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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,March 16,2015 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if anyone has spoken with the superintendent about the number of homes being built in <br /> Orono. Schoenzeit stated the City talks about other infrastructure issues but that he has not heard anyone <br /> mention the impact on the school system. <br /> Gaffron stated the school districts have copies of the City's Comprehensive Plan so they know what the <br /> density will be. Gaffron stated when you are looking at 46 units for Lakeview plus that many or more <br /> across the road, it will have an impact on the local schools. <br /> Stickney stated Orono has a great school district but that in his view this development will not <br /> dramatically change the number of students. <br /> Schwingler asked how he has addressed the issue with the Big Woods. <br /> Stickney stated this development is just a fraction of the total property. Stickney noted the Spring Hill <br /> Golf Course was located in the Big Woods. Stickney stated the property is sacred to the family and that <br /> they are not proposing to locate a house in the woods. Stickney stated the family is being very charitable <br /> by donating a significant portion to the Minnesota Land Trust and about not developing it to the <br /> maximum. <br /> Landgraver stated the concern is the age and stature of the existing trees. Landgraver asked how he is <br /> proposing to limit the amount of damage and reduction in canopy when this development is first being <br /> built and how does that carry on in the covenants. <br /> Stickney indicated they will be performing a tree inventory and identify how many trees will be removed, <br /> which will be submitted at the time of preliminary plat. Stickney noted there are a lot of trees in the Big <br /> Woods that are fallen or dead. Stickney stated he will also have Prairie Restorations go through the area <br /> and monitor it. <br /> Landgraver noted there will be a gifting of the prairie to the Minnesota Land Trust and then the <br /> commitment to have Prairie Restoration maintain the prairies. Landgraver asked if the homeowners <br /> association will have any say in it. <br /> Stickney stated the property owners will have no say in it and that they will have to accept the covenants <br /> and pay the monthly association dues, which will cover the cost of maintaining the prairies. Stickney <br /> stated as developers they will pay to get it in pristine condition but then the homeowners will take over <br /> the cost of maintaining it. <br /> Landgraver stated he appreciates all the work that Mr. Stickney has done to preserve the beauty of the <br /> site, but that when you look at the plan and the long driveways,the property owners of Lots 10 and 11 <br /> may wonder at some point in the future why they are footing the bill for maintaining such a long <br /> driveway. Landgraver stated given the way it is laid out,that may create some future tension. <br /> Stickney stated the property owners will be able to use the prairie but they will not be able to do any <br /> building in the conservation easement. Stickney stated there could be a continuation of the grass trails as <br /> well as trails through the woods. <br /> Lemke asked if the trails would be open to the public. <br /> Page 23 of 30 <br />