HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-21-1993 Planning PacketMINLTKS OK THK SPECIAL ORONO PLANMNC COMMISSION
MEETINC. HELD OCTOBER 21, 1993
ROLL
The Planning Coniinission met on the above date with the following members present:
Chairman Charles Schroeder. Planning Commission Members Sandra Smith. Charles Nolan.
Stephen Peterson, and Janice Berg. Commission Members Rowlette and Lindquist were absent.
City staff was represented by Assistant Planning & Zoning Administrator Mike Gaffron.
Chairman Schroeder called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m.
m) PUBLIC HEARING - COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT
Gaffron presented background infomii 'ion regarding this proposed amendment to add policy
language to the Environmental Policies section of the Comprehensive Plan, relating to the
application of National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) standards for new storm water ponds,
and the application of "Best Management Practices" for land alteration projects. He noted that
adoption of this languai’e is required by the Metropolitan Council before they will approve
Orono’s MUSA boundary amendment for the Nettles and sewer plant properties. He noted that
forty other metro area eities had adopted similar language to-date.
Gaffron noted that the City Council had adopted a resolution of intent to add this language to
the Comprehensive Plan and implement the policies by revising the zoning code by May 15,
1995. He further noted that adoption of NURP standards will re.sult in the general use of "wet"
detention ponds, as opposed to the fully draining ponds that were commonly incorporated into
subdivisions during the 1980s. He also noted that the "Best Management Practices for
Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas", a document provided by the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency, contains methods and practices that are commonly in use by the City staff and
engineer currently, although they are merely guidelines rather than code requirements.
Gaffron noted that the proposed revisions would incorporate one paragraph regarding Best
Management Practices, and one sentence regarding NURP standards. He also noted that the
May 15, 1995 deadline was the same deadline date by which Orono must have its stomi water
management plans in compliance with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District's 509 Plan.
Schroeder questioned how adoption of the NURP and BMP standards wDuld affect the City’s
current practices. Gaffron indicated that the main difference would be in the use of wet
detention ponds, w'hich have somewhat different dimensions and parameters than dry ponds, but
which should have only a minor financial implication for developers. He also noted that staff
and the City Engineer already have put into use many of the Best Management Practices
identified. He indicated as we progress with our storm water management plan review,
ordinances v/ill be developed regarding the u.se of fertilizers, street sweeping, and many of the
practices which are not currently required by code.
1 ■ •
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL ORONO PI.ANNTXG COMMISSION
MEETING HELD OCTOBER 21, 1993
Petnnon qpestk>oecl whether the Ciiy needed until May 1995 to upgrade <uorm wacer
ordinances, and indicated that he would hope they could be Lomplcied sooner. Gaffton noted
that most cities had been allowed six to eight months by Met Council for iinplemeiulng ihelr
"Interim Strategy", and Oroao's May 1995 deadline was oppaicntly somewliat of a coiupioinise
on Met CouQcirs part.
It was moved by Janice Berg, seconded by Chailcs Nolan, to treotmnend adoption of the
proposed language into Part H, Chapter 3 "Geno^l Policies for Natural Resource Management"
in the Orono Comjuunity Meuagemem Plan as proposed. Scltioeder Indicated this is a public
hearing and no members of the public were present to comment. The motion carried on a vote
of 5 to 0.
(#2) FLAG LOTS • RECOMMENDATION TO COIINCTI
Schroeder asked whether any Commission members had questions on the proposed
recommendation to Council regarding flag Iocs. Smith questioned as to whether some of the
standards should apply to existing lots or existing residences. Schroeder questioned wbat would
be the impact of applying these standards to existing pruperties. Gaffh)n indicated that sume
of the area and setbadc standards would certainly result in additional variance applications in
neighborhoods that "bought into" the existing situation, and tlterefore the new requirements
would probably be a nuisance. Some existing butlding.s would become nonconforming
stnictures.
Sduoeder noted that, for Instance, screening might only be an issue for an existing flag lot in
a dense area such as Casco Point, and questioned whether there were complaints of this nature.
Oaffron indicated there arc virtually no complaints regarding existing flag lots. Schroeder
indicated tltat Utere appeata to be little need fur imposing these recommended requirements on
existing properties.
Schroeder moved, Smith seconded, to transmit the recommended standards for the creation and
use of new flag lots as outlined in the staff memo, as Planning Commission's recommendation
to Council. Motion carried on a vote of .5 to D.
Scluxjcder reminded tlic Commission of itx scheduled 9:00 a.m. Saturday meeting to view the
Coffin and Dickey properties.
Motion was made by Smith, seconded by Derg, to adjourn at R;35 a.m. Moiiun carried.
Charles Schroeder, Cha'r Person