HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-25-2013 Council Minutes , MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
` Monday,March 25,2013
7:00 o'clock p.m.
ROLL CALL
The Orono City Council met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Mayor
Lili Tod McMillan, Council Members Aaron Printup and Lizz Levang. Representing Staff were City
Administrator Jessica Loftus,Assistant City Administrator for Long-Term Strategic Planning Michael
Gaffron, Planning Coordinator Melanie Curtis,Finance Director Ron Olson, and Recorder Jackie Young.
Mayor McMillan called the meeting to order at 7:04 o'clock p.m.,followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA
Item Nos. 7, 8 and 9 were added to the Consent Agenda.
Printup moved,Levang seconded,to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. VOTE: Ayes 3,
Nays 0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
*2. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 11,2013
Printup moved,Levang seconded,to approve the minutes of the March 11,2013,Orono City
Council meeting as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 3,Nays 0.
PRESENTATION
3. WESTONKA HISTORY MUSEUM
Pam Myers, President of the Westonka Historical Society,thanked the City Council for allowing her to
speak tonight about their community museum. Myers indicated she came to work in this community in
1981 and learned that Westonka is an interesting word geographically. It is an area with boundaries that
are sort of vague, but the Navarre portion of the City of Orono is in the Historical Society's definition of
Westonka.
Myers encouraged the City Council to think about ways that the Westonka Historical Society can benefit
them personally and is here to preserve the local history of the area. The City has a terrific website with a
number of good pages on the history of Orono. The Westonka Historical Society started in 1966 and
provides programs in the community creates a document, such as a book, a puzzle, or a game annually,
which provides some retail income. The Westonka Historical Society has not had a store front until the
last four or five years, and there is now an opportunity to have a permanent location in the Mound City
Hall.
Before 1950,the local high school was called the Mound Consolidated High School, which consolidated
approximately two dozen school districts and provided opportunities for students from as far north as
Medina, as far west as St. Bonifacius, as far south as Victoria,and as far east as Stubbs Bay. The school
district sent school buses to pick up students in all directions.
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MINUTES OF THE ,
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,March 25,2013
7:00 o'clock p.m. �
(3. WESTONKA HISTORYMUSEUM, Continued)
One of the products the Westonka Historical Society created was a book funded by state legacy funding
which came about as a result of interviewing people who attended the grade school and graduated from
Mound Consolidated High School.
The school building for School District 91 is still located at the corner of Watertown Road and Stubbs
Bay Road. It was once a grade school and housed grades one through eight. The building is also depicted
on the City's plat map. Before it was Stubbs Bay School, it was called Bederwood. The reason it was
called Bederwood is that this community at one time was a very productive truck farming area and one of
the crops that was grown was a favorite strawberry called the Bederwood. Bederwood was the name of
the community until the Luce Line Railroad came through in 1913.
Myers stated the Westonka Historical Society has been invited to move into the Mound City Hall
building. The Mound City Staff is considering relocating to the fire department building where the police
department used to be. This is possible due to the City having reduced staff enough to allow them to
move. The Westonka Historical Society is considering having a separate room for a life-time Tonka toy
collection and a life-time Andrews Sisters collection. There will also be a community room to highlight
the history of Navarre, Orono, Spring Park, Mound,Minnetrista, and Minnetonka Beach.
Myers stated part of the way each city will be highlighted will be by displaying memorabilia and showing
videos on each of the cities. Myers stated she has one of the videos available tonight to show the Council
highlighting the Big Island Amusement Park,which dates back to 1906. One of the most popular tourist
attractions in the history of Lake Minnetonka was the Big Island Park.
Myers played the video for the City Council.
Myers stated the majority of the photos contained in the video are from the Historical Society's postcard
collection,which was donated by the Williams family. Myers stated her purpose in coming tonight was
to let the Council know about the museum and the historical society. Myers encouraged the City to think
about how they can help preserve the history of the community and to visit their website.
Levang asked if the museum will be free to patrons.
