HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-23-2017 Council Work Session Minutes Orono City Council Work Session
Monday, October 23,2017
Council Chambers 6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Aaron Printup, and Richard F. Crosby
II. Representing staff were City Administrator Dustin Rief, Community Development
Director Jeremy Barnhart and City Clerk Anna Carlson.
Victoria Seals and Wendy Dankey were absent.
Meeting Start Time: 6:00 p.m.
1. Open Meeting Law
There was no discussion regarding the Open Meeting Law item. This item will be
moved for discussion at a later date.
2. Wetland Buffer/ Setback Clarification
Community Development Director, Jeremy Barnhart presented the Wetland
Buffer/Setback Clarification item. Barnhart referred to the May Council meeting
when a change was made to the ordinance related to the wetland setback and
wetland buffer. Barnhart mentioned that the City Council approved modifications
to the zoning ordinance as it related to when a wetland delineation is required,but
the City Council did not amend the setback requirements.
Barnhart noted that the buffer requirements are established by the MCV�D and
nothing can be done within that buffer, inherently the MCWD also tries�o
encourage native vegetation within that area.
Council members confirmed knowledge of what can and cannot be done within
the buffer.
Council Member, Richard Crosby asked the definition of wetland and what makes
I
it a wetland.
Barnhart mentioned that there are varying things that make up a wetland and gave
some examples. Barnhart explained wetland buffers versus wetland setbacks.
The wetland buffer is a Watershed imposed land use limitation on land
surrounding a delineated wetland and no activity can occur within a buffer. A
wetland setback is a city imposed restriction on building and grading activity and
is intended to preserve the buffer by establishing a minimum separation between
buildings and hard cover and the buffer.
Discussion regarding the differences between the wetland buffer and wetland
setback followed.
Barnhart mentioned that there had previously been discussion about decreasing
the setback. Barnhart stated that the Planning Commission did not recommend
any changes to the ordinance. Barnhart mentioned that they are trying to create a
' balance for the buffer-setback by being somewhat open since wetlands often
change with the climate. Barnhart recommended not looking into removing the
additional setback,but possibly looking into reducing it. Barnhart mentioned by
reducing the setback you are allowing homeowners the ability to fully use their
property. There was further discussion regarding the possibilities of various
options to regulate the setback. No action was taken but later discussion may
follow in future meetings.
Meeting End Time: 6:45p.m.
ATTEST:
.
Anna Carlson, City Clerk Dennis Walsh, Mayor