11-18-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 18, 1996 ( #8 - #2193 MCWD - Continued) Gaffron reported that the application for conditional use permit by the MCWD pertains to a project located northeast of the cul -de -sac of Creekwood Trail. The 100 acre wetland flows southward through Minnetrista to Jennings Bay. The LMCD petitioned the MCWD in 1975 to construct an upper watershed storage and retention project to improve the overall water quality. The MCWD completed such a project in 1985 including detention ponds and work on the channel. Maintenance excavation is now needed, and MCWD proposes to expand the boundaries of the South Katrina Pond and change the outlet which will change the nature of the flow. Syverson said the flow would be taken in at different velocities. Gaffron indicated there are existing easements for the stormwater pond and access to it. The MCWD plans to protect the wooded site and identified burial mounds. He indicated that the access point is proposed to be north of the two driveways. Gaffron suggested there may be another way to access the area for less impact on the drainage structure at the access point. The intent, however, is to bring equipment up the creek bed in order to expand the pond. A few trees may need removal but in the restricted area within 75' of the creek, tree replacement would be required for 6" or more diameter replaced with 2" or more diameter trees. • Gaffron stated that the location of the burial mounds to the north had already resulted in a redesign of the expansion to maintain appropriate setbacks. The 400 dump loads which will be leaving the site are also a concern. It is a private road, and the MCWD will work with the neighbors regarding this issue to gain their approval. • Gaffron indicated the project is planned to begin in January, 1997 and will require one month's time for completion. Due to the nature of the pond, more maintenance will be required in 5 -10 years. During the Staff review, it was also noted by MCWD that more work will be required down stream in the creek bed. Staff recommends approval of the proposed pond maintenance and expansion project subject to conditions 1 -10 as noted in the memo. The MCWD is working with Minnetrista and Independence to gain permits for spoil disposal sites in their area. Gaffron recommended an additional condition ( #11) be considered, to approve the proposal to clean out the creek bed subject to Staff review through a land alteration permit or brought back before the Commission if found to be more than a minor project. Maple said the MCWD was prepared to meet all of the conditions adding that they were also in favor of the tree replacement. Maple noted that they have had two public hearings and have worked with the fee owners of the site. 18