HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-10-1991 Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO COUNCIL MEETING
HELD JUNE 10, 1991
ROLL CALL:
The Council met on the above date with the following members
present: Mayor Barbara Peterson, Councilmembers J. Diann
Goetten, Edward Callahan, Gabriel Jabbour and Mary Butler. The
following represented the City Staff: City Administrator Mark
Bernhardson, Building and Zoning Administrator Jeanne Mabusth,
Public Works Director John Gerhard.son, Assistant Planning and
Zoning Administrator Michael Gaffron, City Attorney Thomas
Barrett, City Engineer Glenn Cook, and City Recorder Laurie
Scheffler.
(#1 *)CONSENT AGENDA
Callahan requested that item #16 be added to the Consent
Agenda.
Butler asked that item #2 be removed from the Consent
Agenda.
Mayor Peterson requested that itefa #10 be added to the
Consent Agenda.
It was moved by Butler, seconded by Goetten, to approve the
Consent Agenda, with the exception of item #2, which was removed
and discussed in the sequence shown on the Agenda, and with the
addition of item #10 and #16. All voted aye. Motion passed.
( #2)APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
It was moved by Butler, seconded by Mayor Peterson, to
table the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held May 28,
1991. All voted aye. Motion passed.
PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Planning Commission Representative, Charlie Kelley, was
present, but had no comments at this time.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
(4 3)ZONING FILE #1545- TOM /MARY LOU LUTZ
258 CYGNET PLACE
VARIANCE- RESOLUTION #2968
Tom Lutz was present.
Bernhardson briefly explained. the Lutz's proposal and the
related Variances being sought.
Butler asked Mr. Lutz if he had reviewed the proposed
Resolution and whether he agreed to the provisions within it.
Lutz expressed concern regarding condition #1 which states
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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
(#3)ZONING FILE #1545 -LUTZ CONTINUED
that the current Planning Commission would not look favorably on
future setback Variance requests to expand further into the south
yard of the Lutz residence. Lutz indicated that including such a
statement in a document that will be filed with his chain of
title could have an impact on his ability to sell his home.
Callahan agreed that such may be the case, but that the City
wants future owners of the property to be aware of the
improbability of the- Planning commission recommending approval of
a Variance involving the south yard.
Jabbour added that any future owners of the Lutz property
could be made aware of this condition by simply reading the
minutes from this meeting and' the Planning Commission meeting,
which are public information. He also advised Mr. Lutz that when
the time comes to sell his property, there may be different
members on the Planning Commission and Council who would view
another Variance request in another light.
Goetten informed Mr. Lutz that he would still have the
ability to seek Variances for .other locations on his property.
The condition specifically refers to the south yard.
Mayor Peterson advised Mr. Lutz that it is not uncommon for
such wording to be included in resolutions approving land use
Variances.
Gaffron noted that members of City Staff have suggested it
may be more appropriate to substitute the words "the City" for
the words "this Planning Commission" in Condition #1. He asked
Council for their opinion in that regard.
It was Council's consensus that the words " the City" should
be used.
It was moved-by Butler, seconded
Resolution #2968, granting a side setback
three - season porch, and side and rear
seven foot, six inch screening wall, as
substitution of the words "the City" in
Commission ", as requested by Council.
passed.
( #4 *)ZONING FILE #1551- ROBERT WAADE
998 WILDHURST TRAIL
FINAL SUBDIVISION - RESOLUTION #2969
It was moved by Butler, seconded
Resolution #2969, approving the Plat of,
voted aye. Motion passed.
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by Jabbour, to adopt
Variance to construct a
setback Variance for a
amended to reflect the
lieu of "this Planning
All voted aye. Motion
by Goetten, to adopt
Wildhurst Estates. All:
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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
( #5)ZONING FILE #1600- RICK'S SUPER VALU
3333 SHORELINE -DRIVE
REVIEW OF AMENDED COMMERCIAL SITE,PLAN
Rick Bloomquist, Lyle Fuller, and Bruce Kelly were present.
