HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-20-2026 Planning Commission - MinutesMinutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Chair Ressler 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 Jon Ressler, Commissioners Chris Bollis, Thomas
Brandabur, Andrew Jarnot, and Kelly Prchal. Commissioners Sam Tift and Shane Weltzin were absent.
Staff present: Community Development Director Laura Oalcden, City Planner Melanie Curtis, and City
Planner Matthew Karney,
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Prchal moved, Bollis seconded, to approve the Agenda. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
4. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 20,
2025 AND NOVEMBER 17 2025
Jarnot moved, Prchal seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission
meetings of October 20 and November 17, 2025. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
5.1. LA25-000050 Price Homes, 2420 Fox Street, Preliminary Plat
The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve the preliminary plat creating two conforming RR1B lots conditioned on submittal of a landscape
plan for the revegetation of the site and addressing engineering questions.
The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Adam Price,
Price Homes, Elk River.
Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 6:19 p.m.
Jamin Marks, 2580 Fox Street, said the neighbors are opposed to the plan due to the wetlands, the
removal of 177 trees, and the lack of approval from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 6:25 p.m.
Commissioners noted the Planning Commission is limited in its ability to deny applications that meet
requirements. Some requested more clarity about what trees are planned to be removed and their health.
However, the landscape and conservation plan presented is in line with what has been customary. The
wetland delineation has been approved by the Watershed District. Building may trigger erosion permits.
Commissioners recommended that the applicant provide more information to neighbors about tree
removal and sight lines after replacement.
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Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Ressler moved, Brandabur seconded, to approve LA25-000050, 2420 Fox Street, Preliminary Plat
as applied. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
5.2. LA25-000054 Revision LLC, 2697 Kelly Avenue, Average Lakeshore Setback Variance
The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve the application for an average lakeshore setback variance for an addition to the existing home,
including changes to roof height. Staff recommends approval based on the practical difficulties of the
limited buildable area.
The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicants, David and
Kelly Gigerich, 2697 Kelly Avenue, and John Daly of Revision Homes.
Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 6:57 p.m.
There were no Public Comments.
Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 6:57 p.m.
Commissioners pointed out that no comments had been received from neighbors, and the proposal still
meets hardcover requirements. They discussed the difference between the 7546ot lakeshore setback and
the average lakeshore setback, which is meant to preserve neighbors' views of the lake.
Prchal moved, Jarnot seconded, to approve LA25-000054, 2697 Kelly Ave., Variance as applied.
VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
6. OTHER ITEMS
6.2 2025 Recap and Work Session Discussion
Community Development Director Oakden presented a recap of 2025 Planning Commission meetings
and actions, requested scheduling a work session before the February meeting, and asked for feedback on
which topics to cover at that meeting. Topics selected were accessory buildings and legal non -
conformities.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Bolus moved, Brandabur seconded, to adjourn the Planning Commission Meeting at 7:25 p.m. to
February 17, 2026. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
Jon Ressler, Chair
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