HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-2015 Council Work Session MinutesMINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Monday, January 26, 2015
5:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Lili McMillan, Council Members Lizz Levang and Jim Cornick; representing Staff
were City Administrator Jessica Loftus, Senior Planner Mike Gaffron, City Planner
Melanie Curtis, Public Works Director — City Engineer Adam Edwards and City
Attorney Soren Mattick.
Administrator Loftus noted the resignation of Andrew Mack and the BCBS grant process which
is mid -stream. The Navarre Community Initiative will be picking up the ball for the grant
project moving forward. Mayor McMillan introduced a celebration titled "Navarre Night" that
is proposed for April 30th. The event would focus on Navarre History and include a book signing
from author Joan Wolfe on her the newly released Navarre, the Hub of Lake Minnetonka.
Loftus presented a sketch that the architect recommended for a new focal point in the Council
Chambers. The council discussed the new wood build -out with logo and supported the
concept.
Administrator Loftus informed the council that the building official intends to retire this
summer after thirty years of service. She recommended proactively planning for his successor
to have some overlap for training purposes given summer is a very busy time for the building
department. The council discussed the advantages of having the position in-house rather than
outsourcing and asked to review a recruitment request in February.
Pursuant to the previous council meeting, an opportunity was provided to discuss public input
at City Council meetings. Councilmember Walsh submitted comments via email due to his
absence that he requested be distributed to the group. Mayor McMillan also suggested
language to clarify the public comments section on the agenda. Both suggestions were
intended to invite comments and clarify the public input process. Councilmember Cornick
asked whether the city has received any resident complaints on our current system and
whether we should develop a handout for the public on when to speak at meetings. The
councilmember's in attendance supported the language proposed by Mayor McMillan and no
one favored a formal comment card system.
Senior Planner Mike Gaffron provided an update on code amendments in progress, including a
table identifying proposed text changes. Additionally in the works are non -zoning items not
requiring Planning Commission hearings, as well as specific zoning items that will require
Council consideration and direction in order to move forward.
Gaffron and Attorney Mattick introduced the easement/access issue on the Whalen property.
Past activities in relation to providing access to that property were reviewed and the
ramifications of actions requested of the City were considered. Council indicated no interest in
approaching Hennepin County on the Whalen's behalf.
Administrator Loftus gave a verbal update on city operations.
No time remained to discuss agenda item #5, videotaping planning commission meetings. The
council agreed the topic should be placed on the February work session agenda.
The meeting closed at 6:50 p.m.
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Lill Tod McMillan, Mayor