Bernhardson advised that the proposed revision pertains to
eliminating the retaining wall for the loading dock shown in the
original plans by grading within the unused portion of Kelly
Avenue right -of -way. The revised plan now shows a reduction in
the grade, but still includes plantings. of evergreens to screen
the loading dock area.
Mayor Peterson asked Cook if the revised plan will pose any
problems from an engineering perspective.
Cook replied, "No, this should not create any problems,
however, it will be necessary to work with the Watershed District
on the drainage."
Bruce Kelly informed Council that he had spoken to Ron
Quanbeck of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, and had
submitted the revised - proposal to him. He said, "We are still
within the Watershed District's criteria, and Mr. Quanbeck did
not see the need for the amended grading /drainage plan to go back
before their Board for review."
- Piabusth stated that the City must have written confirmation
of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District's approval of the
revised plan.
Kelly indicated that written confirmation would be
forthcoming.
It was moved by Goetten, seconded by Jabbour, to approve the
amended Commercial Site Plan for Rick's Super Valu, subject to
the City receiving written confirmation from the Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District indicating they approve the amended plan. All
voted aye. Motion passed.
( #6A *)ZONING FILE #1615 -KEN HOPKINS /GARY MROZ
59 FERNDALE GREEN
FINAL SUBDIVISION - RESOLUTION #2970
It was moved by Butler, seconded by Goetten, to adopt
Resolution #2970, approving the Plat of Fairway Hills Addition.
All voted aye. Motion passed.
( #6B *)ZONING -FILE #1616 -KEN HOPKINS /GARY MROZ
59 FERNDALE GREEN
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT /VARIANCE- RESOLUTION #2971
It was moved by .Butler, seconded by Goetten, to adopt
Resolution #2971, granting a Variance and Conditional Use Permit,
allowing the installation of an access drive and sewer and water
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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
( #6B)ZONING FILE #1616 - HOPKINS /MROZ CONTINUED
lines within a designated wetland involving land alterations in
excess of 100 cubic yards. All voted aye. Motion passed.
( #7)ZONING FILE #1639 - WILLIAM /ELEANOR FERRIL
240 WAKEFIELD ROAD
VARIANCE- RESOLUTION #2972
William Ferril was present.
Bernhardson reviewed the issues involved with the Ferril's
Variance application to construct a greenhouse and deck as
outlined in.Michael Gaffron's June 3, 1991, memo. He noted that
the Planning Commission had recommended approval -of this
application.
It was moved' by Callahan, seconded by Goetten, to adopt
Resolution #2972, approving setback Variances to construct a deck
and greenhouse. All voted aye. Motion passed.
( #8)ZONING FILE #1642 -KEITH AND NOLA SWANSON
75 STUBBS BAY ROAD NORTH
VARIANCE- RESOLUTION #2973
Keith and Nola Swanson were present.
Bernhardson summarized the information outlined in Gaffron's
June 3, 1991 memo pertaining to Swansons' application for lot
area, lot width and side setback Variances to construct a new
home. He stated that the Swansons wish to locate the new house
on their property in such a way that there will be a maximum
setback from the drainfield.
Gaffron displayed a sketch showing where the primary and
alternate drainfield sites are located. He stated that in order
to'maximize the separation between the house and drainfield site,
the house would be setback only 40 feet from the south lot line,
rather than 50 feet, as required.
Goetten asked Gaffron if the new house will "be constructed
entirely on the original parcel owned by the Swansons in order to
accommodate adequate area for the new drainfield site.
Gaffron stated that is correct, the adjacent parcel recently
acquired by the Swansons will lend itself well for the new
drainfield sites.
It was moved by Butler, seconded by Mayor Peterson, to adopt
Resolution #2973, granting lot area, lot width and side setback"
Variances to construct a new residence. Mayor Peterson asked the
Swansons if they had any questions pertaining to the Resolution.
Swansons indicated.they had none. All voted aye. Motion passed.
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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
(#9)ZONING FILE #1645 -A.J. GRAF
2008 SUGARVIOOD DRIVE
REQUEST FOR CURB CUT
Mr. Graf was not present for the review of this application.