Myers stated if they are able to find some way to fund it,they would offer free admission. The prior two
store fronts have had free admission.
Printup asked when they are planning on moving into the facility.
Myers indicated they will be voting on the lease in the middle of April and that they would like to have an
open house in May or June.
McMillan asked how the fundraiser turned out last week at the Gillepsie Center.
Meyers indicated they had 120 paid tickets sold, 49 donations of silent auction items,and over 500 raffle
tickets sold.Myers stated they also received a number of good comments from the people who attended
the fundraiser. The Westonka Historical Society would like to think of it as the first of a series of annual
fundraisers.
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, MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,March 25,2013
7:00 o'clock p.m.
(3. WESTONKA HISTORYMIISEUM, Continued)
McMillan asked if there are other parts of Orono that would fall under the purview of the Westonka
Historical Society aside from Navarre.
Myers stated they are open to having a display on whatever parts of Orono would like to be represented at
the museum. Myers noted the Pioneer Historical Museum also has a number of terrific collections on the
local communities.
McMillan asked if Joane Wolfe is working with the Historical Society.
Myers indicated Joane is interested in having the Westonka Historical Society publish some of the
information she gathers from the residents and is utilizing some of the Historical Society's documentation
as well. Myers noted it is a mutual project.
McMillan suggested that Ms. Myers attend one of the upcoming Navarre meetings since it would be a
good chance to introduce the local residents to the Westonka Historical Society.
The City Council took no formal action on this item.
PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS—DENISE LESKINEN,REPRESENTATIVE
Denise Leskinen stated she has nothing to report but would be available for questions.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT
4. #13-3589 BAUER DESIGN BUILD,INC.,ON BEHALF OF PINE CORNER
PROPERTIES(AKA JEM)—450 OLD CRYSTAL BAY ROAD NORTH—SITE PLAN
APPROVAL
Josh Gallus,Bauer Design Build, and Wayne Miller,JEM Technical,were present.
Curtis noted JEM Technical Marketing purchased and occupied the building at 550 Old Crystal Bay Road
North in 2011. They recently purchased the existing metal building at 450 Old Crystal Bay Road North
in order to relocate their machine shop operations.
The applicant is requesting industrial site plan approval in order to continue improving the site's parking
areas, construct an addition and make modifications to the existing building. The site plan approval
includes a conditional use permit for deferment of the number of code-required parking stalls with a
variance due to number of stalls provided on site. A setback variance is also requested due to the location
of the existing building and its proximity to Old Crystal Bay Road North. The proposed parking area is
set back six feet from the existing building where a 10-foot setback from the building is required.
The 20-foot parking setback from Old Crystal Bay Road will be met.
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MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,March 25,2013
7:00 o'clock p.m.
(4. #13-3589 BA UER DESIGN B UILD,INC., ON BEHALF OF PINE CORNER PROPERTIES
(AKA JEM)—450 OLD CRYSTAL BAYROAD NORTH—SITE PLANAPPROVAL, Continued)
The applicant has provided a landscape plans which meet the Code requirements. One of the conditions
in the conditional use permit was requesting ten additional trees. The applicant has provided 66 trees and
a statement as to the appropriateness of the additional trees.
Curtis illustrated the parking area that is being deferred and noted that no trees will be planted in that area.
At its January 2013,meeting,the Planning Commission voted 4 to 0 to recommend approval of the site
plan,the conditional use permit for parking deferment and the variances. The Planning Commission also
recommended that the off-site parking deferment be fortnalized by way of an easement or another
appropriate mechanism. The Planning Commission further recommended the currently unneeded spaces
remain green space until such time they become necessary.
The applicant has provided a statement regarding their parking needs for both of the properties. Based on
the number of employees per shift,they have 47 excess stalls on the 550 Old Crystal Bay Road property
to accommodate any potential overflow needs of the 450 Old Crystal Bay Road lot during the day shift.
They have identified a maximum need of 31 stalls for staff,plus one or two for visitors at the 450 Old
Crystal Bay Road property. They are providing 39 constructed stalls at this site. Staff is currently
working with the applicant to establish appropriate documentation formalizing their plan to address the
potential future parking needs.
