05-15-1995 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MAY 15, 1995 is (#6 - #2007 Tony Eiden Company - Continued) Nolan moved, Smith seconded, to approve Application #2007 for the installation of an L- shaped berm on lots 1 and 2, block 2 subject to the berm maintaining a 20' setback separation from the drainfields. The Applicant must provide site drainage plans satisfactory to the City Engineer along with an integrated drainage plan along the shared property lines and between the residence and drainfield for lot 1 with an easement accompanying agreed swale. Ayes 5, Nays 0. ( #7) #2013 FRESHWATER FOUNDATION, 2500 SHADYWOOD ROAD - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING - 7:54 -8:12 P.M. Boyd Burton, Vice Chair of the Freshwater Foundation, and Board of Director members, Robert Searles and JoEllen Hurr, were present. Mr. Burton relayed the groundwork on the history of the institute, which was formed by Dick Gray in 1968 to do research on preservation of fresh water, and who then built the institute. An agreement was made with the University of Minnesota in 1974 and was given over to the university in 1976 as a research institute and named the Gray Freshwater • Biological Institute. Burton said the university has concluded, that due to budget restraints, they are unable to continue to afford operating the foundation. Two options were available; one, to put the foundation on stand -by, or two, give the foundation back. The intent is to not change the purpose but to be more of an educational organization informing the public on fresh water issues. The original construction cost paid by private contributions was 4 million dollars. Since then, another 3 -1/2 million has been spent on research. The building sits on five acres, with an additional 2 -1/2 acres south of the building, as well as two outlots. It was found that no conditional use permit was ever issued to either the foundation or the university. The foundation's application is to correct that mistake at this time. Peterson reported his pleasure in seeing the institute back in the community and would like to see school tours of the institute. Peterson is in favor of the CUP and asked Burton if he was aware of Staffs recommendation for the CUP. Peterson is concerned that no CUP be issued without written documentation that the university has removed all hazardous wastes, and that any hazardous waste be taken care of and disposed of in a proper manner. The Applicant said the formal decommissioning will take place by the end of July. • Smith asked who the regulatory agencies involved were and if they concur with these decisions. The PCA is the agency involved. 11