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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Tuesday,February 18,2020 <br /> 6:00 p.m. <br /> Ressler asked for clarification that adding a dock or recreational area would be disrupting that wildlife <br /> habitat and that request would require a separate application and further deliberation by the Commission. <br /> Oakden confirmed that adding a dock to an open wetland would create an additional review through the <br /> City Council's public hearing process. She noted that she also believes that any damage to this wildlife <br /> habitat would be a violation of the WCA permit with MCWD as the regulating body in charge of <br /> enforcement. <br /> Thiesse stated that one thing that may not be covered as a disruption to the neighborhood would be a <br /> lighted skating rink. <br /> Ressler noted that is a good point, but accessing the rink would again be a disruption of the wetlands. <br /> Oakden agreed that any type of use that would damage the wildlife habitat would be a violation of the <br /> permit. <br /> Thiesse stated that during the winter,he is allowed to walk through any wetland that he would like. <br /> Oakden stated that the MCWD regulates the wildlife habitat,so if they hear there are concerns or perceive <br /> that there is damage it would be under their purview to regulate and protect it. She explained that this <br /> application is asking for that exemption. <br /> Ressler stated that he assumes this is something that has been dealt with before in this State and may be <br /> something for neighbors to bring up at the February 27,2020 MCWD Board meeting. He noted that this <br /> repurpose of habitat that is supported by the MCWD, currently meets the criteria and asked if the <br /> Commission simply follows the lead of the MCWD as the governing authority and allow them do the <br /> heavy lifting. <br /> Oakden stated that this is correct because the MCWD looks at the wetland and the proposed alterations <br /> and conducts a technical evaluation. She stated that they are still working through the evaluation but have <br /> indicated their support. <br /> Ressler stated that where the City's Code comes in above and beyond that is where there is fill added to <br /> create more buildable area. <br /> Oakden noted that this application was unique in that it doesn't pertain to changes to the boundary of a <br /> wetland which is what the City Code addresses for creating buildable space or changing boundaries. <br /> Thiesse asked if the City Engineer would take a look at the berm. <br /> Oakden agreed that the City Engineer would look at the berm and noted that they have provided some <br /> preliminary comments regarding the grading plan,but will also review the land alteration permit before <br /> and grading or berm work can happen. <br /> Hans Frees, Outdoor Escapes,2345 Daniel Street, explained that the property owners were unable to <br /> attend tonight's meeting because of President's Day weekend. He explained that the goal of this project <br /> is to get it back to its native state and make it friendly for the wildlife.He stated that the property owners <br /> Page 9 of 30 <br />