07-28-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JULY 14,1997 (#3 - Tree Preservation Ordinance Update - Continued) Kefl^ indicated he saw the use of regulating in this manner in the commercial development area on Highway 12. Jabbour said people buying property who want to remove trees should have the right to do so. However, if the intent is to buy land to develop and the vision is of clearing the land, it should be prevented through the subdivision ordinance. Flint asked if this would include building permits. Jabbour said no. Flint cited an example of a line of trees to buffer a commercial development. Jabbour said it would be part of the site review. Flint asked what the trigger would be. Jabbour said it cannot take place without the review. Moorse added that this should then be added to that review process. Jabbour asked for confirmation if these views reflected the Council and the philosophy of the City of Orono. Council members ail agreed. Goetten questioned how an old tree could be saved for the future. Moorse suggested placement of a covenant. Van Zomeren cited an exairq>le of a variance application necessitated by the desire to save a tree and whether the resolution should state protection of that tree. KeUey said it wodd reflect the tree preservation policy, and the tree preservation creates the hardship. He indicated that reforestation is very important. Peterson agreed. Park Conunission Chair Wilson said the dtscusaons duplicate the discussions of the Park Commission. She feels both the Commission and Council are on the same track, not in who performs the review but that it get done. She suggested the issue be reviewed by the two Commissions to save time. Jabbour said the review should be sent to the Planning Commission for their feedback on how to proceed He would then like to see a work »ssion scheduled. Wilson indicated that Commissioner Beal has alot of information on toe is^c. Jabbour noted that toe Planning Commission meetings are public meetings and Beal is welcome to attend them. Beal noted the lack of time available for the Planning Commisrion and the time available for the Paric Commission. He hoped that the information presemed thus far will aid the Planning Commission. Jabbour said he needs to hear the thoughts of the Planning Commission. Mwrse suggested the information from the Park Commission and fi-om Council be taken and summarized for a general overview of the policy and general issues. This then can be taken to the Planning Commission for their input and for a future work session. Direction can then be given for the final ordinance draft through the regular process of Planning Commission and Council review and ^proval.