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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-26-2010 Council MinutesT MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono City Council met on the above - mentioned date with the following members present: Mayor James White, Council Members Jim Murphy, Lili McMillan, Cynthia Bremer, and Doug Franchot. Representing Staff were City Administrator Jessica Loftus, Finance Director Ron Olson, City Clerk Lin Vee, Assistant City Administrator of Long -Term Strategic Planning Mike Gaffron, Planning and Zoning Coordinator Melanie Curtis, City Engineer Tom Kellogg, and Recorder Jackie Young Mayor James White called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. CONSENT AGENDA Item No. 10 was added to the Consent Agenda. Franchot moved, Bremer seconded, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • *2. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 12, 2010 Franchot moved, Bremer seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono City Council meeting of April 12, 2010, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. *3. COUNCIL WORK SESSION OF APRIL 13, 2010 Franchot moved, Bremer seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono City Council Work Session of April 13, 2010, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. PRESENTATION — 7:00 P.M. 4. WESTONKA SCHOOLS UPDATE — KEVIN BORG, SUPERINTENDENT Kevin Borg, Superintendent of Westonka School District, addressed the City Council regarding the improvements that Westonka has made over the past year. Borg directed the Council's attention to the school district's long -term strategic plan and noted that there are six goals, including academic achievement, a strong financial foundation, deliverance of high quality co- curricular programs, development of positive relationships, better use of technology, and planning for future school facilities. Borg stated the most important goal for Westonka is student achievement. As it relates to the assessment scores, this year the students ranked fourth in math and fourth in reading in the state. The third graders achieved a 100 percent proficiency in math. In addition, the DECA program had 20 students that went to state and 80 students that qualified. Another accomplishment was the student choir program was able to • perform at Orchestra Hall and was one of five school choirs that were invited to perform at that facility. Page 1 of 15 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. (4. WESTONSA SCHOOLS UPDATE, Continued) The Destination Imagination program ranked first in the state and the students were able to attend the global competition. Westonka's 215` Century Knowledge Base identifies a pathway to the future and pinpoints skills that are critical for students to achieve success. As a district, the school district has identified five different areas for students to achieve literacy, and professional learning communities have been established to help achieve that goal. Westonka is also in the process of establishing a strong financial basis. The school's fund balance grew to 4 percent and is expected to hit 10 percent. • Borg commented that these are challenging times for school districts, counties, and cities given the tough economy. The school district also distributes a weekly e -mail newsletter, which provides regular updates on the accomplishments of the students and provides relevant information on the district. Borg indicated the school district is also looking at ways to provide school facilities that will help strengthen the educational program. Westonka is currently looking at the early children program, which leases space, and whether that should be brought into the school district as a way to save money. Borg noted the school district has signed an agreement with Kraus Anderson to complete a facilities review and their findings will be compiled in the near future. At the present time Westonka is approximately half way through the strategic plan, with good progress being made, and with some additional work still being required to meet all of the goals. White complemented Superintendent Borg on the College Prep Guide that has been prepared by the school district. Borg stated the school's goal is that all students have the opportunity to attend college, and that the College Prep Guide is one way the school district is encouraging parents to help their children plan for college. White commented that Superintendent Borg has done a fabulous job on raising the standards of the Westonka School District and that it is important to establish priorities. Borg noted they have cut approximately $1.8 million from the school district's budget over the past four years, but that they have benefitted from the local community supporting their local levy. In addition, the administrative staff has done an excellent job in spite of the staff cuts. Bremer asked how many students are enrolled through open enrollment. Borg stated they have experienced an increase in students through the open enrollment option. The eastern border of the district continues to experience a decrease in students who attend Westonka but that they will continue to monitor the issues associated with open enrollment and the impact it has 'on the school district. A number of different schooling choices are now available to parents and students. Murphy commented he has been impressed with the exceptional job that Superintendent Borg has done