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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 pian 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 />