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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,May 18,2015 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Lemke stated the other concern is with future development of the prairie and that it could be changed by <br /> the homeowners association. <br /> Landgraver commented that could be a game changer. Landgraver noted when this development was first <br /> presented to the Planning Commission, it was proposed as a preserve and now the Planning Commission <br /> is hearing that it is not a preserve and could potentially be phase two of the development. Landgraver <br /> stated Mr. Stickney must have a legal reason why he is being coy about it, but that if this is just stage one, <br /> he would have a concern with that. <br /> Stickney stated he is right on a lot of points. Stickney stated if that was the case, he would have <br /> submitted a 30-lot development. Stickney stated these are more than conforming lots that contain <br /> wetlands. Stickney stated someone could follow all the City's ordinances and have 18 lots within the <br /> prairie, which would not look very nice. <br /> Lemke stated that could happen at a future date without any legal protection. <br /> Stickney stated that is correct. Stickney stated he does not want to see the 18 lots in the prairie. Stickney <br /> stated he could also create one more lake lot and easily conform as well as throw nine lots in the prairie <br /> but that it would look awful. Stickney indicated he will do some fine-tuning based on the comments <br /> tonight. <br /> Schoenzeit stated the City has seen some nice plans but at the present time, from a long-term comfort <br /> level,there is a little too much hand waving and the details of the covenants, easements, and restrictions <br /> are not part of the preliminary plat discussion, which is a concern. Schoenzeit stated in his view the three <br /> lots that are in the Big Woods should come closer to the prairie. Schoenzeit stated in some ways the <br /> prairie is the red herring of this discussion and that a lot of work has gone into saving that, but it is really <br /> the Big Woods that need to be preserved. <br /> Lemke noted a prairie is a six-year project and a Big Woods is a 100-year project. <br /> Thiesse stated the one problem he has with that statement is that the owner of the property right now is <br /> the one who wants the houses up there and the prairie protected. Thiesse noted that is the right of the <br /> property owner. <br /> Schoenzeit stated it is the City's job to use its clout, influence and regulations to steer the development in <br /> the best possible direction. <br /> Thiesse stated he would need to be convinced that the current proposal is not. <br /> Leskinen stated this proposal has been improved from the sketch plan phase but that there is still some <br /> work to be done. Leskinen stated the ordinances in Orono will help protect the view shed for the <br /> lakeshore lots. Leskinen stated in her view the City Engineer and so forth will have plenty to say about <br /> drainage prior to any permits being issued. <br /> Leskinen stated she is less concerned about the layout and that the developer is right in that he could cram <br /> another lot in there but he isn't. Leskinen stated she is struggling with the Block 2 portion of it since the <br /> holes are kind of in the middle of the woods and that will be hard to get back. Leskinen stated she agrees <br /> Page 21 of 37 <br />