HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-22-2018 Council Work Session Minutes Orono City Council
Work Session Minutes
Monday, October 22,2018
Council Chambers 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Richard F. Crosby II, Aaron Printup
and Victoria Seals. Representing staff were City Administrator Dustin Rief, Director of
Public Works/City Engineer Adam Edwards, Community Development Director Jeremy
Barnhart, and City Clerk Anna Carlson.
GUESTS: Rick Meyers
Meeting Start Time: 5:00 p.m.
1. Comprehensive Plan Densities Discussion
Community Development Director, Jeremy Barnhart presented the Comprehensive Plan
Densities item. Barnhart explained that the plan is used as a guide for the City Council in
making decisions. Barnhart noted that the key is to have the Zoning Ordinance and
Zoning Map follow the plan to help facilitate the desired development pattern and
character.
There was discussion in regards to the differences between Zoning and the
Comprehensive Plan and the need to clarify those differences to the residents. Also
discussed was the confusion of the use of the wording land use within the Comprehensive
Plan.
Barnhart explained that the Comprehensive Plan references land use about four different
times throughout. He noted that we have to use the same language throughout to limit
classifications. Barnhart mentioned that there are four zoning districts in one land use
classification.
Council Member Victoria Seals would like to make sure we show the residents what the
difference is between land use class and zoning.
Mayor Dennis Walsh added that he would like to see the goals used for the 2040 plan
modified by changing them back to what the 2030 plan is showing.
Barnhart will make the change.
Barnhart noted that we have reduced the density around the Navarre Fire Department. He
also introduced the Island Residential change that has been made. Barnhart showed
which projects were included to get the numbers for the density goals.
There were concerns shared about the 192 unit residential unit project.
Barnhart explained that the City must provide opportunity for affordable housing, and
that the Met Council views densities higher than 8 units per acre meeting the
Orono City Council
Work Session Minutes
Monday, October 22,2018
Council Chambers 5:00 p.m.
requirement.
2. Christmas Ornaments for Poles around Navarre and other Areas
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Adam Edwards explained the city currently has
lighted stars used for poles and that additional ornaments have been requested. He is
looking for direction from the Council.
There was discussion about ideas and plans for ornaments.
Edwards will look into the project.
3. Christmas Tree Lighting
Edwards explained that the Council is looking to hold a tree lighting event within the
City. He recommended the following locations for the event: City Hall, Golf Course,
and/or the big pine tree in front of the Public Works facility.
Seals would like to hold a ceremony at the Golf Course to gain more attraction to the area
for multiple seasons. She will head up the tree lighting event and will set up a time with
Adam.
4. Skating Rink at Crystal Bay Park
Edwards mentioned that the city used to have 5-6 rinks now we are down to one. He
showed a diagram as to his recommendation of the placement of a rink in Crystal Bay
Park. Edwards noted that the kits for the rink run about $3,000 to $6,000. He asked the
Council if this was something that we would like to plan for next year or attempt to get
one in yet this year.
Council Member Aaron Printup mentioned this is a great thing for the community and a
nice thing to add to the small neighborhood.
Edwards mentioned that there are a few issues as far as lighting, maintenance, and
warming house.
Printup recommended that the City try it out for this year and see if there is a lot of usage.
Edwards will look into the project.
5. Big Island Docks
Seals would like to confirm what we are planning to do with them. She mentioned that
the City may need to build a barricade to show that they are there or marking it somehow.
Orono City Council
Work Session Minutes
Monday, October 22,2018
Council Chambers 5:00 p.m.
6. Minnetonka Beach Water Issue
City Administrator Dustin Rief mentioned that Minnetonka Beach is concerned about
their water plant and water tower rehabilitation. He noted based on the number of users,
they are looking for some sort of partnership with Orono for water. Rief would like to
start a working group to put together a plan if we chose to partner with Minnetonka
Beach. He added that he was going to reach out to Tonka Bay, Minnetrista, Mound, and
Minnetonka Beach if efforts to form the working group.
Walsh added that it if we ever entered into a contract with them that it would need to be a
long term contract and there would have to be something in it for Orono.
Rief will look into forming the group and initiating the conversation about the issue.
Meeting End 6:38 p.m.
ATTEST:
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nna Carlson, City Clerk Dennis Walsh, Mayor