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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br />Tuesday, February 18, 2020 <br />6:00 p.m. <br />John Newell, 1485 County Road 6, stated that he has been involved with this property since he was 21 <br />years old and knew the previous owners. He explained that he cut the driveway into this house as well. <br />He stated that he now owns the house and the property. He stated that he had spoken with Staff quite a <br />few times before he put pen to paper to try and get as much information as possible, however some things <br />have transpired since they put pen to paper. He stated that one of the neighbors that adjoins the property <br />have expressed interest in purchasing Lot 3 and not developing it. He stated that if that happens, then <br />they probably wouldn't need to bring in a cul-de-sac. He stated that ideally, he would keep this area rural <br />if at all possible. He stated that they are planning to release the wetlands to the DNR. He explained that <br />they have not received a written offer, but if Lot 3 is sold, the property will stay exactly as it is. <br />Libby asked if Mr. Newell had any interest in using the existing infrastructure with the sewer connections <br />rather than going with private septic and well systems. <br />Mr. Newell stated that his understanding was that there was no connection possible because of the private <br />properties and the creek. He noted that he didn't believe there is a lot of significant material on the lower <br />2 lots and explained that most recently it was mostly buckthorn. He stated that the previous owners hayed <br />this property. He stated that were the original house is there are maples, basswoods, and oaks and this <br />would not be affected by Lot 1 and Lot 3. He reiterated that he does not see a way to connect to the <br />sanitary sewer system in a way that would be approved by the DNR. <br />Ressler stated that he thinks the layout is sensible and noted that one thing the City looks for is the width <br />of the roads and ensure that the cul-de-sacs are adequate in order to easily provide turn around for <br />emergency and other vehicles. He stated that as Commissioner Libby noted, it is nice to see the turn <br />arounds included in the individual properties which he feels is a nice touch. <br />Mr. Newell explained that was just him putting lead to mylar. He stated that there are no actual proposals <br />for the housing, he just wanted the Commission to be able to see where they might go on the site. <br />Erickson stated that he is in favor of allowing the flexibility for the three homes to use the cul-de-sac as <br />outlined in the staff report. He stated that is also comfortable with the allowing flexibility in identifying <br />the front lot for Lot 3 along the Outlot A. He noted that he would also support a waiver of the <br />conservation design requirement in lieu of identifying substantial trees. He stated that if there is a way for <br />the southernmost lot to be able to hook up to sanitary sewer, he would encourage that because it would <br />help avoid the problem of crossing the creek. <br />Mr. Newell reiterated that he does not see how he can get a City sewer line hooked up without creating <br />some major problems with his neighbors. <br />Thiesse stated that he believes Commissioner Erickson was referring to a low-pressure line which has <br />nothing more than a 2- or 3 -inch diameter line and could probably be trenched in. He suggested if that is <br />considered, he gets easements for Lots 1 and 3 because someday they will need to get there too. <br />Libby explained that there is a precision guided laser boring installation protocol that has been shown to <br />be extremely accurate. <br />Barnhart suggested that the Commission move on from discussion regarding the sewer design in order to <br />discuss other comments. <br />Page 16 of 30 <br />