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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,July 19,2021 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> ROLL CALL <br /> The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: <br /> Chair Scott Kirchner, Commissioners Chris Bollis,Bob Erickson,Matt Gettman,Mark McCutcheon, and <br /> Jon Ressler; Commissioner Dennis Libby was absent.Representing Staff were Community Development <br /> Director Jeremy Barnhart and City Planner Melanie Curtis. City Council representative Dennis Walsh <br /> was also present. <br /> Chair Kirchner called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. <br /> APPROVAL OF AGENDA <br /> Ressler moved,Bollis seconded,to approve the Agenda.VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. <br /> APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 21,2021 <br /> Gettman moved,Ressler seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission <br /> meeting of June 21,2021 as submitted.VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. <br /> PUBLIC HEARINGS <br /> 1. LA21-000029 BOB ERICKSON,365 WESTLAKE STREET,VACATION OF PLATTED <br /> RIGHTS-OF-WAY—WESTLAKE AND ADJACENT ALLEY.(STAFF: JEREMY BARNHART) <br /> Bob Erickson,Applicant,was present. Commissioner Erickson stepped down and excused himself for the <br /> item. <br /> Staff presented a summary packet of information. Barnhart stated Mr.Erickson is requesting a vacation to <br /> vacate a portion of Westlake Street adjacent to his property. Originally the request included vacation of an <br /> adjacent alley but he has removed that from the request. This is part of a multi-step process and ultimately <br /> the Applicant is proposing to plat this property and provide right-of-way to complete the portion of a cul- <br /> de-sac that is already platted. The Applicant is also proposing to provide an easement for an existing <br /> sanitary sewer facility in that area. Staff is recommending-in addition to the easement for drainage and <br /> utility purposes-a pedestrian access to maintain access to the lake. Staff has received a number of <br /> comments from neighboring property owners who object to that pedestrian access easement. Staff <br /> supports the vacation request subject to the easement for drainage and utility purposes,and subject to a <br /> pedestrian access easement to maintain or provide access to Lake Minnetonka in this area. Staff notes that <br /> there are four other accesses on Stubbs Bay;one is for winter only,one is for fishing only, and two are <br /> noted as no public access in the Comprehensive Plan. Staff has received a number of comments in support <br /> of the vacation, and some comments that object to the easement for pedestrian access. Staff recommends <br /> approval subject to conditions. <br /> Chair Kirchner asked if the easement and right-of-way for pedestrian access would be improved at this <br /> time. <br /> Barnhart replied the easement for drainage and utility is already improved,the pedestrian access <br /> improvements are not proposed at this time. There would be no change right now, it would be for <br /> potential future access to the lake. <br /> Page 1 of 18 <br />