12-11-2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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I ■ rs*.;*, MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 21,2000 Bergh noted this area has never been delineated as a wetland. Weinberger stated the original delineation for this area was revised, with the area in question not being designated as a wetland. Hawn commented she has some concerns regarding the sand and fill having been found. Hawn inquired if City Staff has any information concerning where that fill may have come from. Weinberger stated the only information the City has is that it may have come from the e.Kcavation of the creekbed area. Weinberger stated he is not aware of when the area may have been filled or where the area was filled. Hawn commented it is her understanding this area was wetland in 1998. Duim stated he has seen backhoes and tractors at various limes in that area, which in his opinion was done in an attempt to lower the water table in that area and to create a buildable area. Hawn stated she does not know whether that is in fact the case. Dunn stated from a lay person’s perspective, something has occurred in the area to have lowered the water table firom what it was in 1998. Bergh stated if this area was truly a wxtland area, excavation of the creek area would not result in a lower water table. Bergh stated it is his understanding from Mr. Sobotta and Mr. Van Eeckhout is that the watershed going away from this property was lowered at some time and low’cred the water table in this whole area. Bergh stated by digging the creekbed out would result in the creek being filled with water if this was a true wetland, which has not occurred. Bergh stated the outlet was changed to the east of this property somewhere, which resulted in the lower water table, and he is not aware of where that change occurred. Hawn commented the Planning Commission will probably not be able to gain a clear understanding of the ditch and fill at tonight’s meeting. Hawn expressed a concern regarding the small lot size. PAGE J2