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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 />