HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-18-2025 Planning Commission minutesMinutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Chair Bollis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. ROLL CALL
Orono Planning Commission members present: Chair Chris Bollis, Commissioners Mark
McCutcheon, Jon Ressler, Scott Kirchner, Kelly Prchal, Andrew Jarnot, and Thomas Brandabur.
Commissioners Bob Erickson, Ted Schultze and Gary Kraemer were absent.
Staff present: Community Development Director Laura Oakden, City Planner Melanie Curtis, and City
Planner Matthew Karney.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. NEW BUSINESS
3.1 Oath of Office
Community Development Director Oakden administered the Oath of Office to new Planning
Commissioners Kelly Prchal, Andrew Jarnot, and Thomas Brandabur,
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Kirchner moved, McCutcheon seconded, to approve the Agenda. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
5. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 18
2024
Ressler moved, Kirchner seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission
meeting of November 18, 2024. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6.1. LA24-000054, ROB PAGE, 430 OLD CRYSTAL BAY ROAD NORTH,
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT.
The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve the application for an 85-unit individually -owned garage condos project.
The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicants, Rob Page
and Dave Ramsey.
Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 6:38 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 6:38 p.m.
Commissioners discussed the merits of the project. The possibility that an individual owner could violate
the Conditional Use Permit, jeopardizing the CUP for everyone, the need for a trash plan, parking,
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Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
turnaround for the fire department and the timeline for developing the project in its multiple stages. They
indicated they were generally in favor of the application but felt more information is needed.
Kirchner moved, Prchal seconded, to deny LA24-000054, 430 Old Crystal Bay Road
North, Conditional Use Permit. VOTE: Ayes: 3, Nays 4 (Ressler, Brandabur, Bollis and
Jarnot). MOTION FAILED.
Ressler moved, Bollis seconded, to table LA24-000054, 430 Old Crystal Bay Road North,
Conditional Use Permit. VOTE: Ayes: 6, Nays 1 (McCutcheon).
6.2 LA24-000059, BLUE PENCIL COLLECTIVE O/B/O BRADLEY PASS, 215
NORTH ARM LANE, PRELIMINARY PLAT: "IDYLLVALE SHORES",
PUBLIC HEARING, REVIEW #2
The Planning Conunission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
take action on the proposed revised preliminary plat consisting of five confornung lots rather than the
original six.
The Plaiming Commmssion discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Kasey
Johnson of Blue Pencil Collective.
Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 7:27 p.m.
Mary Larson, 366 North Arm Lane, asked if the existing road serving the area would be wide enough as
two cars are not able to pass there.
Mike Demeuse, 350 North Arm Lane, said he wanted to push back on the idea that exceptions should be
made to allow this development on a sensitive parcel with negative impacts on the neighboring residents.
Mandy Little, 4620 North Ai7n Drive, said their property would be the one that would have a cul-de-sac
all along it which they do not support. She quoted from the 2040 comprehensive plan regarding the
impact of new developments on existing rural residents.
Randall Nord, 100 Bayside Trail, said he had a number of questions but added he has concerns about lot 4
in the plat in teens of elevations and run-off into the wetland. He said it seemed like a lot of pavement to
get to the lot,
Melissa Demeuse, 350 North Arm Lane, asked if the coimnissioners had been out and looked at the
property as she wanted them to understand how much is wetland and how much has the capacity to be
developed.
Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 7:39 p.m.
Bollis explained the wetlands are controlled by the watershed district and approval would be contingent
upon their approval.
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Commissioners said they were concerned about the turning radius, length of the new road, and the density
of the plat, given the wetlands so close to the lake, although the lots are conforming. They said they could
anticipate future owners of the lots coming back for variances. It was noted property owners have the
right to develop their property.
McCutcheon moved, Prchal seconded, to deny LA24--000059, 215 North Arm Lane,
Preliminary Plat: "Idyllvale Shores", as applied. VOTE: Ayes: 5, Nays 2 (Ressler and
Kirchner).
Chair Bollis recessed the meeting at 8:30 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:35 p.m.