It was moved by Butler, seconded by Jabbour, to table this
application until such time that Mr. Graf can be in attendance.
All voted aye. Motion passed.
MAYOR /COUNCIL REPORT:
( #10 *)CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S RESIGNATION
As requested by Mayor Peterson, this item was added to the
Consent Agenda.
It was moved by Butler, seconded. by Goetten, to formally
accept the resignation of Mark Bernhardson as City Administrator,
effective no later than July 28,- 1991. All voted aye. Motion
passed.
( #11)CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S SEARCH PROCESS
Bernhardson presented Council with an addendum to the
existing contract with Sathe Associates that would now include
the search for a new City Administrator, as well as a new Chief
of Police.
Butler asked Bernhardson if Jim Brimeyer had submitted an ad
for the position.
Bernhardson advised that the announcement had been
prepared, but an ad had not been submitted.
Butler stated that she would like Brimeyer to include a more
specific reference to Metropolitan experience (i.e. the
Metropolitan Council, Metropolitan Waste Control Commission,
Minnesota Department of Transportation, etc.)
Council agreed with.Butler.
It was moved by Jabbour, seconded by Mayor Peterson, to
approve the addendum to the Sathe & Associates contract to add
the search for a new City Administrator, as outlined in
Attachment A of Mark Bernhardson's June 5, 1991, memo, including
the specific reference to Metropolitan experience as requested by
Councilmember Butler. All voted aye. Motion passed.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
(112)OPTIONAL SALES TAX- RESOLUTION #2976
Bernhardson referred Council to his May 31, 1991 memo
pertaining to this issue. He stated that regardless of what
action is taken on the part of the County Board, the various
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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
( #12)OPTIONAL SALES TAX CONTINUED
cities throughout the County have until August 1, 1991, to
reverse that action. *He said. "If the communities representing a
majority of the population within the County adopt resolutions
that go against whatever action is taken by the County Board,
then the communities will prevail effective August 1, 1991, and
the tax would be removed effective January 1, 1992. As it stands
now, the sales tax will be raised 1/2 percent on July 1, 1991.
If the County and /or cities support resolutions opposing the 1/2
percent sales tax, the tax would be removed December 31, 1991.
If such is the •case, the various cities and County will lose
whatever aid there is."
Butler stated that in reality the sales tax is not optional.
Goetten agreed and expressed disappointment in the State
Legislature -for passing this issue to the municipal level as
opposed to handling it themselves on the State level.
Callahan asked Bernhardson what the City of Orono is
currently receiving for'State Aid.
Bernhardson replied, "Right now, the City of Orono does not
receive any Local Aid or Homestead Credit in 1991. Part of this
package is a buy -down in the classification rate from 3% to 2h%
in 1992, and 2% in 1993. In 1992, the City would receive an
estimated $91,000 which would be used to purchase that buy -down.
If that money is not distributed in Hennepin County, instead of
receiving that $91,000 to buy -down 1/2 a percent, that amount
would be spread over the rest of the Orono City tax base. This
means that anyone with taxes under 3% would increase. In 1993,
under what is now the vetoed distribution formula, the City was
supposed to receive approximately $240,000, which is to buy -down
from 2�% to 2%. It will make a significant difference if that
distribution formula is used."
Jabbour stated that it seems. the State Legislature has no
concern about the number of Minnesotans who are spending their
money outside the State to avoid sales tax. There is a major
loophole in the system.
Butler asked Bernhardson for his recommendation regarding
Council's action relative to the draft resolution.
Bernhardson replied, "The Council may chose to take no stand
at. this point. I base that statement on information I have
received indicating that the communities representing a majority
of the County population have already adopted resolutions
supporting the implementation of the 1/2 percent sales tax.
Based on that, the County will more than likely approve the local
option sales tax.
'.:mss=
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
( #12)OPTIONAL SALES TAX CONTINUED
Butler and Goetten preferred to have Council take a stand on
this issue.
. Callahan suggested that Council vote against implementation
of the 1/2 percent sales tax.
