10-21-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 21, 1996 ( #9) #2183 CHARLES "BUCK" KRAMER, 2990 SOMERSET LANE - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - PUBLIC HEARING - 9:24 -10:04 P.M. The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing were noted. The Applicant was present. Mabusth reported that the application is for a conditional use permit to dredge open water areas within two wetland areas. The applicant owns three lots within the Old Crystal Bay plat. In review of both sites by the Engineer, no problem was found with creation of the pond in the northwest quadrant of applicant's homestead property, which is of a type 7 wetland. The type 7 wetland in the woutheast and front yard was reviewed by John Smythe of Bonestroo, who is an aquatic specialist. Smythe said he would like to see this type 7 wetland protected and not altered, which would result in loss of several elm trees and sedges found within the wetland. Mabusth noted that this area is not a DNR protected wetland, nor is there wetland located on the City designated wetland maps. Because of this, no variance is required. Mabusth said the applicant desires to have an open water area with the creation of irregular shoreline to encourage habitat with 8:1 and 5:1 slopes. Gustafson and Smythe warned that this may result in the loss of vegetation and a unique type 7 wetland that shows no signs of degradation. • Kramer said his intent is to improve the looks of the area, and he is in favor of preservation. Kramer said he was informed that he could go around existing trees, noting that alot of the trees have been under water for years. Some have already been removed due to the flooding, which Kramer feels will continue. Kramer believes the irregular pond design will protect what is there. Mabusth questioned whether the pond has been designed and if it will be as proposed. She noted that the existing plantings provide a natural buffer from the cul -de -sac. Kramer reiterated that it was his intent to preserve the area with open water, irregular shoreline, use of nursery seedlings, and possibly some new trees. He mentioned working with a nursery firm in Wisconsin. Schroeder asked if the applicant intended to plant evergreens and grass for a decorative pond. Kramer said the plantings would be geared towards wildlife. He also informed Schroeder that it was not his intent to mow the area. McMillan voiced concern with the steepness, noting the difficulty in creating a gradual grade, and with working around the trees without destroying the root systems. Kramer said he would have to be selective but did not agree that the area was steep. McMillan noted that some wetlands dry up in the summer and type 7 wetlands tend to be seasonal. She informed Kramer that tamaracks are a more natural tree for location next to wetland areas. Type 7 wetlands were conducive to more deciduous trees, such as ash. McMillan noted the difficulty in growing plantings in some soils and the need for information. Kramer reported that he has completed 5 or 6 ponds, which have been very successful. is He said he lost about 25% of the trees and kept replacing those lost. 15