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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> February 21, 2001 <br /> (#2656 Surface Water Management Plan, Continued) <br /> Budelis presented a topographical map of the area to the Planning Commission outlining the various <br /> wetlands and ponds in Orono. Budelis explained the plans calls for a system of storm sewers, <br /> ditches, swales, emergency overflows and ponds to be constructed to collect, store, and convey <br /> surface water. In addition,the plan also requires water quality monitoring, public education and <br /> involvement, and strategies for determining the appropriate management alternatives for various <br /> development conditions. <br /> Budelis stated the new plan also addresses wetland management and identifies the major <br /> drainage districts and the issues of concern in regards to water quantity and quality, with specific <br /> actions or projects being identified to address the concerns. <br /> Hawn inquired if diverting stormwater into the wetlands would further worsen the wetlands. <br /> Budelis stated uncontrolled runoff would result in the wetlands experiencing a further degradation. <br /> The stormwater management plan calls for a system of storm sewers, ditches, swales, and ponds to <br /> help collect, store, and convey the surface water. Budelis commented the plan does identify certain <br /> measures that should be taken to help improve the quality of the wetlands. <br /> Gaffron stated the City Council will need to determine the dollar amounts to be allocated towards <br /> the various restoration projects outlined in the plan <br /> Hawn inquired whether the Planning Commission would play any role in determining those dollar <br /> amounts. <br /> Gaffron stated at this time the Planning Commission would not be involved in that unless a member <br /> of the Planning Commission has a strong opinion one way or the other on certain aspects of the <br /> plan. <br /> Kluth questioned the benefits of allocating large sums of money towards these projects if no <br /> measurable gains are realized. <br /> Gaffron stated the Watershed District has studied the various methods for improving water <br /> quality and quantity and feel the components being proposed in the stormwater management plan <br /> does make sense. Gaffron noted the City does need to meet the Watershed District's requirements <br /> with this plan and has an obligation to continue to maintain and improve the water quality in this <br /> area. Gaffron stated the methods being proposed do have a proven track record and have shown <br /> good results. <br /> Hawn suggested the general public be better informed about the steps the City is attempting to take <br /> to improve the water quality in this area and what the local residents can do to help in that process. <br /> Gaffron stated a big part of the plan does involve education. Gaffron indicated City Staff is <br /> comfortable with the plan being proposed and feel it will accomplish the goals of the City. <br /> Kluth commented that the City may want to consider obtaining a second opinion on the methods <br /> being proposed due to the amount of money involved with this plan. <br /> PAGE 11 <br />