03-17-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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• • MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH 17, 1997 ( #4 - #2209 Spring Hill Golf Club - Continued) The EAW process is underway at this time. The EAW was distributed on March 10. The 30 day comment period ends April 9. The EAW document was sent to approximately 20 State, local, and federal agencies for review and comment. The February 18 meeting did not involve any specific details of the application. The issues of the variances were included in a Staff memo dated March 18. Additional information has been gathered involving review of the site, architectural plans, wetland review, review of grading and mitigation, overlay of the bluff plan, the Park Commission meeting minutes relating to the trail, issues presented by the applicant, DNR comments involving impact on the Big Woods, a letter relating to ground water study, and a letter from the City Engineer. Due to the complexity of the application, Gaffron asked if the Commission wanted to review the application at this time or continue the application to allow for review of the materials recently received to allow each member a better understanding of all the issues involved. Tom Crosby, attorney for the golf club, introduced Tim Johnson, Jack Morrison and Marshal Braman. He suggested a number of changes to the application in response to expressed concerns. There will be additional screening of the maintenance facility. Significant trees will remain in the bluff area and will be mitigated through 3 tees. The driveway will be constructed in a clearing of trees that presently exists on the property. Crosby said he did not feel there were substantial issues relating to the wetlands. Lindquist suggested the application be continued to a special Planning Commission meeting reserved for this application only to be held on a date tentatively scheduled for March 31, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. on site. The meeting would then continue in the Council chambers. All interested parties listed in the application and on record as attending meetings regarding the application will be notified. An alternate date was set for April 10. During public comments, Tim Stoker reported his property is adjacent to the golf course, opposite the third hole on the east end. He questioned what thought has been given to the use of the aquifer and what affect it will have on the wells in the area that are adjacent to the club. The aquifer was noted to run northwest to southeast. Gaffron said the issue was briefly addressed in the EAW and would require an appropriations permit. Marshal Braman said the well was already in place and was surficial in that it was only 80' deep in relation to other area wells that were found to be much deeper. The well is a 10" well. Braman said the well was tested at 750 gallons per minute with a 10' draw down, which he felt was insignificant. Braman said he did not believe the well would be an issue as it is in a sandy formation. There will be a 4" well for domestic use at the maintenance facility. 12