with the school district and the positive attitude he displays. Murphy noted Superintendent Borg had inherited a number of issues that had to be resolved and that Borg has addressed those issues and is a Page 2 of 15 C] n U n U MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. (4. WESTONKA SCHOOLS UPDATE, Continued) credit to the school and the community. Murphy asked what is occurring as it relates to staff development and developing a positive attitude among teachers given the cuts in staff and money. Borg stated there is a two percent set -aside that districts should place towards staff development, but due to the economy, that requirement has been lifted by the MN State Legislature. The school district has attempted to be creative and realizes that they cannot be everything to all students but that the school district tries to offer high quality programs. Westonka knows it has to be definitive in their goals and prioritize what we value. Borg stated one priority is to improve communication with teaching staff and that they attempt to review overachieving classrooms and underachieving classrooms. Administration is trying to be very direct in the vision for the school district and realize that the school district needs to invest more in technology. Borg noted that both the high school and middle school now provide wireless Internet. McMillan encouraged Superintendent Borg to keep the City Council informed on what steps the City can take to assist in improving the school district. 5. RECAP OF FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY — POLICE CHIEF CORREY FARNIOK Police Chief Farniok addressed the City Council regarding his experiences attending the National FBI Academy 10 -week training program held out in Quantico, Virginia. This was an upper level training program for law enforcement and was geared for police chiefs and officials from around the country. There were 27 international students in attendance representing 24 different countries and representatives from all four of the U.S. Armed Forces. The FBI Academy was established more than 40 years ago to give law enforcement officials the opportunity to build networks and provide connections to improve communication among the police departments. The education program was accredited through the University of Virginia and included a media relations class, a legal issues class, and physical training. Farniok indicated he also attended a forensic science course and a management organizational change class to help plan for future changes in the police department. The physical fitness component was very worthwhile and addressed both mental and physical fitness. The class included a 1.8 mile challenge run and a 1.6 mile obstacle course. Farniok noted he received the coveted "yellow brick" for completing the sessions. Farniok showed a slide show depicting the different aspects of the training program. Bremer thanked Chief Farniok for participating in this program. Murphy commented that this is one of those experiences that Chief Farniok will cherish for the rest of his life and that he is glad the police department was able to provide support during his absence to allow him to attend this program. White commented that the ability of the police chiefs around the area to communicate and share information on how different issues are handled is a definite asset to the law enforcement community. • Page 3 of 15 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. • PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS — DENISE LESKINEN, REPRESENTATIVE Leskinen stated she had nothing to report but would be available for questions. PUBLIC COMMENTS None PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT *6. #10 -3462 CITY OF ORONO, CHANGES TO ZONING CODE SECTION 78 -1466 (ELECTION SIGNS) — ORDINANCE NO. 70, THIRD SERIES Franchot moved, Bremer seconded, to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 70, Third Series, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 78 of the Orono, Minnesota, City Code by Amending Sections 78- 1466(9) Regarding Signs. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 7. ORONO 2010 -2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE — PRELIMINARY APPROVAL, RESOLUTION NO. 5929 Gaffron stated before the Council tonight are a number of requests that have been brought to Staff as part of the City's Comprehensive Plan process. On April 7, 2010, the Orono Planning Commission hosted a 40 public information meeting and open house, followed by a public hearing regarding the 2010 -2030 Orono Community Management Plan. Public comments on the plan were accepted and discussion by the Planning Commission was tabled. The hearing was reopened on April 19, 2010, at which time additional public comments were accepted. The first request is from Robert Erickson on behalf of the owner of 3245 Wayzata Boulevard, who has requested that the footprint limitation for development of that site with multi- family housing be expanded from 32,500 square feet to 42,000 square feet. The basis for Staff's initial recommendation is contained in the April 12 memo, including exhibits. Staff supports the requested density and footprint increase subject to the condition that the 42,000 square foot total allowed footprint area be accommodated in two smaller buildings rather than one large building to reduce the massing and visual impacts of such development. Erickson has submitted a concept sketch suggesting how this might be