6.3 LA24-000065, HARTMAN COMPANIES, 980 HERITAGE LANE,
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve a request for a conditional use permit for a retaining wall about 28 feet from the lake. The
applicant provided an updated landscape plan that would screen the proposed walls from the lake.
The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff. The applicant, Seth Eggert,
Hartman Companies, was present.
Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 8:41 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 8:41 p.m.
Commissioners said the request met the requirements for the conditional use permit.
Kirchner moved, Ressler seconded, to approve LA24-000065 as applied with the proposed
screening of the walls, 980 Heritage Lane, Conditional Use Permit. VOTE: Ayes: 7, Nays 0.
6.4 LA24-000066, DEAN DEAN SUSAN THOMSON, 430 EAST LONG LAKE ROAD,
CONDITIONAL USEPERMIT &VARIANCES
The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
deny the request for a conditional use permit to keep up to 30 pigeons on the property. The property is
next to Wood -Rill SNA, an undeveloped natural area, but is deficient in lot size and set back from lot
lines for farm animals. Staff noted pigeons are not specifically called out in the ordinances, but the
applicant's proposed use is consistent with farm animals.
The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Dean and
Susan Thomson, 685 Old Long Lake Road, the owners of 430 East Long Lake Road which, is a rental
property. They said the pigeons are not named as farm animals and would be intended to be pets and a
hobby and not for consumption.
Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 8:57 p.m.
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Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:00 PM
Ciry Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Kim Simensen of Minnetonka said she knows the applicants and keeps chickens on her property and in
the four years she has had them, they have not attracted predators. She said keepuig pigeons is popular in
Europe and is an emerging sport here.
Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 9:02 p.m.
Conunissioners discussed possibly limiting the number of birds if the City considers 25 an animal unit;
whether pigeons are farm animals; the possibility that raising, trading and selling them create a business,
and whether the coop met the requirements for an auxiliary structure. It was suggested the City needs to
amend the code around the issue of birds as farm animals.
Ressler moved, Prchal seconded, to approve LA24-000066, 430 East Long Lake Road, Conditional
Use Permit &Variances, as applied limiting to a maximum of 25 pigeons and that the staff consider
a text amendment for farm animals. VOTE: Ayes: 7, Nays 0.
6.5 LA24-000067, NORTHSTAR RENOVATIONS LLC, 2691 ETHEL
AVENUE, VARIANCES
The Plamling Conmussion is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve the request for a new average Lakeshore setback variance for a new deck and steps that differ
from a deck and steps approved by a different variance in 2023.
The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Eric Brandt,
Northstar Renovations LLC,
Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 9:21 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Chair Bollis closed the public hearnig at 9:21 p.m,
Commissioners said they agreed with staff that the adjustments between variance requests were minor.
Kirchner moved, Ressler seconded, to approve LA24-000067, Northstar Renovations
Llc, 2691 Ethel Avenue, Variances. VOTE: Ayes: 7, Nays 0.
6.6 LA24-000070, TOM RYAN, 2195 WATERTOWN ROAD, EASEMENT VACATION
The Plaiming Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve an easement vacation for an unnecessary portion of easement with the understanding that the
property owner would give a small piece of additional needed easement to acconnnodate the project as
built.
The Plamling Commssion discussed the item and asked questions of staff. The applicant had been
present but was unable to stay.
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Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Chair Bo opened the public hearing at 9:27 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 9:27 p.m.
Commissioners discussed whether the easement could be needed in the fiiture versus encumbering land
that isn't needed.
Ressler moved, Brandabur seconded, to approve LA24-000070, 2195 Watertown Road, Easement
Vacation as applied. VOTE: Ayes: 7, Nays 0.
6.7 LA25-000001, TOM BRAY O/B/O EDWARD H. HAMM JR., TRUSTEE, 485 ORONO
ORCHARD ROAD SOUTH, PRELIMINARY PLAT: SKY BLUE WATERS AND
TERMINATION OF COVENANT.
The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve a new preliminary plat creating one additional conforming lot and terminating a covenant.
The Plarming Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Tom Bray,
Edina, an attorney for Edward Hanun.
Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 9:48 p.m.
