HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-17-2026 Planning Commission - MinutesMinutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 17, 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 Thomas Brandabur,
Kelly Prchal, and Sam Tift. Commissioners Chris Bollis, Andrew Jarnot, and Shane Weltzin were absent.
Staff present: Community Development Director Laura Oakden, City Planner Melanie Curtis, and City
Planner Matthew Karney.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Prchal moved, Tift seconded, to approve the Agenda. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0.
4. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 20,
2026
Prchal moved, Bradabur seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission
meeting of January 20, 2026, with one correction. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
5.1. LA26-000001, Denali Custom Homes o/b/o Lisa M Flynn Revocable Trust, 860 Brown Rd. S.,
Variance.
The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve the average Lakeshore variance to build a new principal residence on the site of a former home.
The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant's
representative, David Bicker of Denali Custom Homes, 4041 North Shore Drive, Orono.
Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 6:08 p.m.
There were no Public Comments.
Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 6:08 p.m.
Commissioners said rebuilding on an existing site is logical and practical difficulties have been addressed.
Brandabur moved, Tift seconded, to approve LA26-000001, 860 Brown Rd. S., Variance as applied.
VOTE: Ayes: 4, Nays: 0.
5.2. LA26-000003, The Landschute Group o/b/o Leigh Johnston Hull, 2245 French Lake Rd.,
Variance.
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Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve a variance for a pool and patio in a different location than was approved in 2023, but in the same
location as a former patio. The new location would result in a reduction of the proposed hardcover and
aHow for continued use of the existing septic system.
The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant
representative, Jon Monson, Landschute Group, Excelsior,
Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 6:23 p.m.
Anne Shull, the next -door neighbor of the property, no address given, spoke in favor of the project.
Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 6:24 p.m.
Commissioners noted it is not a busy Lakeshore, and the request did not seem to be impactful.
Brandabur moved, Prchal seconded, to approve LA26-000003, 2245 French Lake Rd., Variance as
applied. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0.
5.3. LA26-000004, Robert Arone, 3590 North Shore Drive, Variances.
The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and
approve variances to construct a new home to replace an existing non -conforming home. Due to the
irregular shape and shoreline, the property has about 65 percent of the property is in the Lakeshore
setback. Variances are required because of differences between the proposed home and the existing home.
Staff recommends approval, conditioned on providing a landscape plan.
The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Robert
Arone, 3590 North Shore Drive.
Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 636 p.m.
There were no Public Comments.
Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 6:36 p.m.
Commissioners pointed out that it is a challenging lot, and adding height is not a hindrance in this case
compared to other newer homes in the area. Commissioners discussed the DNR recommendation to add
two trees for screening in the location suggested.
Prchal moved, Tift seconded, to approve LA26-000004, 3590 North Shore Drive, Variances
conditioned on following the staff recommendation for landscaping. VOTE: Ayes: 4, Nays: 0.
6. OTHER ITEMS
Conununity Development Director Oakden updated the Planning Commission on City Council actions on
recent applications seen by the Commission.
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Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, NW 55356
7. ADJOURNMENT
Prchal moved, Tift seconded, to adjourn the Planning Commission Meeting at 6:53 p.m, to March
16, 2026. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0.
ATTEST:
Jon Ressler, Chair
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