accomplished. Regarding the proposed reguiding of the site surrounding the Fire Station on Willow Drive, the Planning Commission has received substantial public comment in opposition to that reguiding. Gaffron noted that this is one of the few remaining parcels in the City that would be able to accommodate higher density. The final action of the Planning Commission was to recommend approval per the Staff recommendation and the Planning Commission did not remove that site from the proposed reguiding to high density residential use at 10 -15 units per acre. In the Navarre area, there are two lots that abut Shadywood road that are guided and zoned for commercial office. The property owner has requested that the area behind that also be guided for mixed use. Since there is no access to Kelly Avenue, Staff is supporting that request. • Page 4 of 15 C0 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. (7. ORONO 2010 -2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, Continued) The property owner of 3559 Lyric Avenue requested that it be added to the mixed use area in order to be able to create two single - family building lots from an existing 150 -foot wide parcel. Since it was not the City's intent to allow conversion of the entire south side of Lyric Avenue to multi- family housing, Staff would recommend denial of that request. The neighbors to the south and west of the bowling alley have requested that the property not be included in the mixed use area for a variety of reasons. Staff has not heard from the property owners and do not know whether they want to be reguided to mixed use. The impact of removing that would result in 15 fewer units, which would not have a significant impact on the numbers. Further west in the Navarre area, there are a number of properties that are being proposed for the mixed use overlay district. The City will need to provide some standards for these properties that have that option for multi- family. Staff has been working on the Comprehensive Plan for a number of years and there are still a few remaining loose ends. The surface water management plan is in the process of being submitted to the Minnehaha Watershed District. Staff will also need to complete a capital improvement plan for the next seven years, which will need to be completed in the near future. One further requirement of the Metropolitan Council is that they be provided with all agreements regarding sewer and water service with adjacent cities. • Gaffron stated the next step in the CMP approval process is preliminary adoption of the plan by the City Council for formal submittal to the Metropolitan Council. Upon approval by the Metropolitan Council, the City will be able to adopt and implement the plan. In addition to the resolution granting preliminary approval of the Orono 2010 -2030 Community Management Plan, a Letter of Submittal and Plan Submittal Form will be forwarded to Metropolitan Council with copies of the complete updated/modified CMP. The Letter of Submittal is rather lengthy in order to address certain critical items noted in the Metropolitan Council incomplete letter dated August 12, 2009. It also requests that Metropolitan Council, in its final approval of the Orono CMP, specifically address certain issues in a manner that leaves no question as to Orono's ability to proceed with future development as intended by the City. Staff recommends that the Council adopt the Preliminary Approval Resolution and direct Staff to submit the CMP to the Metropolitan Council per the Letter of Submittal and Plan Submittal Form attached to the staff memo dated April 23, 2010. Murphy asked if Gaffron can discuss in some detail what guiding really means for the City over the next 10 years. Gaffron stated the Comprehensive Plan is the City's plan for how land use will be guided for the next 10 to 20 years, and the City is required to define specific areas of the City for different residential densities and to guide areas that are to be used for institutional uses, commercial uses, and parks. The Metropolitan Council has guidelines that require that future development be guided so that there is at least the possibility of meeting three units per acre density. The City of Orono has been part of a plat monitoring • program since the year 2000 and is required to report to the Metropolitan Council every year. The Page 5 of 15 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. (7. ORONO 2010 -2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, Continued) Metropolitan Council is expecting to see that the number of units per acre on average never falls below three units per acre. Murphy asked if that is three units per acre for the whole city. Gaffron indicated it is three units per acre for the areas included in the MUSA. Murphy asked what the expectation is for the unsewered areas. Gaffron stated the Metropolitan Council would like no more than one unit per ten acres with the idea that at some point in the future, when those areas develop, they would develop at three units per acre. Gaffron noted there are very few properties that are left within the City that are over 10 acres. There are approximately 30 to 50 properties within the City that are over 10 acres. Those properties are also scattered throughout the City, which does not provide any rationale for inserting a high density development. Murphy asked Gaffron to explain what some of the difficulties the City has encountered with the Metropolitan Council