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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Tuesday,February 18,2020 <br /> 6:00 p.m. <br /> were former farm kids and bought this property to be able to enjoy the wildlife. He stated that to address <br /> the earlier comment about a skating rink,there is currently a pond shared with 3 neighboring lots. He <br /> stated that they do not have,nor do they plan to have, any skating activity on the pond. He explained that <br /> the property owners have several other properties that they utilize for water recreation and assured the <br /> Commission that fishing or other dockage is not their intent for this property. <br /> Bollis asked if there was currently a buffer on this wetland. <br /> Mr. Frees stated that he is not 100%sure and noted that they have had extensive discussions with MCWD <br /> and the DNR. He stated that they were asked to reach out to the Mosquito Control Agency who informed <br /> him that they are currently treating this wetland,will continue to treat it, and expressed their willingness <br /> to alter treatment, as needed. He stated that he believes there is a 25-foot buffer and noted that the <br /> proposed buffer is stricter and more governing that what is currently in place. <br /> Libby asked for clarification of his understanding that these are private property owners, on private <br /> property that are intending to do a fairly substantial alteration to the existing natural habitat for their own <br /> private enjoyment. <br /> Mr. Frees stated that this is correct and noted that it came to Outdoor Escapes as a two-phase project and <br /> included the property to the south that shares a berm with this property. <br /> Libby confirmed that this is not a capital improvement for neighborhood enjoyment and is strictly for <br /> private property. He stated that there is an existing natural habitat and is sure that the MCWD and the <br /> DNR will be very conscientious about this fact. He stated that he has a higher comfort level with this <br /> project because there are the other authoritative bodies that will be looking at this project beyond the City. <br /> Mr. Frees reiterated that it is their private property and the goal is to get more wildlife such as ducks and <br /> birds to the area. He stated that he was told that previously there was open water on the wetland and this <br /> project will help restore that feature. <br /> Erickson stated that he agrees that if this goes well it is likely to attract water fowl that is not currently <br /> there which would be a positive. He stated that he assumes the flood storage capacity will be increased <br /> through the dredging process which may help during heavy rainfall. He stated that he is also comfortable <br /> with this process. <br /> Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. <br /> Maria Marks,2580 Fox Street,asked if the Commission had read all of the material in the packet <br /> pertaining to this application, including the ones from today. <br /> Libby stated that he had thoroughly reviewed them earlier as well as the additional information. <br /> Thiesse stated that he did not read Attachment A or the Aquatic Source Impact Summary. <br /> Barnhart stated that he has read all the material. <br /> Ms. Marks stated that she has concerns about this project and noted that the other neighboring properties <br /> also have concerns. She stated that since many of the Commission members have not read all the <br /> Page 10 of 30 <br />