Planning Staff recommends approval of the application which includes an industrial site plan, conditional
use permit, and variances.
McMillan asked what additional work needs to be done on the parking.
Curtis indicated Staff needs to work on a suitable formalization of a parking agreement and the City
Attorney is currently working with JEM's attorney on that agreement.
McMillan asked if it is necessary since JEM owns both properties.
Curtis stated the City Attorney did recommend the parking agreement be formalized in some way in the
event one of the properties is sold at some point in the future.
McMillan commented she likes the idea of the parking deferment and keeping the area green space.
Levang asked if the corner labeled F will be a flower garden.
Curtis stated it appears to be a landscaped bed.
Miller indicated it will consist of shrubbery type plants.
McMillan asked if that landscape bed is needed or required.
Curtis stated it was not required and was suggested by the applicant.
Page 4 of 10
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,March 25,2013
7:00 o'clock p.m.
(4. #13-3589 BA UER DESIGN B UILD,INC., ON BEHALF OF PINE CORNER PROPERTIES
(AKA JEM)—450 OLD CRYSTAL BAYROAD NORTH—SITE PLANAPPROVAL, Continued)
Levang asked what the future patio will be constructed out of.
Josh Gallus indicated it will be constructed out of colored concrete or pavers.
McMillan commented it is a difficult site to get all the required trees in and that the applicant has done an
excellent job of screening the building with the landscaping. McMillan stated in her view they do not
need to require any more than what is currently shown on the landscape plan.
Levang commented the landscape plan looks very good.
Printup moved,Levang seconded,to direct Staff to draft an approval resolution for Application
#13-3589,Bauer Design Build,Inc.,on behalf of Pine Corner Properties(aka JEM)—450 Old
Crystal Bay Road North,site plan approval. VOTE: Ayes 3,Nays 0.
5. PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Curtis stated a position on the Planning Commission has been vacant since Lizz Levang took office in
January. Planning Commission Alternate Chris McGrann has expressed interest in serving as a full-time
member. In May 2012, McGrann was appointed to the position of Planning Commissioner alternate.
Jean Krogness has submitted an application and has indicated interest in serving as either a regular
member or alternate member appointment.
Re-appointments are needed at this time for Kevin Landgraver and Bruce Lemke as their terms expire on
March 31. Both individuals have indicated an interest in being reappointed. In 2011, Staff suggested the
Council consider implementing a chair and vice chair rotation policy. Planning Commissioners serve for
three-year terms. Currently Loren Schoenzeit is serving as the Planning Commission Chair and Denise
Leskinen is serving as the vice chair.
Levang moved,Printup seconded,to reappoint Kevin Landgraver and Bruce Lemke effective
April 1,2013,for a three-year term on the Planning Commission. VOTE: Ayes 3,Nays 0.
Levang asked if Staff is suggesting that Chris McGrann take the open spot.
Curtis indicated Staff typically does not make recommendations for appointed positions but that he has
attended a number of work sessions and has expressed interest in being appointed.
McMillan asked if he has the time to devote to a full-time position.
Curtis indicated he does.
Levang asked if Jan Berg is interested in staying on the Planning Commission as a regular member.
Curtis indicated she presently is an alternate and that she filled her terms as a full-time commissioner a
number of years ago.
Levang asked if she is unable to serve as a regular member.
Page 5 of 10
MINUTES OF THE ,
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,March 25,2013
7:00 o'clock p.m. �
(S. PLANNING COMMISSIONAPPOINTMENTS, Continued)
Gaffron stated the Code allows each Planning Commissioner to fill three full terms and that Janice Berg
did serve all of that. Gaffron stated the code is not real clear on whether she could fill another term since
there has been a fairly long gap in between then and now. Gaffron stated if the Council is interested in
putting someone in for a fourth or fifth term, Staff could look at the Code.
McMillan asked how long that code has been in place.
Gaffron indicated it has been in place a number of decades.
