11-15-1993 Planning PacketC - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES CITY OF ORONO NOVEMBER 15, 1993 Chairman Schroeder inquired if the proposal had been reviewed before the Council, and Ms. Mabusth responded that the Council had informally considered whether the City would consider the rezoning. Mayor Ed Callahan stated that the Council was not in favor of the rezoning, and that was the extent of the discussion. Mr. Terry Forbord, Lundgren Brothers, stated they were cognizant of the ordinance in Orono and were aware of the issues. He stated they believe there are reasons why the rezoning nroposal should be considered and presented their development team to address those concerns. He introduced Mr. John Uban of Dahlgren, Shardlow & Uban, Brian Olson, Director of Land Development for Lundgren Brothe*’" Frank Svoboda, a Certified Wetland Biologist to discuss the wetland mitigation issues, l Cen Adolph, a Principal Engineer with Schoell and Madson in Minnetonka. Mr. Forboro stated that they have tried to provide distinctive features in their developments which set them apart from those of other developers in the metropolitan area. He noted that as the supply of available land diminishes, they have had to take on projects that were more difficult to develop. John Uban showed exhibits that were included in the packet and reviewed why they felt it was important to the City of Orono to have t^^'s type of development. He discussed the proposed zoning density and noted that while it is not what was envisioned in the City's Comprehensive Plan, there are reasons why it should be considered. Among these is the fact that the school is expanding and the church property has been sold and ballfields have been constructed on property adjacent to the proposed site. He stated they believe this project would balance the residential and commercial areas. He reviewed the PUD zoning designation and discussed the reasons why they believe that a municipal sewer system is needed for development of the property. He reviewed the cluster development idea and stated they believe it to be both necessary and feasible. He discussed the buffering for the project, and the ordinance criteria. He cited the busy roadways surrounding the site and the adjacent land use? as being compatible with the proposed zoning. Frank Svoboda discussed the wetland mitigation and enhancement involved with the project. He discussed the compensatory mitigation for unavoidable wetland losses and stated that they will create new wetlands at a ratio of 2 to 1, which would mean that two acres of wetland will be created for every one acre of wetland lost. He illustrated where the wetlands are located on the site and described the various types of trees and vegetation within those •wetland areas. He stated that most of the wetlands have been subject to agricultural tillage in the past, depending on the amount of rainfall, and are not considered to be "pristine" wetlands. He asked the Planning Commission to consider a variance to allow the wetlands to be modified. Ken Adolph, Schoell and Madson, discussed the high water table which precluded on-site septic systems. He stated that sanitary sewer wouM be extended into the area, and noted that It was reasonable to cluster the development into a pattern which could economically be served by extending utilities into the area. He discussed the storm water management