HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-23-2019 Council Work Session Minutes Orono City Council
Work Session
Monday, September 23, 2019
Council Chambers 6:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Richard F. Crosby II, and Matt
Johnson. 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: Concept Landscape Representative Dale
1. Slope Stabilization
Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart introduced the Slope Stabilization
item and asked for guidance from the Council to amend the ordinance.
Mayor Dennis Walsh stated that it would be good to go through the process and that it
would be a good idea to revise and fix the ordinance.
Council Member Matt Johnson added that there is a very limited amount of contractors
that do this type of work and that it would be a good idea to improve those relationships
with those contractors as well as work on ways for the emergency route.
Dale of Concept Landscape explained the timeframe that it typically takes to complete
the permitting process and commented that it took too long. Dale mentioned that it
would really help if the process was shorter.
Walsh mentioned that it would make the process go faster if we made sure staff had all of
the information in front of them from the beginning. Walsh mentioned it would be a good
idea to have those conversations with staff to gain input on this as well.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Adam Edwards mentioned that there are two
parts of this process, the engineering and the permitting processes and that the engineer
portion can take up to a week or more for review.
2. Minnetonka Beach Water Services Agreement Discussion
City Administrator Dustin Rief mentioned that Minnetonka Beach reached out over a
year ago anticipating water services to be provided by Orono. Recently they have
reached out again regarding the issue. Rief is looking to discuss options with the Council
in regards to a water services agreement with Minnetonka Beach. Seals asked what the
issue is. Rief explained that the Minnetonka Beach water tower is in considerable need
of repair.
Council Member Victoria Seals asked if the rates that are proposed will maintain our
system. Seals also stated that she would like to see us do what is best for Orono.
Orono City Council
Work Session
Monday, September 23, 2019
Council Chambers 6:00 p.m.
Walsh mentioned that the question is if the City prefers to charge bulk rates for water or
rates for usage of water that would be based on a tiered or flat system.
Seals added that we should at least charge them what we charge our own residents.
Johnson mentioned that it is a neighboring city in need and that it is important to keep
that in mind.
Rief added that we will figure the charges after we complete our rate study and make
those rates comparable to what we will be raising our resident's own rates to be.
3. Dakota Trail Extension Update
Adam Edwards Director of Public Works/City Engineer presented the item. Edwards is
looking for direction from the Council for staff to either continue with design and
development of a trail connection along County Road 19 between Dakota rail regional
trail and Livingston Avenue.
Walsh mentioned that it is worth it to continue to complete this project.
Adjourned: 6:58p.m.
ATTEST:
4
Anna Carlson, City Clerk Dennis Walsh, Mayor