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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD JULY 15, 1991 <br />( #13)WEED CONTROL FABRICS CONTINUED <br />Gaffron stated that it is easy to differentiate between the <br />two fabrics when first installed, but was uncertain if that would <br />be the case after a period of time. He added that it is <br />uncertain whether the fabric will last five years. <br />Gaffron asked the Planning Commission for their views on the <br />use of non -woven fabric in the 0 -75 foot setback. He noted that <br />allowing the use of the fabric in this area, could result in <br />someone completely covering the 0 -75 foot area with landscaping. <br />Kelley asked, "Isn't the ability to enforce the use of <br />non -woven fabric versus woven fabric or plastic the key issue <br />here ?" <br />Gaffron stated that without the benefit of a permitting <br />process for the installation of weed control fabrics, it will be <br />difficult to enforce. <br />Cohen indicated that nothing has ever been allowed within <br />the 0 -075 foot setback area. <br />Bellows believed that there is much more to this issue, than <br />just whether or not to allow the use of non -woven fabric within <br />the 0 -75 foot setback area. She said, "I think there is the <br />issue of chemical use, and other implications, such as visual <br />quality. If we want to see the 0 -75 foot setback area remain <br />green and grassy, then how many chemicals will be allowed. I <br />think we should be addressing this from the aspect of what we <br />want to occur within the 0 -75 foot setback area. The best 0 <br />protection for the lakeshore banks is to allow for long, uncut <br />grass. I believe this subject should be considered by a group <br />that deals with lake issues. This is not a simple hardcover <br />issue." <br />Rowlette stated that the unregulated fertilizing of lawns is <br />a serious issue for consideration. <br />Kelley agreed with Bellows and Rowlette, but believed that <br />it will be virtually impossible to regulate the use of non -woven <br />fabric. <br />Johnson stated that the City has not, in the past, regulated <br />the use of plastic. He added that various degrees of <br />permeability exist for woven versus non -woven fabrics, and that <br />such is the case for the various types of soil. He said, "There <br />are certain types of soil that are as impermeable as landscaping <br />plastic." <br />Schroeder noted that the statistics indicate that there is <br />an advantage to using the fabrics as opposed to plastic, and in <br />light of that, people should be encouraged to use the fabric. He <br />- 16 - 0 <br />