It was moved by Callahan, seconded by Mayor Peterson, that
Council conceptually adopt a resolution recommending that the
County Board oppose the 1/2 percent Local Option Sales Tax by
adopting Resolution #2976. Staff is directed to prepare an
appropriate resolution. All voted aye. Motion passed.
( #13)LAKE USE COMMITTEE
Bernhardson indicated that Councilmember Callahan had been
appointed Chair of the Lake Use Committee, and suggested that he
may wish to update the Council of the Committee's progress.
Callahan reported that the four members appointed at
Council's May 28, 1991, meeting (Callahan, Goetten, Jabbour, and
JoEllen Hurr) held a brief meeting to discuss further
appointments to the Committee. It was agreed that Charlie Kelley
and Charles Schroeder from the Planning Commission should be
asked to serve on the Committee and both accepted. Callahan
said, "The Committee then discussed what our main focus might be.
We determined that the LMCD, the Shoreland Regulations, and
Marina licensing and operation policies were some of the issues
we would like to address. We scheduled a meeting for June 18,
1991, which will be the first meeting of the full Committee. At
that meeting we intend to draft a general purpose statement for
the Committee. We also asked to have the City Administrator
attend that meeting to discuss with us the progress the City is
making on the Shoreland Regulations."
Goetten added that the primary concern of, and purpose for,
the Lake Use Committee is to address the environmental issues
that have an impact on Lake Minnetonka.
Jabbour said, "Management with ecology in mind."
Mayor Peterson thanked Charlie Kelley for agreeing to serve
on the Lake Use Committee.
Jabbour stated that he had recently talked with the Mayor of
the City of Tonka. Bay who expressed concern regarding the
increase in the LMCD's financial levy to the 14 Lake Minnetonka
Communities. Jabbour stated that the -Mayor would bec calling a
meeting to discuss that .issue and that he believes that the
cities need to have a substantial upper hand on what the LMCD
does with their budgeting process. The Tonka Bay Council's idea
of a solution to the problem is to entirely eliminate the LMCD.
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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
($13)LAKE USE COMMITTEE CONTINUED
Callahan stated that the City of Orono has not received
their copy of the LMCD's budget information, but that the Lake
Use Committee will discuss the issue once the information is
presented.
It was moved by Jabbour, seconded by Mayor Peterson, to
appoint Charles Kelley and Charles Schroeder to the Lake Use
Committee. Callahan noted that minutes of the Lake Use Committee
meeting will be prepared and distributed to Councilmembers.
Butler asked Barrett about a conflict with the Open Meeting Law
since three of the Lake Use Committee members are Orono City
Councilmembers. Callahan stated that notice of the Lake Use
Committee meeting recently held was published and the intention
is to continue in that manner. Barrett stated that as long as
the public is notified of the meetings, there should be no legal
problem. All voted aye. Motion passed.
( #14)HIGHWAY 12 CORRIDOR STUDY
Bernhardson presented Council with a schedule of the
upcoming meetings for the Highway 12 Corridor Committees.
Bernhardson reported that he and Councilmembers Goetten and
Butler had met with the Commissioner Riley of the Minnesota
Department of Transportation, Commissioner MacNamara, and the
Chief - Engineer for Metro District, William Crawford. He said,
"To summarize, MNDOT indicated that they are a client - oriented
department with the clients being both the communities through
which the State Highways pass and the public that utilizes those
highways. In that vein, MNDOT desires the communities involved
to sit down and work out a solution by the end of the year. If
that does not occur, MNDOT will select a corridor it feels is
most appropriate."
Goetten and Butler stated that Bernhardson's accounting of
the meeting and MNDOT's tenor was exact. - Butler added that
Bernhardson had done an excellent job at the meeting and had
given the Commissioner and his staff_ a 15 minute synopsis of the
Orono /Long'Lake-area•: In addition to-Bernhardson's presentation,
Butler stated that she and Goetten made an attempt to be
rational, non - judgmental, and as positive as possible. She said
that the Commissioner told them that they had to work with the
City of Long Lake to iron out the differences that exist between
the two cities.. *She suggested to the Commissioner and his staff
that when -a joint meeting between the City of Long Lake and Orono
takes place, that a MNDOT staff member, present at the June 7th
meeting, be in attendance strictly to observe. Butler stated that
a further recommendation was -made to have Commissioner Riley take
the same tour of the Orono /Long Lake ,area that Commissioner
Levine had taken.
