HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-23-2015 Council Work Session Minutes
City Council Work Session March 23, 2015 Page 1
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
March 23, 2015
5:00 o’clock p.m.
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PRESENT: Mayor Lili Tod McMillan, Council Members Jim Cornick, Jr., Aaron Printup, and Lizz
Levang. Representing Staff were Finance Director Ron Olson, Senior Planner Michael Gaffron, City
Planner Melanie Curtis, Police Chief Correy Farniok, City Attorney Soren Mattick, and City Clerk
Diane Tiegs.
1. Marking City Lake Accesses (Fire lanes)
Senior Planner Gaffron presented a report from the Public Works Director regarding the
marking of City lake accesses. The report suggested not all of the 50 lake accesses have
improvements or are accessible while some residents have landscaped in the access right‐of‐
ways. The most recently surveyed access points that have improvements would be good to
mark.
Council discussed the type of property markers to use for the access points. They determined
that not all access points would require the same type of marker especially the access points
that are more actively used.
Council reviewed 50 access points and tentatively identified 17 that should be marked. Many
of the access points are drain fields, marsh areas, or not accessible which makes them
unsuitable for lake access points.
Council would like the City owned docks to be identified and marked as well.
2. Temporary Signs
Planning and Zoning is seeking Council direction regarding the use of temporary signs. Mayor
McMillan suggested that an annual permit be considered which would allow a temporary sign
to be displayed four times a year for 10 calendar days each time. New business could be given
60‐days free of charge to assist with their early marketing. After the 60 days, however, a new
business would then need to apply for a permit. Realtor signs would be exempt from the
permit. Planning and Zoning Staff stated it is difficult to be consistent, enforce, and track the
temporary sign usage. Council discussed the following but took no action:
Sandwich board signs should be allowed but only out during the day and displayed on
the business’s property.
Murals may be allowed if they have Council approval. Code does not allow painted
signs on buildings so this must be addressed in the City Code.
Garage sale signs/weddings can be posted on the day of the event.
City Council Work Session March 23, 2015 Page 2
Permit enforcement needs to be addressed for clarity.
The primary violators of temporary signage are those that have no permits.
Commercial property temporary signs rules need clarity.
o Council stated that businesses should provide their thoughts on temporary
signs.
Council discussed regulating and consistent enforcement of temporary signs.
o Staff is directed to review the City of Wayzata’s temporary sign ordinance.
3. Whalen Access Letter
A letter has been drafted to Hennepin County to consider the Whalen’s request of a driveway
access to County Road 6. The City understands this request has been rejected in the past years
but would like Hennepin County to reexamine it. Council discussed and amended the letter
content which will be mailed this week.
4. Zoning Code Amendment – Duplex Lot Splits
Senior Planner Gaffron reported on amending the zoning code regarding duplex housing and
splitting the parcel. After Council discussion Staff is directed to prepare a draft for the
Planning Commission and Council review process.
5. Special Event Permits:
Contractors that participate in the Parade of Homes and Remodeler Showcase events are
required to apply for a Special Event permit. The contractors regularly do not apply for the
permits. Council discussed requiring a flat fee of $250.00 to cover Staff and Police Officer
time. If the permit is not applied for the fee can be assessed to the property owner’s taxes. A
draft amendment will be brought to Council for review.
6. Social Host Ordinance
Council reviewed the proposed Social Host Ordinance. Chief Farniok shared recent cases in
Orono when the Ordinance could have been helpful. The Social Host Ordinance is focused on
individuals that knowingly let underage drinking happen at their home. Council discussed
whether second offense language should be added to the Ordinance or a three strike rule.
Attorney Mattick relayed that currently State law only allows a misdemeanor charge. Chief
Farniok will bring the Social Host Ordinance to Council for action at a future meeting.
7. Public Safety Open House
Chief Farniok announced that a Public Safety Open House is being planned for Saturday, July
11th from 9 a.m. to noon. He will update Council as the event plans develop. Mayor McMillan
would like a program to recognize other communities. Other informational items discussed
were texting while driving, motorcycle safety information, and a Three Rivers Park District
bicycle rodeo.
City Council Work Session March 23, 2015 Page 3
Adjournment 6:45 p.m.
ATTEST
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Diane Tiegs, City Clerk Lili Tod McMillan, Mayor