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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 /> Curtis stated the wetland will not be touched. The setback, as determined by the Watershed District and <br /> the City, required the developer to grant the City easements protecting that area. In addition,the <br /> conservation easement also helps to protect the area. The developer will be conducting some buckthorn <br /> removal in that area but it does not allow him to clear-cut the area. Curtis pointed out the entire perimeter <br /> of the site has a conservation easement on it as well as a wetland buffer area. <br /> Brad Pass, 235 North Arm Lane, stated if the City is concerned about the contrived appearance of the <br /> boulevard and are considering cutting down a number of trees because the appearance might be contrived, <br /> they should consider the appearance of having a treeless area in the middle of a wooded area, which is <br /> what is contrived. <br /> Pat Thull stated she misunderstood what the purpose of tonight's meeting was because she did not have <br /> the background information relating to the application. Thull stated her understanding was that it related <br /> to a reduction in trees. Thull asked whether those trees could be relocated to another area. <br /> Leskinen noted what is at issue this evening is not trees that will be cut down but relates to how many <br /> trees the builder will be required to plant. <br /> Thull asked if 15 trees will not be planted along the boulevard,whether they can be relocated elsewhere. <br /> Leskinen stated the Planning Commission can discuss that option. <br /> Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. <br /> Schoenzeit stated based on what he has heard,the neighbors would prefer that the trees that are being <br /> proposed to not be planted along the boulevard be planted elsewhere on the site. <br /> Curtis noted the placement of the trees on the boulevard is land that is not considered private and that <br /> there would have to be some additional protections built in to assure that the tree that was planted by the <br /> developer in a different area will be sustained for two years. The trees would need to be placed in an area <br /> that the developer controls. Curtis stated she understands wanting to incorporate additional trees on the <br /> property but that it needs to be pointed out that an additional step would need to be taken if that happens. <br /> Lemke asked if there are supposed to be 42 trees. <br /> Curtis indicated the revised plan shows additional trees along Bayside Road. The circled areas depict the <br /> trees and the type of tree is listed on the lower right of the plan. <br /> Landgraver noted a number of the neighbors have expressed concerns about protecting the beauty of the <br /> area but that it sounds like the developer has taken those things into consideration. Landgraver noted the <br /> City Council has also weighed on this application. What the Planning Commission has before them <br /> tonight is responsive to the concern raised by the City Council that the boulevard area be made more <br /> natural looking. <br /> Landgraver moved,McGrann seconded,to approve Application#13-3630,Bill Coffman on behalf <br /> of Erwin Wachman,Bayside Meadows,granting of a reduction in the number of trees to be planted <br /> along the boulevard. VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0. <br /> Page 21 of 34 <br />