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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> MINUTES FOR JULY 19, 1999 <br /> 1111 (#2) #2501 CITY OF ORONO, 3601 BAYSIDE ROAD -VARIANCES AND CONDITIONAL USE <br /> PERMIT -continued <br /> Gappa stated he was unfamiliar with what area had been cut down. <br /> Ilse stated that she personally is concerned that the City of Orono is setting a bad precedent by <br /> allowing the wetland to be filled, and urged the Planning Commission to consider other options. <br /> Ilse stated that the catch basin in this area appears to be clogged, and that in her opinion any <br /> fill placed in the wetland will wash away due to the runoff from the street. Ilse stressed the <br /> importance of the wetlands and how they should be preserved. <br /> Hawn inquired whether extension of the dock has been considered by City Staff. <br /> Gappa stated that extension of the dock would be difficult due to the uneven topography in the <br /> area. Gappa stated it is the City's intention to direct the water runoff around the walkway and to <br /> have the area reseeded. <br /> Stoddard inquired whether filling of the wetlands would impact the number of snowmobilers who <br /> currently access the lake from this area. Stoddard noted that handicap accessibility is one reason <br /> for the fill. <br /> Gappa stated it is his understanding that snowmobiles are not allowed east of Stubbs Bay and that <br /> this is a connection to the Luce Line, which has existed for many years. <br /> Jeff Mueller commented that the Snowmobile Association paid a significant amount of money for <br /> • that access and that this fill should not increase the number of snowmobilers who utilize this access. <br /> Gappa stated that the City will make this dock handicap accessible, noting that it is not the City's <br /> intention to allow boat launching in this area. <br /> Smith inquired how the City's survey could be inaccurate. <br /> Gappa stated that there was a change in ownership of the adjoining property, with the previous <br /> owner never raising an issue with the location of the dock. Gappa noted that the City has verified the <br /> property lines. <br /> Kluth commented that the City may legally be entitled to keep the dock in its old location due to the <br /> fact that it existed in that location for a number of years. <br /> Gappa stated that was considered and it was determined that it was easier to move the dock than to <br /> contest it legally. <br /> Hawn commented that in her view she does not see a compelling reason why the fill should be <br /> approved. Hawn noted that a letter from Madeline Pigeon was received indicating that she is not <br /> in support of this project, citing increased snowmobile traffic and runoff into the lake. <br /> Ilse remarked that she has not heard any negative comments regarding the snowmobilers, but <br /> suggested that a snow fence be erected in this area. <br /> Smith commented that the amount of fill being requested should not be minimized, and inquired <br /> how the amount of fill for this project compares with other applications requesting fill to be placed in <br /> wetlands. <br /> Gappa stated that the amount of fill proposed is approximately a truck and a half of dirt, noting that <br /> 4 <br />