HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-28-2015 Council Work Session MinutesMINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
September 28, 2015
5:00 o'clock p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Lili Tod McMillan, Council Members Jim Cornick, Jr, Aaron
Printup, Lia Levang, and Denny Walsh. Representing Staff were Finance Director
Ron Olson, Police Chief Correy Farniok, Public Works Director/ Engineer Adam
Edwards, Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, and City Clerk Diane
Tiegs
1. Hwy. 12 Safety Audit and Improvement — Chief Farniok
Chief Farniok updated Council on the Hwy 12 Safety Audit. The State Patrol's slogan and
goal for the project is "12 for 12" — working for 12 months without a fatal crash on Hwy.
12.
The section of roadway through Orono to Maple Plain has several safety
recommendations which include more signage and a center median to increase
awareness. The number of head-on crashes with multiple and serious injuries and head
on crashes indicate that a barrier would be the most effective. A barrier would have
intermittent openings to allow public safety response vehicles access between ramps.
The traffic on Hwy. 12 has no stoplight transition when traveling from downtown to the
west to change the mindset of the commuters to slow down to the rural traffic pace.
MnDOT has admitted the road was never intended to service the amount of traffic and
improvements need to be made.
Council Member Levang asked if more information will be published to promote the "12
for 12" safety goal. Farniok stated that in November more information will be rolled out
by the State along with the help of media involvement to promote the safety project.
2. Traffic Management Policy— Public Works/City Engineer Edwards
The Public Works Department receives numerous requests for street alterations.
Generally the requests are for speed humps, speed tables, speed reduction signs and
various signage requests, no parking, and street lights. The City Ordinance is rather
broad and it would be best to develop a policy that is clearly defined. Edwards reviewed
other communities' ordinances and drafted a policy for Council to review. The Council
should consider implementing a defined policy which is easier to adjust rather than an
ordinance. Council discussed scenarios of possible requests and how the policy would
direct the action to be taken.
From the Police Department's perspective Chief Farniok stated many times a resident
that doesn't get the response wanted will then call the police to try and force the issue.
City Council Work Session, September 28, 2015 Page 1
An example is a request for a speed study; typically when a speed study is done the
findings usually indicate vehicles are traveling the speed limit, traffic volume has not
increased and no adjustment is necessary.
A clear policy would define the criteria and procedures to address the resident's
concern. The requests could all be dealt with in a fair and consistent manner.
3. 2016 Budget
Finance Director Olson reviewed the enterprise budget. To cover the depreciation rate
increases there would need to be an increase of 11 % in 2016. Due to timely rain over
the summer months the water usage will not see huge increases.
Council Member Walsh would like the Water Tower Rent moved out of the water fund.
Mayor McMillan stated the rent is included to assist in keeping the rates reasonable for
residents. The water system is small and this is a way to help assure there is enough
revenue in the account.
Finance Director Olson reviewed the funds and answered Council questions regarding
the changes for 2016.
Met Council Environmental services is decreasing from the previous year's increase due
to I & I from the heavy storms in 2014.
The increase in the liability insurance rate is due to the sewer backups. Expenses have
decreased in the storm water fund due to lower expenses in engineering fees.
Mayor McMillan stated stormwater fees should not increase above 5%.
The recycling fund balance is low due to the change in the credit for recycled materials
offset.
4. Public Notice Signage Criteria
Community Development Director Barnhart reviewed the previous discussion on
standardizing the practice of displaying larger public notice signs for proposed
developments. Staff suggests the City post signs for larger subdivisions of 4 units or 4
acres until the Planning Commission takes action. The Council discussed signage and
agreed with the Staff recommendation.
Council discussed whether resident notification should be increased to include a larger
area surrounding a project. After discussion it was decided to continue with the present
policy.
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5. Freshwater Future Uses
Mayor McMillan provided some history of the Freshwater facility. It was built as a
research facility by the University of Minnesota. The U of MN gave it back to the Fresh
Water Society and in 2003 Cargill used the building. Cargill is currently building a
research campus and will be leaving the facility leaving the space open for a new use.
The use of the property for residential would be nice due to location, view, and a
stronger real estate market.
Council discussed the facility and would be okay with residential but would prefer a
corporate campus/office building. If it became residential the preference would be for a
tight cluster of upscale housing. No structure over 3 stories could be built and the
wetlands would have to be protected.
6. Housing Density
Density growth is allocated in the Orchard area. Developing the corner piece as lower
than 7 units per acre will require higher density somewhere else.
It is more appropriate for the highest density to be located at Old Crystal Bay Road and
Hwy 112. Walsh finding the best plan that fits for Gonyea — Council discussed various
options for density and development of the property. Most likely an apartment
complex envisioned by the comp plan. The Mayor would rather have townhome vs an
apartment building because that would better fit the community. Council will carefully
consider the options.
ATTEST:
ane Tiegs, City Cl
Lili Tod McMillan, Mayor
City Council Work Session, September 28, 2015 Page 3