have been over the last 10 years. Gaffron stated one of the first ones was for properties that were put into MUSA in 1998. The City had expected that the Metropolitan Council would allow those properties to hook up to municipal sewer. • Those permits were denied on two separate occasions because the City did not meet the three units per acre density in their Comprehensive Plan. Franchot noted the City's residential mixed use has been developed largely in response to Metropolitan Council's suggestions. Franchot asked how committed the City is, particularly in the Navarre area, to stay with the mixed used district. Gaffron noted the City does have the opportunity to submit an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan at any time. The City has done a number of amendments since 2000, so it is not an unusual process. If it meets the Metropolitan Council's goals, it is likely they would approve it. McMillan asked how the exemption would work in neighborhoods with houses that are of varying ages. Gaffron indicated those are for areas outside of MUSA and consist of neighborhoods that have two acre lots. The first two questions that would need to be asked are, when were the houses built and do they have alternate septic sites. The criteria are that it has to be pre -1995 construction and there must be proof that there is no available alternative septic site. There are a number of pre- and post -1995 neighborhoods scattered around the City and it will be difficult to leap frog over certain neighborhoods. Gaffron indicated that is one of Metropolitan Council's policies that may change in the future. Staff will attempt to help them understand the impacts of that policy and that he expects the Metropolitan Council will be looking at a 20 -year time frame. White opened the public hearing at 8:03 p.m. Randy Gilbert, Mayor of Long Lake, stated he understands the dilemma faced by Orono in trying to fit • within Metropolitan Council's template but that the City of Long Lake objects to Orono's Comprehensive Page 6of15 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. (7 ORONO 2010 -2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, Continued) Plan as it relates to Parcel Group 3. Gilbert noted the Orono City Council has heard most of the issues the residents have with Orono's proposal for that area. Gilbert noted he would like to submit a letter on behalf of the City of Long Lake in opposition to the reguiding of that area. Gilbert indicated they have four main objections to the reguiding of Parcel 3. The proposal to fit up to as many as 15 units does not fit with the area of Long Lake that is immediately adjacent to it. The City also has concerns about the availability of water and sewer to accommodate higher density. In addition, the park located near Parcel 3 that would be used most often by this entity is a Long Lake park and the costs to maintain the park would be borne by the Long Lake residents. Currently there is a baseball field, hockey rink and a regular park at this location, and there are some concerns with lights and noise. Gilbert noted the outlot is next to the fire department. Orono has a fairly large amount of development remaining, and should the need arise to expand the fire department, this lot would not be available. Gilbert indicated he would prefer to see this area guided for industrial use. Sylvia Bertagnoli, 2499 Kelly Avenue, stated she did send a letter to the City but would like to touch on a few items. If this area is included in the mixed use district along with the bowling alley, the residents will be subjected to more problems with traffic, lights, and other issues. Bertagnoli stated that one of the residents, Chuck Nadler, would like the council to know that the residents will have to keep coming back to the Orono City Council meetings in order to preserve their neighborhood's local character and identity. • If the area near the bowling alley is turned into retail, professional offices, and condos on the top, Bertagnoli indicated she is not sure where people will park. Bertagnoli stated the residents do not want to have to keep coming back and that she cannot see the sense in putting all those people in that little area of Navarre. Tom Ritchie, 2507 Kelly Avenue, stated his main issue relates to the amount of traffic that currently exists and the increase in traffic that will occur if the area is included in the mixed use overlay district. Ritchie noted the City does not have control over the county roads in this area but does have the ability to control the development in the area. Kim Edwards, 2450 Inglewood Drive, stated he is here in regards to Parcel 3 and that he understands the sewer issue with the high density, but that the Dumas and Eisinger parcels are more suited for higher density than Parcel 3. Long Lake is less populated in this area, with two acre lots in Woodhaven to the west, and it makes more sense to do the high density across the street. Sandy Lindgren, 2501 Kelly Avenue, noted the Kelly Cove Homeowner's Association did send in a letter requesting this parcel be removed from the mixed use overlay district and that traffic is the primary reason for the request. Aaron Printup, 2195 Prospect Avenue, asked what the Metropolitan Council's or City's definition is of institutional use. Gaffron stated public, semi - public, and institutional are one and the same. The category includes schools, public buildings, police departments, city administration, and