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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 22, 1994 ( #4) #1901 1903 TANDEM PROPERTIES - 2645/3025 WATERTOWN ROAD - CONTINUED Chairman Schroeder inquired how deep the ponds would be and Gronberg responded that they would be about two feet deep normally, but after a heavy rainfall could become as deep as four feet. Rowlette expressed concern that future property owners be made aware that the ponds serve a specific purpose and cannot be altered in any way. Gronberg responded that there will be easements over them. Greg Laughton inquired if the trail would be two feet lower and Gronberg responded that it will be about one foot lower but the DNR did not want to have too steep a grade because of maintenance reasons. Mr. Laughton discussed the drainage levels on his property and noted that during the hundred year storm event the water rose six feet. He was concerned about the future drainage in the area. He also felt that the drainage needed to be observed when the melting and freezing cycles were occurring during the winter months, because when the culverts become frozen, the water will back up behind them. He stated he was not opposed to the development, but was concerned that his property would be wetter longer as a result of the proposal. He stated he was concerned about the holding ponds filling up with silt and becoming unable to fulfill their intended purpose over time. • Gronberg stated that the wet ponds were implemented to allow for siltation to occur, and noted that once ground cover was established there was very little silt buildup. Mabusth noted that if problems occur with the ponds, the homeowners would more than likely contact the City, and corrective measures could be implemented but it will be the responsiblity of the future homeowners association to maintain drainage facilities. Discussion ensued regarding the efforts of the applicant to address the drainage concerns. Gustafson commented he felt that property downstream will benefit from the plan because the amount of runoff will be slowed, but that's as far as they can predict. Discussion ensued regarding the length of water retention and the amount of water that will be controlled. Gronberg reviewed the drainage on the Dickey property. He noted they had shifted the property lines to enlarge Lot 8 to allow for creation of a larger pond. They are also directing the drainage down into a large holding pond which will gather water from the Old Crystal Bay Road area. Chairman Schroeder inquired if there had been any further developments in the determination of historical significance for the proposed park. Jim Ostenson, Tandem Properties, stated they have a written agreement with Mrs. Dickey to respect this site and even if no conclusion is reached regarding the historical significance the area will be set aside for some purpose. He stated that they will have to find an owner for the property, such as the homeowners association or the City. If it were to become just another lot in the development they would have to go before the City Council to get approval for an additional lot. He stated they intend to explore all other possibilities before taking that approach.