. Goetten stated that Commissioner Riley had been a resident
of Tonka Bay for approximately six months so he was somewhat
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
( #14)HIGHWAY 12- CORRIDOR CONTINUED
familiar with this area. Goetten commented that the Commissioner
had told her he had gone over each of the proposed corridors
himself. Goetten pledged to sit down and work with the City of
Long Lake in an attempt to reach an agreement. Otherwise, as the
Commissioner stated several times during the meeting, MNDOT will
make a decision early next year. She informed the Commissioner
that should the south bypass continue to be an option that goes
into the environmental impact statement phase, that every
resident in Orono would contact him to express their opposition.
Goetten stressed the importance of having a planned strategy
before the next meeting takes place and getting some form of
communication out to the entire community as soon as possible,
especially to those residents that do not reside close to the
proposed corridors.
Jabbour indicated that he' has learned from talking with
people that Orono citizens living near County Roads 15 and 19 are
being lobbied by other cities. He said, "Several people have
told me that the position taken by the City Council will add
traffic in their front yards. I told those people that the
position was taken on behalf of�the entire City, and it was based
on the comprehensive planning_ that has been done since Orono
became a city. It is up to the residents to do whatever is
necessary to keep informed and to understand why we took the
position we did. There are other sources giving these people
incorrect information. I think it is also important to state for
the record that officials from the City of Orono have met several
times with officials from the City of Long Lake to discuss the
Highway 12 Corridor issue."
Goetten stated that Commissioner Riley has been informed of
Orono's past meetings and efforts with the City of Long Lake.
Bernhardson stated that his May 31, 1991, memo also
addresses the issue of the deletion of routes, which will be the
next step taken at the upcoming Committee meetings. Bernhardson
said,' "The two northern routes do not do much in terms of
addressing traffic limits for the current corridor. The Highway
55 route would allow traffic to increase from the current
18,000/19,000 to approximately 25,000 cars per day. The County
Road 11 route, although it does reduce traffic counts down to
11,000 on the current corridor, it does so 'at the expense of
doubling traffic on County Road 6. The question is whether that
meets transportation objectives. As far as County Road 6 and the
south bypass, it could be argued that those may meet
transportation objectives, but it is at the expense of adding
traffic to certain north /south routes such as Willow, Old Crystal
Bay, and Brown Roads, which would experience five to seven times
the current volumes. I think one could argue that transportation
objectives•are not being met. In the southerly route °volumes are
approaching 44 to 46 thousand cars a day, which then calls for an
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
(#14)HIGHWAY 12 CORRIDOR CONTINUED
upgrade beyond a four -lane highway. I would think at a minimum
that the City should be in favor of deleting Highway 55,. and
County Road 11, and possibly County Road 6 and the south bypass
based on an inability for those routes to meet traffic
objectives. However the arguments supporting the deletion of
County Road 6 and the south bypass may not be shared by the
other communities."
Sherokee Ilse asked Council if they were going to take the
position for deleting corridors suggested by the City
Administrator. She indicated that the Citizens Group had met
with the Long Lake Residents Group. She said, "At the meeting we
put together three pages of items to which there was mutual
agreement, and three pages of items to which the City of Long
Lake disagreed.- One of the items in which the City of Long Lake
is interested is the idea of shared transportation burden. This
means that County Road 6, Highway 12, and Highway 55 would be
upgraded and designated to address various aspects of traffic.
It seems that may be one of the main issues that the two groups
could. agree to, but if we delete Highway 55, that would not be
possible. We agreed at the meeting that we would encourage PINDOT
to take a serious look at the possibility of .upgrading both
Highway 55 and Highway 12. I would urge the Council *to think
hard about Highway 55 to see if we cannot convince MNDOT to look
at that option first."