churches. The intent is properties that are • considered institutional be essentially public service and would include city and county properties, churches, schools, fire and police departments, and city administration. Page 7of15 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. (7. ORONO 2010 -2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, Continued) Printup asked if the Art Center/Hill School could be defined as school/institutional. Gaffron stated the Metropolitan Council would have an issue with the City calling them something other than institutional but that the City Council could place specific guidance on that type of property. Printup asked whether other newspapers could be notified of the meetings. Printup noted the City's newsletter came out after the Comprehensive Plan meeting and that the public has not had the opportunity to digest the full extent of its ramifications. Last week the Planning Commission meeting was standing room only with the majority of the residents being opposed to the guiding of the high density near the fire station. Printup stated in his view it would be unfair to the citizens for the City Council to accept the land use being reguided at this point since there will be future discussion on it as it relates to the CommonBond project. Given the fact that the Comprehensive Plan has a huge importance and impact on the City, Printup stated in his view it would be appropriate for the citizens of Orono to be given more notification. The Comprehensive Plan will impact this community for the next 10 to 20 years but yet has only been discussed for the past months. Printup stated he would like the residents to have additional time to review and discuss this. Mayor White closed the public hearing at 8:15 p.m. • White noted the owner of the NAPA store has not contacted the City about the mixed use designation and that it does not affect the City greatly if they remove it from that district. White indicated he is not sure • what the intention is of the property owner for the future of that property but that the City does have the ability to add it back in later. White stated he would prefer to have the input of the property owner, especially given the comments of the neighbors McMillan asked whether it could become 100 percent residential and override the retail portion. Gaffron stated the City has not attempted to create a mixed use overlay district. The City has the opportunity over the next six months to create standards for a mixed use overlay district. Pure residential would be allowable in a mixed use. One of the City's stated goals is not to allow properties that are residential to become mixed with some commercial. That specific site could potentially become totally residential, but it would be directed through an ordinance after the Comprehensive Plan is adopted. McMillan stated keeping retail is also important to a residential neighborhood. Franchot stated his concern is that the Navarre area is a problem area already basically due to the traffic and the ability of the neighbors to live comfortably and happily but that the City would be missing an opportunity to address a significant problem area if it is taken out of the mixed use overlay district. Franchot commented that if someone comes to the City with a plan to change this part of Navarre into a way that will work, that nothing in this Comprehensive Plan precludes the City from doing that. Franchot stated he would prefer to expand the mixed use district in this area to give the City more flexibility since nothing that has been discussed to date has improved the situation. Given that, it may be time to consider other options for that area. Franchot asked how limited the City would be if that one parcel is removed from the mixed use overlay district. is Page 8 of 15 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 • i 7:00 o'clock p.m. (7. ORONO 2010 -2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, Continued) Gaffron stated at the time Steve Grittman and Staff attempted to identify the most appropriate properties for mixed use, they looked at vacant properties, under- utilized properties, commercial properties that were ready for redevelopment, and stayed away from residential properties, although a few are included. The majority of the parcels are zoned commercial currently. Staff chose not to designate a mixed use overlay in the crossroads area other than the Snyder's property. Staff also looked at properties that abutted Shadywood Road and Shoreline Drive. When you take all those factors together, along with the topography and wetlands, the City had the option to reguide the entire area between the trail all the way down to the lake but chose not to do that. One of the reasons for not taking the neighborhood to the north is that right now it provides some of the most affordable housing in the City, which the City would be well served to try to maintain it. Gaffron stated the City Council has the option to amend the Comprehensive Plan and could expand or contract it. Murphy stated personally the whole Comprehensive Plan process has been a series of frustrations and learning process. Murphy noted the City is approximately one year late in submitting their Comprehensive Plan. Staff has worked very hard on this and has attempted to resolve the issues with the Metropolitan Council. The City has to take this whole exercise very seriously, which was the reason why a consultant was hired. Murphy