HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-25-2016 Council Work Session MinutesMINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
January 25, 2016
5:00 o'clock p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Lili Tod McMillan, Council Members Jim Cornick, Jr., Aaron Printup, Lizz Levang,
and Denny Walsh. Representing Staff were City Administrator Jessica Loftus, Finance Director Ron
Olson, Public Works Director/Engineer Adam Edwards, Community Development Director Jeremy
Barnhart, Senior Planner Michael Gaffron, City Planner Melanie Curtis, and City Clerk Diane Tiegs.
Guests: Danny McCullough Three Rivers Park District; Bob Byers, Hennepin County Public Works;
Kent Vuuk and Jeff Storms Hennepin County Sheriff's Office; Rick Meyer, Park Commission Chair,
Gabriel Jabbour, LMCD Representative; Michael Noonan, Hennepin County, and Jan Callison,
Hennepin County Commissioner.
1. Hennepin County Lake Access
Michael Noonan of Hennepin County stated the objective of a dedicated Hennepin County
Lake Access point is to provide a permanent facility for the Sheriffs' department to respond
to emergencies on Lake Minnetonka. Various incidences require response and are in need
of a dedicated response location. Over the past several months, a few locations were
considered, and the preferred location for consideration is located 300 feet from the
Arcola Bridge on Shoreline Drive.
Major Jeff Storms stated this location will strictly be used as a coming and going location
for emergency response. There will not be permanent parking or a boat moored in the
area.
The area under consideration would be stabilized due to the differential in elevation. A
retaining wall would be installed, a dock structure constructed to accommodate the
Sheriffs' boat, and appropriate signage to control parking. The launch would be used
during all seasons. The Hennepin County Sheriffs Office stated it is critical to have the
launch ready for the 2016 boating season.
Community Development Director Barnhart will review the City Ordinance regarding docks
and also possible encroachment into the lake and propose amendments for public agency
use only.
Hennepin County Commissioner Jan Callison thanked Council for their work on the
emergency launch.
Council Work Session January 25, 2016
2. Navarre Trail Connection
Bob Byers Hennepin County Engineer and Danny McCullough Trail Manager for Three
Rivers Park District (TRPD) reviewed the trail connection on County Road 19 from
Livingston Avenue to the Dakota Trail. The connection of this one block segment is also
part of Orono's Comprehensive Plan.
Hennepin County and TRPD would like to partner with the City of Orono to complete this
portion of the trail. If the connection is made by trail, rather than sidewalk, TRPD will
participate in the project costs. If the connection is made by sidewalk TRPD will not
participate, Hennepin County would cover 25% of the project, and the City would be
responsible for the rest. Their agency funding criteria only applies to trails not sidewalks.
Council reviewed the plans and options and are generally in support of moving forward by
connecting the segment with a trail. The next step is to develop a joint agreement and
obtain the necessary funding.
3. Intersection Improvement Grant for County Road 15/19
Bob Byer Hennepin County Engineer discussed the intersection improvement grant for
County Roads 15 and 19. Byer provided exhibits of the proposed improvements for
Council review and has secured $700,000 in federal funds for the 2019 improvement
project.
Council discussed ideas and options regarding the improvement. Byer also proposed
testing of different turn lane configurations using temporary markers to re -direct traffic.
This would give the engineers insight to needed improvements at that location for the final
design.
Council supports the improvement project and the City will assist when needed.
4. Council Packet Information and Electronic Packets
Council reviewed the paperless packet information. Staff recommended using the Wad
and iLegislate Software for downloading the packet. The iLegislate Software works for
both android and Wad tablets however the android does not support all of the tools that
iLegislate offers.
Staff also recommended an ordinance allocating a one-time $500 stipend to newly elected
Council to be used for purchasing a tablet. Each Council Member is responsible for the
purchase and maintenance of their electronic tablet.
Council Work Session January 25, 2016
Council Packet information and Electronic Packets Continued
Staff will provide training on iLegislate for Council. The target date for paperless packets is
the March 14th Council meeting.
ATTEST
Diane Tiegs, City Clerk
Council Work Session January 25, 2016
LiliLili Tod McMillan, Mayor