HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-22-2016 Council Work Session MinutesMINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 22, 2016
5:00 o'clock p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Lili Tod McMillan, Council Members Aaron Printup, Lizz Levan& and Denny
Walsh. Representing Staff were City Administrator Jessica Loftus, Public Works Director/Engineer
Adam Edwards, Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, Senior Planner Michael
Gaffron, and City Clerk Diane Tiegs.
GUEST: Rick Meyer
1. Comip Plan Timeline
Jeremy provided Council information for the Comprehensive Plan timeline, process and
public outreach components. Jeremy noted that two plans are required to be completed as
part of the Comp plan, including a surface water management plan and a water supply plan.
In addition to these, Jeremy noted that it might be advantageous to incorporate some
focused plans into this update, including a review of the small lot neighborhoods zoned for
big lots, and a Navarre land use/street scape plan. Jeremy suggested that the planning
process start in February, 2017.
A Navarre housing study was last done in 1997 and it should be done again. This study
would illustrate to the Met Council that Orono has studied the requirements in depth.
Council suggested Staff to begin the RFP process in the fall so the housing study can begin
in 2017. The 2017 budget proposal will include funds to facilitate completion of the plan.
The recent system statement indicated what the City must include within the plan update.
The Council could update the plan with the revised projections of growth and affordable
housing goals, or the plan could represent a shift in direction for the City. It was a
consensus of the Council to maintain the current direction, and update the plan to reflect
new projections and housing goals. The main goal is to update the current Comp Plan based
on what is already on the plan.
Biggest Comp Plan Challenges:
• Establish goals for density
• Identify locations for density growth
An Open House event to solicit resident feedback would be appropriate and is an
opportunity to provide education to the residents on density. Council would like residents to
be invited by postcard to assure they are aware of the Comp Plan Open House events. The
mailing will be sent to targeted areas affected by the density plans. Council will review this
in a couple of months once these sections have been identified.
Council Work Session February 22, 2016
2. Customer Service
Jeremy outlined the customer service review that will take place over the next few months.
The goal is to gain a better understanding of the resident's expectations so the City can
better meet their needs. Ideally the information would be completed by August for Council
review. Jeremy noted he plans on employing a survey, following projects through the
process to determine time issues and constraints, and randomly selecting individuals to gain
feedback. There are multiple segments to the process and the study will help to identify
where issues are and possible resolution.
3. Planning Commission Appointment
Three Planning Commissioner terms expire on March 31, 2016. Staff contacted the current
Commissioners whose terms soon expire to determine if they wanted re -appointment to the
Commission.
The formal appointments will be placed on the March 14 Council meeting agenda. If
Council is agreeable Staff recommends appointing Bruce Lemke, Kevin Landgraver and
Chad Olson as Commissioners and Chris McGrann as an alternate at the March 14 Council
meeting. Denise Leskinen does not want to be Chair of the Planning Commission. Jeremy
will publish an ad for alternate Planning Commissioners.
4. Lurton Park Update
Adam provided Council a timeline, background, and an update on the Lurton Park off -leash
dog park project. Park Chair Rick Meyer was also in attendance to answer questions. A
draft plan provided the layout of the park area. The perimeter fence, small dog area, and the
main off leash area have been identified on the concept draft. There are existing trails that
will be incorporated with a perimeter trail. Parking is by permit only to assure that it is being
used by dog users only.
The master plan concept will be reviewed by the Park Commissioners in March. A more
formal recommendation to Council will provide drafts of a policy fee and ordinances. Dog
Park Pass may be used to off -set some of the expenses for amenities and maintenance. The
current estimated cost of converting the park is $11 OK. Funding may come from the City's
Park Fund and or the Lurton Park Fund. Details and recommendations to follow in April.
The gates and fencing are the largest expense for developing the park and the funding needs
to be managed efficiently in order to accomplish this project.
5. Other
Attest:
Jessica asked if Council members would like to schedule training in preparation for moving
towards the paperless Council agenda packets. The Council decided not at this time. Short
training videos are available for review on using the iLegislate software program.
.kms "�,
City clerk4 Lili Tod McMillan, Mayor
Council Work Session February 22, 2016