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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 26, 2022 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 6 of 13 in order to remove that wetland from the overlay map a rezoning process is required. A wetland delineation was completed and approved by Minnehaha Creek in 2021 and Minnehaha Creek and Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) have issued permits for approval of the project. Mayor Walsh opened the public hearing at 6:44 p.m. Penny Saiki, 2874 Casco Point Road, noted wetlands are federal, even though they go through the district. She stated four years ago, she pointed out five reeds coming up west of Brackett’s which is an invasive weed. She asked what they would do about it and they said nothing. Now looking at the shore and about 100 feet where there were five reeds, now it goes all the way past the marina and there is also a patch near Lafayette Road. She does not get it, that is a decision by the wetland district. Ms. Saiki spoke about replacement and asked what the plan is before they start changing the land as they need the approval for replacement. The replacement of the wetland is important and just because one has a credit and moves it, it changes the watershed. She knows they are trying to do a good job but asked the Councilmembers to keep in mind what it is doing to the Minnehaha which goes to the Mississippi, and then it is the globe. Ms. Saiki is not a tree-hugger but she is very practical regarding what little they do, how far it goes and the difference that it makes. Kim Carswell, 261 Cygnet Place, asked Oakden to explain again in laymen’s terms. Oakden clarified there is a wetland on the property and in part of construction of the Public Works building that wetland is in the buildable site. They are proposing to fill that wetland which requires a rezoning process to remove it from the overlay district map. Johnson stated they would be filling that wetland and replacing it somewhere else. Barbara Schmidt, 50 Landmark Drive, noted Mr. Crosby just spoke about the rural nature of Orono and Ms. Schmidt was very excited to hear that. She asked what kind of example they are setting by filling in a wetland for a Public Works building? They do not need to do this, she knows the City wants to do it, but why are they setting this example when this is what Orono stands for: wetlands, wildlife, and the rural nature. She noted they cannot just say that and not act accordingly in helping keep their spaces, that just does not fly. She is sad and disappointed that they are filling in a wetland and wants everyone to hear that because this is not a good example for the City. Mayor Walsh closed the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Mayor Walsh stated this is why there are wetland credits, because sometimes a small piece, such as on this property, needs to be changed on the wetland overlay to manage it. He noted wetland credits and replacement happens in developments and peoples’ homes from time to time. He clarified it is not the entire building but a very small piece of the site. Crosby clarified he does like the rural feel of Orono but that does not mean he does not want to keep improving parks for kids so they are active outside. He still thinks they can have a mostly rural community and improve the parklands. Johnson moved, Printup seconded, to approve Resolution #7290, approving the rezoning of the wetland overlay map. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0.