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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Tuesday,February 18,2020 <br /> 6:00 p.m. <br /> Barnhart stated that what the City looks at with the conservation design requirement includes more than <br /> just the trees, such as slopes. He stated that while there isn't anything in the Code,he gave the example <br /> of a stand of significant oaks. He explained that the City could say to the developer that this is an <br /> important feature of the lot and should be protected, so the City may not approve a plan that shows a road <br /> cutting directly through that area. He gave another example of the conservation design identifying the <br /> mature oak in Basswood Forest. He explained that the conservation design is used to help guide the <br /> developer in areas that the City is trying to protect from a character standpoint. <br /> Ressler asked if the City had reviewed the proposed well and septic plans. <br /> Oakden stated that she thinks the applicant has just recently coordinated their septic testing, so she does <br /> not think the City has reviewed this yet. She noted that the applicant has received feedback that they have <br /> viable septic sites. <br /> Barnhart stated that the City is not looking for a final report at this stage, until the City has determined the <br /> layout is acceptable,but to just know that there are viable sites. He gave an overview of how the sketch <br /> plan process works in this situation. <br /> Thiesse asked if there was sanitary sewer in this area around Highway 6. <br /> Oakden stated that there isn't and would connect over on Brown so the applicant would have to explore <br /> through private lots in order to connect. <br /> Erickson asked if that may be feasible for the southernmost location. <br /> Oakden stated that she believes the City Engineer has provided comments for the applicant to look into <br /> this possibility. <br /> Erickson stated that he has own homes that had septic and others than had sanitary sewer. He stated that <br /> personally,he recommends that if you are in MUSA that it be used, if it can be used. <br /> Ressler asked what the alternative to the cul-de-sac would look like. <br /> Oakden stated that there is no alternative. She explained that the applicant is proposing the cul-de-sac <br /> option and hoping for Commission feedback. She stated that if the Commission did not support this <br /> layout it would be up to the applicant to come up with an alternative. <br /> Libby stated that he understands that this the sketch plan phase, but noticed that two of the lots has visible <br /> evidence of new driveway turn arounds. He questioned whether, in new construction,there is a current <br /> requirement that the driveway have the ability to have a turn around to go back out again for an <br /> emergency vehicle. <br /> Oakden stated that there is not necessarily a requirement but noted that the City does require there to be <br /> turn around avenues on tighter lots. <br /> Curtis noted that it was not for emergency vehicle turn around, but rather that these homes could front out <br /> on a busy road. <br /> Page 15 of 30 <br />