Bernhardson stated that upgrading Highway 55 would not pull
enough traffic off of Highway 12. The projections are still at
25,000. There are traffic problems - with the current traffic
level on Highway 12, which is 18.000. Bernhardson commented
further that if P4NDOT spends money to make a link in Delano
between Highway 12 and Highway 55 that they would be reluctant to
spend additional funds to do any additional upgrades to Highway
12.
Mayor Peterson indicated that she had met with Larry Dallam
and his comments echoed those just made by Bernhardson. Highway.
55 is too far north to pull traffic off of Highway 12, and for
that reason, Highway 55 is not a viable route.
Ilse stated that she is leery of using MNDOT's rationale and
that there are still many questions to be answered about traffic
levels on Highway 12.
Goetten stated that it may; not be, wise for the City to take
a position on deleting any routes other than the south bypass if
it is to have successful negotiations with the City of Long Lake.
She said, "It is true we have been getting some negative feedback
about the shared transportation burden option, but perhaps that
will be the final resolution. Even though it may be true that
Highway 55 will not take enough traffic from Highway 12, there
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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
($14)HIGHWAY 12 CORRIDOR CONTINUED
are discussions about upgrading Highway 55 in the future."
Callahan stated that the City has taken a position that the
road should go where it is. He said, "It seems to me that we
will have a limited amount of time to make our comments about
routes to be deleted and that we should focus our efforts on
explaining why County Road 6 and the south bypass should be
deleted. Let us not take a position on deleting Highway 55 at
this point."
Jabbour stated the he would not like to see the City take
any action that may be offensive to the City of Medina. He said,
"I have great hope that the City of Medina will see things in a
similar light to our way of thinking."
Bernhardson advised that the City of Medina has gone on
record as being opposed to both Highway 55 and County Road 11.
Jabbour agreed with Callahan that the City should
concentrate on the corridors proposed within the City, and to
have County Road 6 and the south bypass deleted from the map.
Mayor Peterson also concurred with Callahan.
Bernhardson anticipated that at the upcoming Committee
meeting, MNDOT will run down the list of routes, asking the
members from each of the cities if they would support deletion
based on the traffic numbers. This may be done in more of a
voting or indication procedure. Bernhardson. agreed with
Callahan's suggestion to voice opinions on County Road 6 and the
south bypass, but thought it wise for the City officials to be in
a position to also support deletion of other routes on a voice
vote.
It was Council's consensus that from the City of Orono's
standpoint, the most important route to delete- is- the south
bypass.
It was moved by Butler, seconded by Jabbour, to accept the
information presented by the City Administrator, but take no
formal action on the recommended resolution. Bernhardson
indicated that if Council votes to take no action.,- they will not
be able to support any deletions. Butler disagreed, that by not
taking any specific action at this point, the City should be in a
position to delete all of the routes if they so choose. Goetten
preferred that the motion take a stand. Jabbour suggested that
Staff be directed to push for the City's goal," based on its
adopted position.- Butler withdrew her motion, Jabbour withdrew
his second.
It was moved by Callahan, seconded by Mayor Peterson, to
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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
( #14)HIGHWAY 12 CORRIDOR CONTINUED '
direct Council's representative to approach the problem of
deletion when it arises, by testing it against the City's adopted
position, provided that the south bypass and County Road 6 are
deleted. All voted aye. Motion passed.
(#15)CITY COMMUNICATIONS
Bernhardson referred
various methods that could
He stated that there is
information pertaining to
facilities to the citizens.
done in conjunction with
independent mailing.
Council to his memos outlining the
be utilized for City communications.
an immediate need to communicate
Highway 12 Corridor and the City
Bernhardson suggested that could be
the Council news article or by an
It was Council's consensus that communication on these two
topics occur via an independent mailing.
Goetten indicated that she would like a mailing to go out
within the next seven to ten days pertaining only to Highway 12.
She suggested incorporating an. abbreviated statement on the
Planning Commission's recommendation that Council adopted. The
letter should also provide an historical synopsis of the process
and how it has come to this point, and what corridors are being
considered.