McMillan stated she does know Jean Krogness and that she would be a good candidate. McMillan
suggested she be interviewed.
Levang moved,Printup seconded,to appoint Chris McGrann to a three-year term effective April 1,
2013,and to schedule an interview with Jean Krogness.
McMillan suggested an interview be scheduled for 6:45 p.m. on April 8 if Jean Krogness is available.
VOTE: Ayes 3,Nays 0.
Levang stated in her view three years to serve as chair is too long and does not provide enough rotation.
Levang indicated she would be more comfortable with the person serving two years as chair and then
having the vice chair assume the chair after that for two years.
McMillan commented you would need to find out the commissioners' availability.
Printup indicated he is also fine with two years.
McMillan stated the direction would be to do a two-year rotation and then discuss the availability of the
commissioners to fill those positions.
6. NAVARRE APRIL 8 MEETING—DRAFT AGENDA
Gaffron noted on March 13`", he met with Ralph Kempf and Chris Hardten of the Navarre Community
Initiative at their request to discuss options for engaging the Navarre business community. The
committee hopes to put together a core group of business people to enlist their support.
Gaffron reported he and Jesse Struve met with Jim Grube and Greg Chock of Hennepin County in
Navarre to review the mid-block crosswalk situation and discuss alternatives, such as the pros and cons of
various relocation options and what other safety methods might be employed. Grube indicated they will
have a drawing prior to the April 8 meeting.
The City Engineer has been reviewing street lighting options and grant opportunities and will be doing a
sidewalk condition inventory prior to the Apri18 meeting.
Page 6 of 10
MINUTES OF THE
� ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday,March 25,2013
� 7:00 o'clock p.m.
(6. NA I�ARRE APRIL 8 MEETING—DRAFT AGENDA, Continued)
The draft agenda for the April 8 Navarre Community Meeting will include the following items:
crosswalk alternatives, lighting options update, sidewalk conditions inventory, grant opportunities update,
and NCI comments.
Levang asked if Jim Grube provided any information on safety dollars.
Gaffron indicated he has not provided anything to date but that he did indicate they are planning on doing
a review of the accident history of that area.
McMillan asked if the Navarre Initiative Committee said anything about a Navarre cleanup day.
Gaffron stated when he met with them a few weeks ago, Ralph Kempf had discussed the fact that they
would like a cleanup day for Navarre. Gaffron indicated he was told that Orono would not have any
resources to hold a separate one in Navarre but that the Navarre residents are welcome to bring their items
to Orono on their cleanup day.
Levang asked if that item should be included on the agenda.
Gaffron indicated Ralph Kempf would be able to bring that item up during the NCI comment section of
the meeting.
McMillan commented she has had an opportunity to walk some of the sidewalks in Navarre and for the
most part they appear to be in pretty good shape.
Gaffron indicated the sidewalks on the north side also appear to be in good shape but that he has not had a
chance to walk the sidewalks on the south side.
Levang asked if Staff has any clue on how much activity there has been on the Navarre section of the
website.
Gaffron indicated he will speak with the City Clerk to see if that can be determined.
Printup noted the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has grant opportunities available through May 31
for public and private properties and that that perhaps is something that the Navarre Community Initiative
could look into.
Gaffron stated Staff can look into that to see what opportunities are available.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT
*7. AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHA5E NEW SKIDSTEER LOADER AND
SNOWBLOWER
Printup moved,Levang seconded,to approve the purchase of a skidsteer loader and snowblower
from Lano Equipment in the amount of$31,257.15. VOTE: Ayes 3,Nays 0.
Page 7 of 10
MINUTES OF THE
.
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING �
Monday,March 25,2013
7:00 o'clock p.m.
MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT
Printup noted it is spring break this week and that he would encourage everyone to be safe and to have a
happy Easter.
Levang reported she attended the turnback open house,which was quite interesting. There were a number
of people in attendance and hopefully there was a lot of feedback that was provided to Jim Grube.
