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is <br />MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br />MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 20, 1997 <br />( #1 - Tree Preservation - Continued) <br />McMillan said she would like to see an ordinance similar to those regarding wetlands. <br />She cited the example of the pond on her property requiring a conservation easement. <br />McMillan felt it would be difficult to compare properties. <br />Hawn said she felt this issue should be applied to subdivisions. She noted the tree <br />inventory would be expensive for those only dividing a property into two lots. She did <br />not want to see clear cutting occur but questioned how it could be enforced. Lindquist <br />noted that the Cities of Maple Grove and Minnetonka include this restriction in their <br />ordinance. <br />Gaffron referred to page 3 of 11 under subdivision 3 where a time frame is included for <br />replacement not limiting it to how many are taken out but done in a staged planning. <br />McMillan noted a subdivision requiring buffering citing a 50' easement on the Melamed <br />development. Gaffron said there is a park easement on the east side of that development <br />which is not included in all subdivisions. He indicated there is a 50' setback for structures <br />if the septic sites and driveways don't eliminate the trees but results in a natural buffer. <br />Item #4 was given Planning Commission support. <br />• Items #5 and 6 received approval. <br />On item #7, Lindquist asked what difference it makes regarding type of one size tree. <br />McMillan said some trees were more desirable. Gaffron indicated the current ordinance <br />includes a list of shade tree species that is somewhat limited but would probably be <br />acceptable. <br />Hawn asked who would make the decision on what is acceptable. Gaffron said a <br />landscape consultant is often used and would be called in these cases for his or her <br />opinion. <br />Hawn said she would prefer to see a list be available at the City offices in order for <br />property owners and staff to have the ability to change the types of trees used. She noted <br />how elm and oak trees have become known for becoming diseased. Berg agreed. Hawn <br />said the ordinance could incorporate the list through referencing it. Planning <br />Commissioners all agreed. <br />Several other issues were noted in the memorandum following the numbered list and <br />reviewed by the Commission. <br />Lindquist questioned what "taking" meant. Hawn noted in commercial ventures, such as <br />• fir trees used for Christmas, would not enable that owner to realize a gain from the trees. <br />2 <br />