05-08-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, April 17,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Landgraver asked if one of the neighbors had concerns with vegetation. Fendlayer indicated they will be working with that neighbor to address their concerns with vegetation but the final plans for the site have not yet been finalized. Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 8:55 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 8:55 p.m. Curtis read the following e-mail received from Christopher Jones: "To the Orono Planning Commission Members: I am responding to the Notice of public hearing regarding several properties that directly affect the Long lake and Lake Minnetonka watersheds, and therefore, the water quality of these watersheds. Specifically: 17-3918 seeks variances for lot area, lot width, lake setback, average lake setback, and a 0-75 foot hardcover variance. The details of this request is not included in the Public Notice so it is difficult to assess their individual impacts. Given the low elevation of this property in relation to Lake Minnetonka, and therefore its potential direct impact on the lake's water quality, any variance approvals also must seek to include stonnwater runoff remediation through best management practices. This is particularly appropriate for the hardscape variance being sought. Again, because of the property's low elevations, infiltration of stormwater runoff will be difficult, and this fact challenges the appropriateness of any hardscape variance request. Requiring the installation of numerous rainwater gardens using deep root plants is one solution that could mitigate the impact of any variances being sought; there are other best management practices available, too. For example, for every square foot of variance sought, an equal square foot of rainwater garden must