Jabbour added that information should be provided as to how
those corridors are going to impact other Orono roads if selected
to make people more aware of how this selection will affect them
individually.
Butler suggested keeping the information in the letter as
brief and concise as possible or people will not take time to
read it.
Goetten added that it might prove helpful to include some of
the questions being raised in the Committees.
Bernhardson suggested including information pertaining to
the meeting with the MNDOT Commissioner.
Council agreed.
Sherokee urged Council to include something in the letter
indicating the various Citizen's Groups that are working on this
issue.
Goetten stated that she would like to see the letter before
it is sent. Mayor Peterson agreed. Butler indicated that she
would be the editor.
Mayor Peterson indicated that the letter would.be sent
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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
( #15)CITY COMMUNICATIONS CONTINUED
within the next ten days.
Council took no further formal action on this issue.
( #16 *)REJECT BIDS - NAVARRE HEIGHTS STORM SEWER PROJECT
RESOLUTION #2974
As requested by Councilmember Callahan, this item was added
to the Consent Agenda.
It was moved by Butler, seconded by Goetten, to adopt
Resolution #2974, rejecting -all bids for the Navarre Heights
Storm Sewer Project. All voted aye. Motion passed.
( #17)CITY FACILITIES
Council agreed to hold a Workshop to discuss City facilities
financing on June 20, 1991, at 5:00 p.m.
( #18 *)BRUSH CHIPPING PROGRAM
It was moved by Butler, seconded by Goetten, to approve the
inclusion of brush being dropped off with leaves and grass, on
those Saturdays scheduled as per the attached guidelines and
schedule. All voted aye. Motion passed.
( #19 *)PETER PALMER= RESIGNATION
It was moved by Butler, seconded by Goetten, to accept the
resignation of part -time officer Peter Palmer effective May 31,
1991. All voted aye. Motion passed.
(#20 *)JOINT COUNCIL /PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
It was moved by Butler, seconded by Goetten, to acknowledge
the upcoming joint Council /Planning Commission meeting on June
19, 1991. All voted aye. Motion passed.
( #21 *)WATER RESTRICTION REMOVAL - RESOLUTION #2975
It was moved by Butler,• seconded by Goetten, to adopt
Resolution #2975 repealing the restrictions of.the odd /even water
regulations established with the adoption of Ordinance 53, Second
Series. All voted aye. Motion passed.
( #22 *)ADMINISTRATOR'S INFORMATION
It was moved by Butler, seconded by Goetten, to accept the
City Administrator's Information regarding: Highway 12- Plater
System, 1950 Shoreline -cabin removals, Patrol Office Employment,
Retirement Party -Chief Kilbo. All voted aye. Motion passed.
OTHER
Mayor Peterson asked Dave Peterson., Chair of the Stubbs Bay
Sewer Committee, to give a brief report on the Committee's
progress.
Dave Peterson advised that other members of the Stubbs Bay
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OTHER - STUBBS BAY SEWER CONTINUED
Sewer Committee were present this evening (Candace Rowlette, John
Thiesse). Peterson reported that Committee members had gone
door -to -door to the individual houses within the proposed Stubbs
Bay Sewer area and talked to the residents about the project.
The consensus is that sewer is a problem and is needed in the
Stubbs Bay area.. The majority of people desire to have sewer,
but do not want to pay for it. He said, "The Committee agrees
that there is a sewer problem and requests that the project be
pursued. We would like pursuit of the project to include working
with the City Engineer to better define where sewer is most
needed, and where it could be stubbed in now with laterals
installed at a later time. We would like to see some options in
that sense, as well as financing options. If the City could
devise some methods of creative financing, it may eliminate
future litigation."
Jabbour stated that this item must be put on the Agenda of
an upcoming Council meeting to be further discussed.
Mayor= Peterson stated that the actual area has not been
officially defined.
Goetten indicated that it is up to the Council to decide how
important it is to provide sewer to the Stubbs Bay area. The
Comprehensive Plan refers to this area being sewered, and Goetten
believed it should be done.
