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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, September 16,2013 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> an incredible area as it relates to the wildlife and that it should be preserved. Pass indicated she has had <br /> the DNR out to her property and that they have helped her with the conservation of the area. There are a <br /> number of deer, wood ducks, and unusual birds in the area that should be protected. <br /> Pass stated she has a concern with the fact that their property overlooks four large septic systems and <br /> there is no tree buffer. Pass stated she agrees with Pat Thull and that they both would like to see the <br /> natural character of the area preserved as much as possible. The septic systems are clustered around the <br /> creek. At times that area is filled with standing water. Pass stated they have worked hard to make this <br /> area a beautiful spot and to preserve it for generations to come. Pass stated she does not want to see a <br /> grassy lawn right next to the forested area and that she does not see any trees being proposed for that area <br /> at all. <br /> Pass stated she is unsure how to keep this area more natural looking and that at times it is overrun with off <br /> road vehicles and kids riding bicycles. In addition,there are a number of springs over the hillside. Pass <br /> indicated she made a Power Point presentation and played it for the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District <br /> because she was concerned about the flowage of water. The hydrology in this area is very intense and has <br /> taken out the back of their garage and house. <br /> Leskinen stated she appreciates the neighbors' comments but that she would like to point out that what is <br /> before the Planning Commission tonight is a proposal to reduce the number of boulevard trees. The other <br /> aspects of this development have already been approved by the City Council. What is now before the <br /> Planning Commission is simply a reduction of approximately 15 trees in the boulevard because there was <br /> a concern raised by the City Council that the new boulevard would look too contrived. <br /> Pass asked if there is any opportunity to discuss the elimination of the trees to the edge of the <br /> development. <br /> Curtis indicated that is not what the application relates to that is before the Planning Commission tonight. <br /> Leskinen reiterated the application relates only to the reduction of trees along the boulevard. <br /> Pass asked if the tree berm along the southern edge is a concern. <br /> Leskinen noted it is not part of this particular application but that it had been discussed prior under the <br /> original subdivision application. <br /> Landgraver stated this specific issue will go before the City Council and that the City Council might be <br /> the forum where the neighbors can express their concerns. <br /> Pass asked if there would be an opportunity to address these items of concern at the City Council. Pass <br /> noted the meeting at the City Council would not be a public hearing. <br /> Leskinen stated the public hearing for the items that are being raised tonight by the neighbors was already <br /> held several months ago and the application was approved by the City Council. <br /> Pass asked what she can do to raise these issues. <br /> Landgraver suggested she attend the City Council meeting and raise her concerns there. <br /> Page 19 of 34 <br />