McMillan noted Jim Grube will compile all the input he received from the open house and then provide
that information to the City Council for their review and feedback in May.
McMillan reported at the March LMCD meeting the Board approved the management plan. The LMCD
decided to remove the funding mechanism in the plan and simply approve the comprehensive water
management plan. McMillan indicated the Board had a preriy long discussion regarding the funding
piece,which would come under the budget rather than the management plan. One of the representatives
from Minnetrista wanted them to look at outsourcing the milfoil harvesting. Since the harvesting
equipment is pretty tailored for the program, it is unlikely they will be able to find a private harvester to
do it cheaper than what the LMCD is currently doing it for.
McMillan reported there was a meeting for the golf course volunteers and that there should be an update
provided at the April 8 Council meeting. McMillan commented she appreciates the volunteers' efforts
and enthusiasm to improve the golf course.
McMillan noted there is a police commission meeting next week and a joint Planning/City Council
meeting on Apri13.
McMillan indicated she has received a number of e-mails from residents who want to know how fast the
process is going to go with the wetland buffers. McMillan stated she is not sure which direction the City
is going to go in and questioned whether some time should be set aside at the April Planning Commission
agenda to discuss this.
Gaffron stated he has compiled a memo that details the issues from the City's perspective and how they
relate to the Watershed District's codes versus City Codes. Gaffron indicated he will put in some options
for how to move forward with that. Staff has not published the April Planning Commission meeting at
this point but Staff should have something ready by the May Planning Commission meeting. Gaffron
stated he believes Staff understands what the issues are from the citizens' standpoint and that there are
some solutions that present themselves pretty quickly but it becomes a matter of whether the City is ready
to make some philosophical changes.
McMillan asked if having that type of discussion at the April Planning Commission meeting would get
into a gray area without having an ordinance ready for review.
Gaffron stated it can be placed on their agenda for discussion without having a public hearing or they
could hold a public hearing at that time. Gaffron indicated he is not sure Staff will have anything
concrete in place for the public to comment on. If the City Council would like that to be a public hearing,
Staff still has time to publish the notice for the meeting.
Page 8 of 10
MINUTES OF THE
.
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING �.
Monday,March 25,2013 '
7:00 o'clock p.m. �
(MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT, Continued)
McMillan commented it would be kind of like a sketch plan or an idea of changing the code and that she
is not sure they need to publish that.
Levang asked how many applications the City has that this issue is involved in.
Gaffron indicated there are two specific ones that have come in and a variety of others over the past year
or two.
Curtis stated the main question they receive is why the wetland buffer is being triggered.
McMillan stated she would like to stay ahead of this issue and that she would be okay with having a
public hearing at the April Planning Commission meeting.
Curtis stated they can publish it in anticipation of having an ordinance ready and then continuing the
public hearing if necessary.
McMillan indicated she would prefer to go that route.
Gaffron stated Staff will publish it as a public hearing for the April 15 Planning Commission meeting and
then discuss it at the joint work session on Apri13. Staff should have an ordinance ready for review and
adoption in May.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
*8. ACCEPT DONATION—RESOLUTION NO.6216
Printup moved,Levang seconded,to accept a$100.00 donation/referral from Alerus Mortgage
Company. VOTE: Ayes 3,Nays 0.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
None
*9. LICENSES & PERMITS
Kennel License
1. Georgette Jabbour
4455 Bayside Road
Printup moved,Levang seconded,to approve the above listed licenses. VOTE: Ayes 3,Nays 0.
*10. BILLS
Printup moved,Levang seconded,to approve payment of the All Fund Account. VOTE: Ayes 3,
Nays 0.
Page 9 of 10
� MINUTES OF THE
„ ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
� ' Monday,March 25,2013
7:00 o'clock p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Printup moved,Levang seconded,to adjourn the Orono City Council meeting at 7:59 p.m. VOTE:
Ayes 3,Nays 0.
ATTEST:
a
���--�-e--� .� � � - ����,..
Rachel Dodge, City Clerk �— Lili Tod McMillan, Mayor
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