stated in his opinion the plan should be approved and submitted to the Metropolitan Council, which will allow the City to get more serious about the different aspects of it. • Murphy commented the traffic on the corner by Lunds is terrible. The City Council has attempted at least three times to come up with an overall plan for the Navarre area but that the City needs to get serious about addressing these issues. Murphy pointed -out the City Council has the ability to make appropriate changes that comply with the requirements of the Metropolitan Council. Murphy indicated he is reluctant to eliminate certain parcels and would be in favor of approving the Comprehensive Plan as is. Bremer indicated she is fine with removing that one parcel if Staff feels the Comprehensive Plan will be approved without it. Murphy commented that could be said about every other piece of the Comprehensive Plan except for perhaps Parcel 3. Gaffron distributed an analysis regarding the requests received. Gaffron noted it includes the landfill property at higher density, removal of the fire station site, addition of the Klingelhutz site and removal of the Mud/bowling site. At that proposed mixed, the City's density would end up going from 3.68 to 3.39 units per acre, which is still sellable to Metropolitan Council. The elimination of one or two parcels is not going to change the plan significantly. Gaffron noted the most drastic change would be to remove the fire station site from the high density but that removal of one or two of the other individual sites would not have much consequence. White stated the good news is that the City is in tough economic times, which means that development has slowed down considerably and that it is not extremely likely a developer will come along. White commented that a lot of things have to happen first in order for other things to follow. White noted that there are also developments within the City that cannot go forward because the plan is not adopted. If the • plan is not adopted, it will hurt the residents who need sewer. Page 9of15 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. (7. ORONO 2010 -2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, Coy :thmed) White commented that the City Council cannot delay formal action on the Comprehensive Plan much longer and that once the process is started, it will give the Council a chance to focus on what it will really mean in reality. The City will get to choose how developments should be allowed. White noted the traffic situation in Navarre is not something that the City really can deal with since it is a county road but that they have prevented the roads from becoming a major freeway which will attract even more people. White stated if the road is widened through Navarre, the traffic would double. McMillan stated given the sheet that was distributed by Mike Gaffron, she is unsure whether she can make a decision on the plan tonight. McMillan stated if the City has the opportunity to reduce density somewhat, she would be in favor of looking at analysis over the next two weeks and revisit it at the next council meeting. McMillan stated in her view the high density goes against everything Orono believes in and that the City Council should take their time on it and make sure it is exactly the way they want it. Once the land is reguided, there is an expectation that is set, and the City Council should be comfortable with the proposed density. Bremer asked if there is a deadline. Gaffron indicated the City is past the deadline and that two weeks probably would not make a difference to the Metropolitan Council but that it cannot be delayed for another two months. r 1 U Franchot stated he would like to move forward even though he understands Council Member McMillan's • position. Franchot noted the City still retains a lot of authority to dictate how the development will happen. McMillan stated the Comprehensive Plan lays out a future of high density and that the Council needs to be very sure about it. McMillan stated she does not know why the City Council has to approve it tonight given its importance. McMillan indicated she appreciated the citizens' input and that they have tried to condense the process into this past month and that another two weeks would be appropriate. McMillan reiterated she would like more time to review the information provided by Planner Gaffron. Murphy moved, Franchot seconded, to approve the requested changes for the reguiding of 3245 Wayzata Boulevard, and to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 5929, a Resolution Granting Preliminary Approval of the Orono 2010 -2030 Community Management Plan. Gaffron asked if the City is going to allow reguiding of the Eisinger property and approve the Klingelhutz property addition, but not approve any changes to the fire station site, not remove the Mud and bowling alley site, and not approve any other requested changes. Murphy stated it is his understanding that they are not approving any of the latest corrections or changes and that they are adopting what is proposed. McMillan reiterated that there is no reason to rush this and that the Council was given some information tonight to help guide them on how density could be reduced and still meet the Metropolitan Council requirements and it is worth another, two weeks to think about it. Bremer asked what would happen to Area F, 2525 Shadywood. Page 10 of 15 • MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. (7. ORONO 