04-21-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 21, 1997 • (# 14 - #2209 Spring Hill Golf Club - Continued) McMillan said her intention is not to design the trail but would like to see the credits stipulated. Morrison said they are willing to do so. Smith inquired what the shoreline of the wetlands would look like. Braman said the southern wetlands will be a wetland/NURP pond combination. He noted the other wetlands have been drained previously. Weir structures will be built to retain water. He indicated there were a number of different types of wetlands. The DNR wetlands have cattails. Some have reed canary grass. When water is restored, the grass will be eliminated and cattails restored. Braman said newly created wetlands will have cattails and some lily pads. The edges will transition into a buffer of native prairie. It is their intention to use natural vegetation. Johnson said the grass will not be mowed to the water's edge. Gaffron noted that proper erosion control methods will be required. The wetland impacts are subject to the MCWD and Corp of Engineer approval. The Commission were polled 6/0 in favor of Staffs recommendation as noted in the Staff memo. • (MC) Big Woods - Lindquist read letters into the record. The letter from Lee Frelich of the University of Minnesota stated that the Big Woods portion in Orono is not primary (virgin) forest. He noted the species present of 60 -100 year old trees, 8 -24" in diameter. The older trees present were found to be in poor condition. He concluded that the area was reforested about 80 years ago. There is evidence of minor canopy disturbance. The flora is low in diversity and abundance and similar to what is found in cattle land. Frelich said the primary forest is found in Wood Rill and Wolsfeld Woods. The letter from property owner, Duncan Dayton, reiterated his ownership and use of the land for a golf course versus development. Gaffron reiterated the discussion on site and in the memorandum. The applicant has attempted to limit the impact. Comments from the EAW note the uniqueness of the property in its relationship to Wolsfeld and Wood Rill, though less significant than either. Gafl'ron indicated the City has limited control over the disposition of the land. Gaffron said a CUP approval condition could be stipulated allowing no grading within the Big Woods, or the CUP could possibly be denied, if Planning Commission concludes that the Big Woods acreage must be preserved intact. Gaffron noted there apparently are a number of private groups attempting to suggest or promote alternative uses for the site. He indicated, however, that if the golf course was found to be an inappropriate use, the expectation is that the land will be developed for residences. 18