05/19/03 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, May 19, 2003 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#3 #03-2869 DR. ROBERT GUMNIT, Continued) Hawn asked if other neighbors who had voiced their opposition in February had any new comments or whether Dr. Gumnit had been able to speak to any of them. Dr. Gumnit indicated that he had made several attempts to contact those individuals and had left numerous messages, to no avail. He stated that he had, also, left voicemail messages for members of the Planning Commission to contact him if they had questions or comments; however, received no return calls. Chair Smith stated that the Commissioners, likely, had no need for further clarification. She asked the Commission for their thoughts with regard to the repair work. Hawn stated that she had visited the site that day, which after rain had fallen all day; she found the pathway to be largely under water. She asked which pathway proposal others liked best, stating that she preferred the culvert. Dr. Gumnit indicated that he would pursue the reconstruction options with the City Engineer after gaining Commission and MCWD support. Rahn stated that his opinion had not changed from the February discussion. He believed a 12' width to be more than what was needed for maintenance and felt a smaller pathway would be more appropriate. Dr. Gumnit pointed out that the DNR determined the existing pathway as a 12' width and that they were not trying to widen it. Based on conversations with environmental landscapers, he stated that, in order to maintain the island, they would like to be able to bring over a tractor to turn the soils and begin a prairie restoration project. He added that the restoration of the gravel surface would only require 120 cubic yards of fill; whereas, their mitigation would double for that in the wetland area. Mabusth indicated that the City would support a prairie restoration effort. Chair Smith noted that, in similar applications where applicants wished to access their property, the City has allowed repair to do so. She questioned how this was any different. Mabusth concurred, stating that the applicants wish to seek access to their island, whether the Commission wishes to see the end use or not. Gaffron continued, noting that no variances would be necessary for the prairie restoration. Bremer stated that she would support their being allowed to restore the pathway based on the City Engineer and MCWD requirements. PAGE 5 of 39