2010 -2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, Continued) Gaffron illustrated Area F. Bremer asked if the motion carries, what would happen to that parcel. Gaffron stated that would be included in the mixed use district, which is Staff's recommendation but was not part of the original proposal. Bremer asked if 2525 would be added, 3245 would be added, the Mudibowling alley would not be removed, and Parcel 3 would be changed to higher density. Gaffron indicated that would be correct. White stated these are minimal changes that are outlined on the analysis and that another two weeks is not necessary. Murphy stated in his view the longer the City waits to approve the Comprehensive Plan, the less chance there is that the City will address these issues. Murphy stated in his view the City needs to get this to the Metropolitan Council so the City can start doing some serious planning. White noted this is preliminary approval of the plan. • McMillan indicated she does understand that but that the City Council should take advantage of this opportunity to discuss how density can be reduced somewhat. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 2, McMillan and Bremer Opposed. Mattick noted this is a preliminary approval and that the Council will need to explain to the Metropolitan Council why there was a 3 -2 vote on it. Mattick indicated the Metropolitan Council prefers to see a super majority on the approval. Gaffron stated the letter of submittal is consistent with the discussions the Council has had regarding the City's goals and specifies to the Metropolitan Council what the City's expectations are of their approval. Franchot moved, Murphy seconded, to direct Staff to submit the CMP to the Metropolitan Council per the Letter of Submittal and Plan Submittal Form attached to the staff memo dated April 23, 2010. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 2, McMillan and Bremer Opposed. Murphy stated he would like it to be clear that the City Council has passed preliminary approval of the Comprehensive Plan and that he would like to get this in front of the Metropolitan Council to help the City resolve the loose ends. Murphy stated he understands that the residents and Mayor of Long Lake are not happy with the high density proposed for the area by the fire station but that the City of Orono will have another opportunity to revisit this. . MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT • None Page 11 of 15 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT 8. 2011 STATE AID ROAD CIP DISCUSSION Kellogg noted this is a follow -up to the discussion held at the Council work session. Watertown Road is currently on the CIP for 2011 state aid funding. Two of the roadways on the CIP were questioned by public works and whether it would make sense to do Watertown Road first. Kellogg noted the City Council was encouraged to drive the roads following that work session and come to their own conclusions. Kellogg stated in the opinion of the public works department, it would be better to maintain Watertown Road over a long period of time rather than Old Crystal Bay Road or Willow Drive. Kellogg stated he wanted to make sure the Council had sufficient information and time to review this issue. Kellogg stated the obstacles the City would face would be with the financing if the other two projects are moved up and that the best way to fund a state aid project is to sell bonds. Kellogg stated the City would need to draft an agreement with Mn/DOT allowing them to use 98 percent, of the state aid allocation. • Kellogg stated the spreadsheet illustrates how the City is limited to 90 percent of the City's annual funding but pointed out that is based on the prior year's funding in 2009 and would be limited to 90 percent of that. The annual construction funding into the future does not get back to the full allotment until 2012. Once the City sells the bonds, it would be fixed at 90 percent of the previous year. is Loftus stated she is in agreement with the City Engineer and Don from Public Works that Old Crystal Bay Road is heavily used. Watertown Road appears to be able to be patched for a couple of years. Loftus indicated she would like to look at options for funding into the future. If the Council is not interested in improving Old Crystal Bay Road, they could move forward with Watertown Road. Funding would be an issue if the work on Old Crystal Bay Road is moved up. If the Council is not interested in doing the work this year, the Council should move forward with the Watertown overlay or another project because of the balance that can be carried forward. Kellogg stated the way the state aid system works is that once you reach five times your annual construction allotment or $1 million dollars, there is a penalty assessed against the balance. Kellogg noted the spreadsheet does not take into consideration the fact that you could save up all the dollars necessary to complete the project because it would take so long. Kellogg noted after certain levels are reached the penalties become more severe. Kellogg stated the City originally planned to do Old Crystal Bay Road in 2016 and that they anticipated the City would be five years short of having enough money in 2016. The plan at that point was to do the project in 2016 because the maximum the City would be allowed to borrow ahead would be five years, which would mean the City would not have to bond for it. Murphy asked if there is any overlay between this state aid and the state aid that was explained by Jim Grube in the rehab of County Road 12. Kellogg indicated those are two separate things and that this is municipal state aid. • Page 12 of 15 f� • MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. (8. 