11-20-1995 Planning Commission Minutes

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• • • MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 20, 1995 ( #1 - #2082 Richard Stark - Continued) Peterson asked if there were any problems with soil erosion. Mabusth said there were no problems. Peterson asked if the plan to restore trees and vegetation was appropriate with Staff. Mabusth said the plan was to replant 10 trees in the 0 -75' zone. Stark said his plan was to plant the trees on the sides of the property and noted there were no evergreens on the property at this time and that he did not propose replantings in areas A or B. Hawn inquired about the use of Mn/DOT 250 grass and asked if it was appropriate to "weed -wack" these natural grasses. Stark had told Hawn that sod would give better control. Mabusth asked Stark if it was his intent to cut the grass in the wetland area, and Stark said it was his intent to do so. Stark said he asked an expert regarding long grass or natural grass' effort and was told there was no difference. Stark said "weed - wacking" allows for competition of grasses and a fuller growth of the root structure. He noted a disadvantage of long grass was its breeding environment for insects who carry diseases such as Lymes Disease. Mabusth said the DNR and MCWD would be able to provide answers to these issues. Stark addeded that he did not believe there was any regulatory force concerning grass cutting. Mabusth reminded Stark of the City's conservation easements which limits such activity. Peterson commented that the City has always encouraged long natural grass in wetland areas and that "weed - wacking" has never been discussed. Smith questioned the planting of fruit trees versus native trees. She did not feel that this type of tree was in keeping with a wetland area. Smith would like to see trees plantings that are consistent with wetland areas. Stark responded that the landscape consultant had suggested the type of trees to be planted in view of the large population of deer. Peterson said the Planning Commission has not stipulated in the past what type of trees should be planted but looked more at the mitigation issue. Mabusth commented that evergreens are probably not consistent with wetland areas either. Smith agreed that it was probably a personal preference issue. Smith asked about another home nearby which had clear cut some trees. Gaffron said that 15 -20 trees were replanted in the 3 " -5" size. The trees were of different varieties. The trees were replaced one for one but not inch for inch. Smith asked if any fine was involved for that application. Gaffron said any fine would have been so small as money would be spent to replace the trees. Lindquist noted that only certain type of trees would grow in wetland areas. Stark said it was his plan to place the trees along the sides of the property and not in the wetland area.