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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday, May 15, 2000 <br /> • <br /> (#2569 Duncan MacMillan, continued) <br /> Mark Buetow, 177 Meadow Lane, Long Lake, indicated he has been employed by the MacMillans <br /> for the past 11 years as their caretaker. <br /> Smith inquired whether he wished to add anything to Staff's report. <br /> Buetow indicated this project was basically a beautification project to clean up the area. <br /> Smith inquired what future plans the applicant has for this area in terms of how it will be maintained <br /> and what type of vegetation will be planted in this area. <br /> Buetow stated the Applicant would like to keep this area fairly natural, with some steps being <br /> taken to prevent the banks from eroding. Buetow indicated they are willing to work with City <br /> Staff prior to commencing any future work in the area. <br /> Smith inquired whether the Applicant would be willing to enter into an agreement regarding the <br /> vegetation in this area. <br /> Weinberger stated typically the City allows the natural vegetation to restore itself in the area, <br /> which a majority of it has. Weinberger indicated the granting of easements in the area would <br /> also protect it from future vegetation removal and land alteration. <br /> Smith commented the City of Orono likes its residents to have a respect for the natural <br /> environment and to avoid the placement of rocks along the banks. Smith inquired whether the <br /> Applicant would have any problems with the conditions listed in the report. <br /> Buetow indicated he was fine with the conditions. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Stoddard inquired what the City's policy was concerning Item 5 under the Wetland Alteration <br /> Guidelines. <br /> Weinberger indicated the pond has been constructed in a low area located within the wetlands <br /> and probably does not meet all the criteria. <br /> Stoddard commented he does not understand how they can excavate a small portion of a larger <br /> wetland. <br /> Weinberger stated the wetland is a non-protected wetland as defined by the City of Orono. City <br /> Staff will need to check with the Watershed District whether they have any issues with this pond. <br /> Gaffron stated the City generally will not approve a conditional use permit for a decorative pond <br /> in a City-protected wetland unless such pond is designed to meet minimum wildlife habitat <br /> specifications. Gaffron stated since this is a non-protected wetland, the guidelines would generally <br /> not apply to this pond. <br /> Stoddard requested that Item 5 be reviewed in the future. <br /> Smith encouraged the Applicant to keep this pond as a natural vegetative area. <br /> • Buetow indicated he does not have a problem with that. <br /> Page 2 <br />