01-21-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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• • MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 21, 1997 ( #7 - #2202 County Road 15 Improvement - Continued) Should the City accept the concept of mitigating impacts to Orono wetland via wetlandlstormwater projects in other cities or in other subwatersheds? How does the Planning Commission feel about payments for future off -site mitigation in lieu of concurrent on -site mitigation? Does the Planning Commission feel more information about the functions and values of these wetlands should be provided before a final decision is made on this project? Would the Commission prefer to review the EAW before reaching a conclusion? Gaffron noted the City has not required mitigation in the past as it is a relatively new law. He did note that other agencies are allowing mitigation. He questioned whether the City should approve the project before the EAW process is complete. Gaffron reported that Staff supports the application as it sees the need for the update of CoRd 15 and conceptually recommends approval and asks the Commission to consider the issues presented. Lindquist asked Bruce Polaczyk if as County representative, he had any comments to make. Polaczyk referred to Joel Settles, wetland expert for the County. Settles reported that all impacts from the project will be replaced above a 1:1 ratio within the same sub watershed, though not necessarily in Orono. He noted mitigation will occur in Painters Creek in Independence and in Excelsior. Schroeder was informed that the decision where the mitigation would occur came about from the State Statutes which allows for replacement within the County, preferably within the same watershed but requiring local approval. Schroeder voiced concern with approval of additional pavement when the City has strived to reduce any hardcover which would impact the lake. He noted that approval of this application greatly outweighs the mass of single hardcover applications for such improvements as decks and driveways on lake shore properties. Gaffron noted that Settles had met with the City years ago to discuss much of the same issues as Schroeder is bringing up. Smith asked why the sites in Independence and Excelsior were decided upon. Settles noted that the sites are in the same watershed and payment is allowed in lieu of on -site mitigation. If there is no room for mitigation, contribution for creation of a pool is allowed which would allow the most treatment for the contribution made. He noted that Excelsior is the only city with an agreement for regional ponding. Orono has not come to a written agreement as of yet. 19