03-31-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH 31, 1997 CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING SPRING HILL GOLF CLUB Andy Hunter said the plan has been changed from the plan by which Gaffron made the above recommendations. The Project Manager, Tim Johnson, explained to the Planning Commission revisions made regarding the bluff impacts. Johnson said there will be selected clearing for the cart path to establish a 10% grading which will be revegetated. Clearing will also be done to improve the site line for playability of the golf hole. Johnson said the vegetation buffer will not be disturbed. The plan originally called for encroachments due to placement of the tees. The plan has been changed so the tees are now located outside of the bluff impact zone. A 50 -60' clearing is required for the tee site resulting on a 50' to 150' disturbance in comparison to clearing of the entire area. Gaffron noted that if the tee was eliminated, there would be no disturbance. Johnson said smaller vegetation will remain and larger trees will be removed • to allow play of the ball and offer the site lines. There will be selected cutting on the north rim of the bluff for the drainfield in creating a 20' corridor along the rim. The significant grading on the west rim is being somewhat lessened by the lowering of the tee. Wiese indicated there is concern for the site line when playing into prevailing breezes. An errant ball could create liability problems if people are playing and cannot be seen. Golf is also more playable when the area where the ball is to land is seen. Wiese noted that the ball speed has also been softened so the ball will not land in the environmentally sensitive well area. Crosby asked how the changes can be incorporated to allow for conceptual approval of the bluff impact variance. Gaffron said direction can be sought at this time but the plan • will need to be reviewed prior to approval_ The plan will be required to show how the