12-12-2005 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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N05-3IS2 December 6,2005 Page 2 At the regular meeting of October 24,2005 the City Council reviewed the sketch plan and indicated that the PRD process would be acceptable, subject to the applicant addressing the City’s Conservation D^ign goals and objectives, anJ subject to careful review that all standards necessary to ensure a successful development are met. The applicant subsequently engaged the services of a consulting ecologist. Applied Ecological Services (AES) to address the Conservation Design goals and objectives. On November 18, 2005 applicant submitted the ecological findings and recommendations as well as on-site sewage treatment systems information, making the application complete and formally commencing the 120-day review period. The topics addressed by AES include forest preservation; forest enhancement and expansion; wetland preservation; wetland replacement and enhancement; vegetated buffer establishment; stormwater management; and ecological restoration and management. It would be appropriate and desirable that the developer adhere to the AES recommendations. The City’s wetland consultant, John Smyth of Boneslroo & Associates, has provided comments with regard to wetlands on the site, specifically with regards to the location of the existing creek drainage easement as compared to the actual creek location, and with regards to potential impacts to the wetland of the proposed stormwater treatment pond. It would be appropriate that his concerns be addressed as part of a comprehensive stormwater and wetland management plan for the site. Additionally, because certain elements of the proposed ponding plan involve fill or excavation in existing wetlands, review and approval by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District is necessary. All proposed lots have been tested and found capable of providing suitable primary and alternate sites for on-site sewage treatment systems. For all lots, mound systems will be required. On Lots 1,2 and 3, Block I and Lot 2, Block 2, treatment sites are relatively near the proposed house locations, and may limit the location or extent of potential future amenities. Special precautions must be taken to protect these sites on both a short-term and long-term basis, since municipal sewers are not projected to be extended to serve this area of Orono. Planning Commission Recommendation The Planning Commission on November 21, 2(X)5 reviewed the application and recommended on a vote of 6-0 that the Council grant Planned Residential Development (PRD) preliminary plat approval subject to: I) incorporation into plans of all of the recommendations of Applied Ecological Services regarding conservation design, landscaping, etc.; 2) applicant to address comments by City wetland consultant John Smyth; 3) Conservation Easement to be requited over east end of Lots 1-2-3 Block 2 as well as over Outlot B; and 4) additional conditions with regards to covenants for protection of septic sites on small lots, etc. be addressed. Ittsil