take the time and be cautious in how they should proceed on this application. <br />Leskinen stated in her view the initial, out of the chute plans have been very respectful in attempting to <br />maintain as much open space as possible but that the plans are a long way from where they will end up. <br />Leskinen stated the chances of ending up with 59 lots are pretty slim by the time all the soil testing and <br />other issues are addressed and that the development might end up being quite nice. <br /> <br />McGrann asked if the reguiding is something that will go forward in perpetuity or whether it be changed <br />at a later date. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated the Planning Commission’s recommendation on the Comp Plan Amendment would be <br />presented to the City Council on November 12. The Council could either approve, deny, table, or send it <br />Item #01 - PC Agenda - 11/18/2013 <br />Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 10/21/2013 <br />[Page 35 of 42]