Butler asked if the City Engineer has studied the area to
determine which areas should be included in the project and where
the sewer lines should be located.
Callahan advised that the City Engineer had performed such a
study and had reached several conclusions about the area and
where the lines should be .located. He asked Staff to again
provide Council with the City Engineer's findings.
Bernhardson further explained that five-primary .areas, for
the project had been defined, three of which are in serious need
of sewer, East Lake Street, West Lake Street. and Crestview. The
other -two areas are the-east Bayside area, which needs sewer, but
not the degree of the three areas mentioned previously. The
Bederwood area falls in between those areas and has the larger
lots. Bernhardson stated that criteria was developed to allow
certain properties in that area to "opt -out" of the project. The
smaller properties to the east of Leaf. Street were also
considered for inclusion in the project because of the lack of
area for additional drainfield sites on each property. The'
residents on Oxford Road were sent a letter asking if.they would,
like to be included in the project. Inclusion of the Oxford
Street properties would result in a $600 reduction off of what
has been estimated to be between a $9,000 and $16,000 assessment
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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
OTHER - STUBBS BAY SEWER CONTINUED
per home. Bernhardson stated that an option to including this
area in the project, may be stubbing off for a later project and
the City perhaps buying reserve charge that would be reimbursed
should that area ever be sewered. The areas on the other side of
the Luce Line, on Christine Drive, are newer homes in the
designated Rural District, with alternate and primary septic
sites available. Bernhardson advised that those properties would
qualify under the "opt -out" criteria used in the Bederwood area.
Jabbour indicated that Council should take a stand to have
the project proceed.
Bernhardson stated that he would place this issue on the
agenda for Council's June 24, 1991, meeting. .,
Candace Rowlette said that one of the .problems of sewering
the Stubbs Bay area is that there are many small homes �.iith
valuations that do not justify the cost of sewer. There are also
many elderly retired people on fixed incomes that would have
difficulty paying the cost of the sewer project. She added, "I
found from talking with people that even some of those who meet
the criteria to opt -out are interested in preserving the water
quality of the Lake. Some would be willing to pay the trunk
charge if they could have an option of not having to pay the
lateral., or having it stubbed -off until a later time. Some
suggested the option of not having to hook up for 18 months. The
problem is that the two areas that need sewer the most are
connected by an area in between that does not need sewer."
Jabbour stated that the area in between may not need sewer
now, but will need it at some point in the future.
Bernhardson added that there is a special assessment
deferral program available for Senior Citizens. .
Dave Peterson asked Council if there is anything further
they would like the Committee to do'.
Mayor Peterson asked Dave Peterson approximately Tghat
percent of the Stubbs Bay area residents have been contacted by
the Committee.
Peterson replied, "Approximately 30% to 50% of the residents; 4
have been contacted."
Goetten stated that she would like the Committee to,continue
contacting the residents.
Rowlette advised that Committee members used a computer to
generate a letter indicating what the trunk charge for each home
in the area would be, and comparing that to the costs for a new
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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 1991
OTHER - STUBBS BAY SEWER CONTINUED
mound or trench system, or the cost of using a holding tank and
having it .pumped on a regular basis. The letter was then sent to
each home indicating specific information pertinent to that
individual property.
Sherokee Ilse commended the Committee for their efforts in
contacting the residents in the area. She stated that it would
be helpful if the letter included the cost of the sewer line from
the street to the house.
Council thanked the Committee for their hard work. Mayor
Peterson asked the Committee to continue contacting residents in
the area, and asked Staff to place this item on the agenda for
the next Council meeting.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT: None.
( #23 *)LICENSES: None.
( #24 *)BILLS
It was moved by Butler, seconded- by Goetten, to approve
payment of the All Funds Account. All voted aye.,,. Motion passed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 8:45 p.m. City Attorney Barrett requested that Council
adjourn to an Executive Session for the purpose of discussing
pending litigation.
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Butler, seconded by Callahan, to adjourn the
Regular Council Meeting at 9:08 p.m.. All voted aye. Motion
passed.
Barbara A. Peterson, Mayor
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