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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br />MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 20,1997 <br />(#1 - Tree Preservation - Continued) <br />The Commission and Staff have not reviewed the Maple Grove ordinance and felt time <br />should be allowed for this to occur. <br />Regarding the concept of using an overlay, Schroeder said this would enable the City to <br />taki notice of areas of importance, such as a remnant of the Big Woods. ..indqutst and <br />Berg agreed. <br />Planning Commission agreed that the ordinance is not meant to curb develop but to <br />obtain a better development that is in character with the city. <br />GafSon said the goal of tree preservation should be included in the subdivision ordtoce <br />if related. Van Zomeren noted it is not included in the commercial section md would <br />have to be noted there as well. Gaffron said it would be included in the residential zones <br />as well. <br />Lindquist reported that everyone is interested in protecting woodlands whether it be by an <br />overlay or oSierwise. Schroeder indicated that an overlay of woodlands could be contrary <br />to the iacre zoning with septic noting it might drive the developrnem towards cli^tenng. <br />McMillan said a forester would be needed if an overlay was done. The detailed study <br />would incur a large expense. She noted the problem with restncting the use. <br />Hawn questioned whether woodlands does not refer to 10 acres or more and if <br />development is compatible with this. Gaffron said, in the sense of granting d^s‘tyj=^it <br />or clustering in order to save woodlands, the goal is to preserve the woodlands or trees <br />within the development. <br />Schroeder felt the probable best way to protect woodlands would be through limiting the <br />number of trees that could be cut. Lindquist said there would then be a PtoW'"’ <br />determining how many trees could be cut. McMillan said she was concerned with the <br />manhours and staff work to oversee such requirements. She reiterated <br />forester if this was to occur and questioned whether the City would want to take this s ep. <br />Gaffron said a consultant can be used and the cost passed on to <br />asked what would be done for residential properties. Berg said a benclunarl. sta <br />may be necessary for a certain number of lots. Gaffron said the intent is not to review all <br />trees, noting this just cannot be done. <br />Berg said the purpose would be to limit the developer. Once the ® <br />homeowner, that homeowner would have the right to do as they would like vwth *eir <br />own property. Gaffron noted it would create a balance through the wants of the <br />and that of the neighborhood. Berg noted people are wanting to remove trees in order <br />create back yards.