Jamin Marks, 1570 Fox, asked about intent related to the northern portion of the property and said
materials for the meeting should come out sooner.
Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 9:51 p.m.
Commissioners said the request makes sense since Fox Street runs through the property and it would
never be buildable as one lot. There are two lots, a northern and a southern. Bollis was opposed to
eliminating the covenant.
McCutchen moved, Kirchner seconded, to approve LA25-000001, Orono Orchard Road
South, Preliminary Plat: Sky Blue Waters And Termination of Covenant. VOTE: Ayes: 6,
Nays 1 (Bollis).
6.8 LA25-000003, STONEWOOD LLC, 155 WEAR LANE NORTH, VARIANCES
The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve a request for a new covered stoop to control water getting into the house.
The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicants, John Daly
Stonewood, Wayzata and Ross Johnson, 155 Wear Lane, the homeowner.
Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 10:09 p.m.
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Minutes
Planning Connussion Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
There were no public comments.
Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 10:09 p.m.
Corrnnissioners said it is a good solution to a water problem for a small encroachment in the setback and
would not be able to be viewed by neighbors. Several were concerned the portico and stoop would not be
enough to solve the water problem, and that a practical difficulty was not sufficiently established.
McCutcheon moved, Jarnot seconded, to approve LA25-000003, 155 Wear Lane North, Variances,
as applied. VOTE: Ayes: 5, Nays 2 (Ressler and Kirchner).
6.9 LA25-000004, NORTON HOMES O/B/O MARK FERRY & ELIZABETH FLYNN
FERRY, 3545 NYPLACE, AVERAGE LAKESHORE SETBACK VARIANCE
The Planning Comnussion is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve the request for a variance for small changes to the footprint of a plan approved last year. The
applicant is working with a new builder. Staff said there are significant impacts to the buildable area.
The Planning Comnussion discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Pat Hiller of
Norton Homes, Inver Grove Heights, representing the homeowners.
Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 10:21 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 10:21 p.m.
Conmussioners said they agreed with staff that the changes were minor and they had ah•eady reviewed the
plan last year.
Ressler moved, McCutcheon seconded, to approve LA24-000004, 3545 Ivy Place, Average
Lakeshore Setback Variance. VOTE: Ayes: 7, Nays 0.
6.10 LA25-000005, SCHWARZ BUILDERS INC, 1480 BOHNS POINT ROAD, VARIANCES
The Planning Comnussion is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
consider the request for an average Lakeshore setback variance that would add 3.5 feet of defined height to
an accessory structure on the property to match the existing house but reduce the size of the footprint and
hardcover.
The Plaiming Comnussion discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicants, Jack
Schwarz and Kurt Schwarz,Schwarz Builders Inc.
Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 10:42 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 10:42 p.m.
Commissioners noted that the plan was to build an accessory building to match the main bung and
reduce the footprint but they could not see a practical difficulty since the applicants could rebuild the
structure in its current dimensions without a variance.
Ressler moved, McCutcheon seconded, to deny LA25-000005, 1480 Bohns Point Road, Variances.
VOTE: Ayes: 6, Nays 1 (Brandabur).
6.11 LA24-000063, CITY OF ORONO, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT
The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve the Comprehensive Plan Amendment that would extend sewer along Leaf and Fox Street to serve
several lakeshore lots off Fox Street by creating a land use classification for large lakeshore lots. The
Comprehensive Plan supports replacing septic systems along the lakeshore.
The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff.
Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 11:02 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 11:02 p.in.
Commissioners said the proposal was confusing, but the explanation clarified it and the amendment
makes sense.
McCutcheon moved, Prchal seconded, to approve LA24-000063, Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
VOTE: Ayes: 6, Nays 1 (Ressler).
7. OTHER ITEMS
Community Development Director Oakden reported all applications seen by the Planning Commission in
November were approved by the City Council as recommended. Three new Planning Commissi Non
members were seated that evening and they will be interviewing for more.
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McCutcheon moved, Jarnot seconded, to adjourn the Planning Commission Meeting at 11:09 p.m.
to March 17, 2025. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
ATTEST:
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
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