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establish a water level for the pond. He said, "I am asking the <br /> Park Commission to recommend a four foot water level . I have <br /> done some extensive research on th�s , and, in ny opinion` four <br /> feet would be adequat�. With respect to the entire sewer pond <br /> property, I would like to see it established as a nature <br /> conservation area . " <br /> Bradley asked P1ike Ellis if he knows the size of �he parcel of <br /> pro�erty owned by the City. <br /> Eliis indicated that, at one time , the property ��as part of a <br /> larger parcel , tha� �aas ap�rorimately 90 acres . He did not kno��� <br /> the si<.e of the parcel no�a owned by the City, <br /> Flint said , "The Park Commission may not know the dispositzon af <br /> the entire parcel , but those of us that have been out to the <br /> propzrty seem to agree that the sewer pond, and immediate area <br /> surrounding it, should be preserved as a natural area . I beJ_ieve <br /> that action should be taken on that issue this evening so the <br /> City is aware of our recommendation. I believe further study of <br /> the entire parcel is required, and that it may be appropriate to <br /> have a planni.ng consultant do that. " <br /> Ellis noted that there is a drainage ditch on the pro�erty that <br /> splits a potenti�l building site on the property from the pond. <br /> The ditch runs east to ti�est and is located to the south of the <br /> pond. Ellis stated that the ditch must be maintained. <br /> Wilson said, "In my opinion, the g2ner�l concept that this <br /> Cor,�misaion should consider is the protectian of op�n space and <br /> wi]_d]_ife areas � The se�aer pond property was mor2 or less a gift., <br /> It is surrounded by v�etlands and marsh areasf and abuts French <br /> Lake, which caters to Puddle Ducks . The sewer pond was man-made , <br /> but over the years has attracted amazing �•ai_ldlife. This is a <br /> beautiful , natural area , �nd �_t is the sewer pond that ma�es it <br /> unique. There are many communities spending exc�ssive amounts of <br /> money to coristruct ��ildli_fe areas such as this . In my opinion, <br /> this is one oi Orono ' s Targest attributes . ti°7e need �o restore <br /> the water level ta a depth th�t r�i_ll attract the diving ducks . <br /> Brad has been ��orking ���ith the DPdR on the c�ater )_evel ,. and h�s <br /> recommended four feet. I have talk�d �aith a aentle�nan cr110 runs <br /> the rdature Coriservancy ' s 6°�etlands Restoration in Heron LaJce. He <br /> also recommends four feet. I strongJ_y urge everyone on this <br /> Commission to recommend preservation of this area . We will never <br /> get another opportunity like this . ° <br /> It was moved by Wilson, seconded by Bradley, to recommend. that <br /> the level of the pond be restored to four feet, or to DNR <br /> standards , and that the areG be converted as a nature preserve , <br /> upon further study by the Park Commission as to the most <br /> beneficial in which that is to be accomplished. Gilbert <br /> qu�stioned why the issue of water ]_evel is before the Park <br /> Commission at all ii there has already been a directive fror� the <br /> DNR. Gi]_bert ��as reluctant to vote in favor af the motion <br /> - 7 - <br />