Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,August 19 2013 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Gaffron indicated the Orono Comprehensive Plan that was adopted two or three years ago has a <br /> comprehensive trail plan included in it. The proposed trail system throughout Orono generally includes <br /> an 8-foot wide trail in different areas of the City. The City Council has envisioned that someday there <br /> will be trails along some of these major routes. Gaffron noted there is no schedule or funding for any of <br /> the trails at this point. In addition, no formal decision has been made regarding which side of the road the <br /> trail will be located. New developments afford the City the ability to obtain the land necessary to <br /> construct a trail at some point in the future. <br /> Gaffron reiterated the trail is something that is only a concept plan at the present time and is not listed on <br /> the City's capital improvement plan. The total cost of the complete trail system is estimated to be three to <br /> four million dollars and is not something that will happen in the immediate future. Gaffron noted there <br /> were discussions in the past about extending the trail all the way down to Navarre but at this time there is <br /> no plan or schedule for that segment of trail. <br /> Kriesler indicated they are planting 16 seven-foot arborvitae along the front of their property. <br /> Gaffron stated those plantings should not be disturbed as long as they are located within their property <br /> boundaries and not in the right-of-way. <br /> Kriesler asked if there is a utility easement on the south side of the property. <br /> Gaffron stated there is a 30-foot wide corridor for the driveway and it is likely they will construct a 12- <br /> foot wide driveway. Gaffron stated whenever you have a driveway that is more than 600 feet long, it <br /> requires a loop at the end so emergency vehicles can turn around. The driveway has to be located at least <br /> five feet from the property line and it will likely be centered in the middle of that corridor, which will <br /> probably leave five to eight feet on either side of the driveway. Gaffron stated it is likely the utilities will <br /> go along the driveway. The entire driveway corridor will be subject to a drainage and utility easement but <br /> not a road easement since it would be considered a private driveway. <br /> Kriesler asked how close the driveway would be from the lot line where it starts. <br /> Gaffron pointed out the driveway appears to be centered in that corridor as proposed, which would make <br /> it between five and eight feet from the property line. <br /> Acting Chair Landgraver closed the public hearing at 8:28 p.m. <br /> Thiesse stated he is withdrawing his comment about not having the trees surveyed. <br /> McGrann asked what options the Planning Commission would be able to place on the property in regards <br /> to the Conservation Design. McGrann asked if the number of trees that might be removed could be <br /> limited. <br /> Gaffron stated the City would receive a recommendation from the person who performs the review and <br /> that there likely will be a recommendation for removal of buckthorn. Any unusual trees or wildlife areas <br /> would be recommended be preserved. <br /> Thiesse asked if any of those restrictions currently apply to the adjacent properties. <br /> Page 18 of 28 <br />