08-16-1999 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 19,1999 (#2501 City of Orono, Continued) should be maintained and improved, noting that the present dock is not very stable. Mueller commented that she had questioned whether a bench could be located near the dock, and inquired v hetherthat would be permitted. Mueller stated as far as drainage is concerned, there is a catch basin and culvert in the area, which should be able to handle the runoff from the street. Jeff Mueller, 222 Bederwood Drive, commented he would like to see the dock improved, noting that he is not in favor of wetlands being filled, but that this dock should be accessible. Sherokee Use, Parks Commission, stated this application has appeared before the Parks Commission twice, with the general consensus of the commission that the filling of the wetland should be avoided if at all possible. Use commented that the Parks Commission would like to see the dock extended. Use also inquired if the fill was to be located in the area where the cattails have been cut down Gappa stated he was unfamiliar with what area had been cut down Use stated that she personally is concerned that the City of Orono is setting a bad precedent by allowing the wetland to be filled, and urged the Planning Commission to consider other options. Use stated that the catch basin in this area appears to be clogged, and that in her opinion any fill placed in the wetland will wash away due to the runoff from the street. Use stressed the importance of the wetlands and how they should be preserved. Hawn inquired whether extension of the dock has hr- r^'ns d by City Staff. Gappa stated that extension of the dock would be ;ue to the uneven topography in the area. Gappa stated it is the City's intention to direct the water runoff around the walkway and to have the area reseeded. Stoddard inquired whether filling of the wetlands would impact the number of snowmobilers who currently access the lake from this area. Stoddard noted that handicap accessibility is one reason for the nil. Gappa stated it is his understanding that snowmobiles are not allowed east of Stubbs Bay and that this is a connection to the Luce Line, which has existed for many years. Jeff Mueller commented that the Snowmobile Association paid a significant amount of money for that access and that this fill should not increase the number of snowmobilers who utilize this access Gappa stated that the City will make this dock handicap accessible, noting that it is not the City's intention to allow boat launching in this area. Smith inquired how the City's survey could be inaccurate Gappa stated that there was a change in ownership of the adjoining property, with the previous owner never raising an issue with the location of the dock. Gappa noted that the City has verified the property lines. Kluth comme'^'ied that the City may legally be entitled to keep the dock in its old location due to the fact that it existed in that location for a number of years. Page 4