HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-12-2019 Council Work Session Minutes Orono City Council
Work Session
Monday, August 12,2019
Council Chambers 6:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Richard F. Crosby II, Matt Johnson,
and Victoria Seals. Representing staff were City Administrator Dustin Rief, Community
Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, and City Clerk Anna Carlson.
Meeting Start Time: 6:05 p.m.
1. Accessory Buildings (size/acreage ratio)
Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart began discussion about Oversized
Accessory Building size. Barnhart requested direction from the Council for any change
requests they would like to see, specifically related to the current maximum Oversize
Accessory Building Footprint area allowed in square feet.
There was discussion about the reasoning for a maximum, the need for it, and other
requirements that likely limit the sizes.
Barnhart mentioned that the process would still go through the Planning Commission and
then brought back to Council for final approval.
2. Average Lake Shore
Barnhart requested confirmation of goals associated with accommodating various
circumstances related to average lake shore. Barnhart recommended there should be
some sort of maximum for setbacks, because in some cases current properties may set the
setback for other properties.
City Administrator Dustin Rief noted the City may want to possibly look at giving them a
percentage rather than a specific number.
Council Member Matt Johnson suggested the City may want to consider not making any
changes to the setback.
Walsh mentioned that the City may not need to make a lot of changes but the code should
be cleaned up in some sections.
Council Member Richard F. Crosby II also agreed that some of the language may need to
be cleaned up and logical changes could be considered.
Johnson added that by not making huge changes, it will allow the Council to interpret it
together.
3. Prioritization of General Amendments
Barnhart mentioned that there are a few general amendments that could use some
improvements, specifically the ordinances such as Special Events, Subdivisions, and
Land uses.
Page 1 of 2
Orono City Council
Work Session
Monday, August 12,2019
Council Chambers 6:00 p.m.
Walsh stated if staff feels a need to make some changes then they should definitely
review and make recommendations to Council.
Barnhart mentioned that the Special Event ordinance will be reviewed with staff in
regards to the review process, impacts of them on the public, and approval authority.
Staff does not propose or anticipate a limit to the number of parties at a property, as was
briefly discussed in February 2017.
Barnhart mentioned that he would like to work closely with the City Attorney in regards
to Subdivision Ordinance. Barnhart also mentioned revisiting the land use ordinance to
the council however it is not as crucial but it is in need of review.
Rief added that Council may want to revisit the use of gardens.
Walsh mentioned that maybe it could be somehow specific to City land only.
Staff will review the amendments and bring them back to Council at a future meeting for
final approval.
Meeting End 6:35 p.m.
ATTEST:
411 Ab.
Anna Carlson, City Clerk Dennis Walsh, Mayor
Page 2 of 2