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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,October 21,2013 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> McGrann stated he prefers the clustering plan and that maintaining at least half of the property as open <br /> space is preferred and ultimately would be an attractive part of the development. <br /> Leskinen stated she also would prefer the PRD layout versus the straight two-acre lots. Leskinen stated <br /> she does not necessarily prefer this exact layout but that she prefers the PRD concept. Leskinen asked <br /> whether the developer has considered some kind of trail or trail easement along North Arm or some of the <br /> other areas for walking. <br /> Hiller indicated the dotted lines are proposed natural paths and are more or less located within the <br /> development. Hiller noted they did discuss a trail along North Arm at the neighborhood meeting but <br /> certain sections of the road do not have any shoulders. <br /> Lemke asked if they would entertain an easement around the whole property in the case the City would <br /> like some sidewalks. <br /> Hiller stated beyond that natural path,they have not considered that at this time. <br /> Thiesse asked if the City would require that. <br /> Gaffron stated the City might not necessarily require a perimeter trail in a development like this and that <br /> the City would only require an easement if it is part of the City's comprehensive trail plan. Gaffron stated <br /> to his understanding North Arm is not part of that plan. <br /> Landgraver asked if the trail would be open to anyone who wanted to walk through there or just open to <br /> residents of the development. <br /> Hiller stated the common area would be owned by the association and the trails would be owned by the <br /> association and so as such it would not be public per se. Hiller stated from a practical standpoint,if folks <br /> wanted to walk on the trails,he is not sure what objection there would be. <br /> Landgraver stated from a goodwill standpoint,providing access to the neighbors might be good to allow <br /> them to continue to enjoy the area. <br /> Hiller stated they have not thought a lot about that. <br /> Grant Wenkstern noted a gentleman brought up a concern about the aquifer. Wenkstern stated the <br /> developers have talked to him about bringing in water from Minnetrista and have also talked about using <br /> his pumps to irrigate the housing development,which makes sense. Wenkstern stated in his opinion not <br /> having the golf course would put less stress on the aquifer. Wenkstern noted he currently has two big <br /> wells at 120 feet and has never had to move them in 20 years. <br /> Lemke asked how much water they use every month. <br /> Wenkstern stated it is in the millions of gallons but that he does not have an exact number. <br /> Hiller stated one of the things they are working on is they will be bringing water down 151 and going <br /> south into Red Oak in the City of Minnetrista. Hiller indicated it is potentially possible to continue that <br /> down and bring water in from Minnetrista if an agreement can be reached. The early comments from <br /> Page 39 of 42 <br />