2011 STATE AID ROAD CIP DISCUSSION, Continued) Murphy stated he is in favor of improving the roads that need the work the most, but if the City is going to change the bonding, there are several things that need to be taken into consideration, such as the price of money. Murphy suggested that Staff overlay the proposal and how it gets funded. McMillan asked if the City is guaranteed these dollars in the future. Kellogg stated there are no guarantees and that there is a risk the money will not be there in the future. Mattick pointed out it is not the same pot of money as the LGA and is a more secure pot of money from the state. Mattick noted the majority of it comes from gas tax money. Mattick stated it is his understanding it is a constitutional provision, which cannot be quickly unallotted. Loftus stated she will look at the numbers and analyze the impact of changing the road projects. Kellogg indicated there is some up front work that would need to be done, including a full traffic study on Old Crystal Bay Road. Kellogg indicated if this is going to be a 2011 project, the traffic study would need to be done before school lets out for the summer. The City Council directed the City Engineer to work with City Administrator Loftus and Finance Director Olson on developing financial scenarios for all three roads and the costs for the traffic study. 40 Franchot asked how long it would take to do the traffic study. Kellogg stated he would need to get traffic counts and turning movements, which should only take a day or two. 9. LIFT STATION 12 REACTIVATION Kellogg noted there were a couple of issues discussed at the work session regarding the reactivation, such as testing the force main to see if it is still usable. That force main has passed and is salvageable. The second issue was the discussion with the Metropolitan Council and taking the pipe over from Long Lake. Olson stated he has not been receiving much feedback from the Metropolitan Council on this issue. Two weeks ago the Metropolitan Council indicated they were in favor of taking over the pipe from Long Lake and not paying for it since it was their understanding that it was owned by Mn/DOT. Terry Post with the City of Long Lake informed the Metropolitan Council that it was his understanding the City of Long Lake did pay some money for that pipe. The Metropolitan Council is now hesitant to send a letter saying that they are agreeable to taking it over but will be sending a letter stating that they are going to commence looking at the situation. Olson stated in his view the City should go ahead with this without an agreement. Murphy commented that this could also be a way to address the I &I issue. Kellogg stated to his understanding the 156 units that flow into Long Lake unmetered are paid based on an estimate from the Metropolitan Council and that there is a surcharge for I &I. Page 13 of 15 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. (9. LIFT STATION 12 REACTIVATION, Continued) Olson indicated that is correct, and that based on the water usage at the senior citizens building, the charge is high. . Murphy noted the construction costs would come out of the sewer fund. McMillan moved, Bremer seconded, to approve the preparation of plans and specifications for the reactivation of lift station number 12. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT *10. NATIONAL NIGHT OUT — RESOLUTION NO. 5930 Franchot moved, Bremer seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 5930, a Resolution Proclaiming National Night Out 2010. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 11. YEAR TO DATE GENERAL FUND BUDGET INFORMATION Olson indicated he put together a brief outline of general fund expenditures year to date. The revenues in January, February and March are minimal. Overall the City is in good shape financially. Murphy stated he would like to receive this report every quarter if possible. • CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT 12. CODE ENFORCEMENT Mattick reported he met with Staff last week regarding code enforcement. In the past Orono has not been very active on this issue but that there are a few cases that will be brought forward. Council members may be contacted by some of the residents. The residents will be criminally charged with a misdemeanor. Mattick stated the intent is that they want the residents to be aware that the City is serious about code enforcement. McMillan asked how Orono compares to other cities on code enforcement. Mattick stated Orono is a fairly clean community and does not have very many problem properties, but that other cities do tend to enforce their codes more vigorously. *13. LICENSES & PERMITS Franchot moved, Bremer seconded, to approve the above listed licenses. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. *14 BILLS Franchot moved, Bremer seconded, to approve payment of the All Funds Account. VOTE: Ayes 5, • Nays 0. Page 14 of 15 • ADJOURNMENT MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. Murphy moved, McMillan seconded, to adjourn the Orono City Council meeting at 9:07 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. ATTEST: Linda S. Vee, City Clerk • • Ja s . White, Mayor Page 15 of 15