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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Tuesday,January 20,2009 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Turner stated the applicant is requesting a conditional use pernut for wetland alteration and land alteration <br /> to convert a ditch with wetland qualities to a pond and to excavate two areas to provide for replacement of <br /> the wetland. <br /> Turner illustrated the layout of the ditch and pond. <br /> Turner noted the proposal was reviewed by John Smyth and his recommendation is for approval. The <br /> quality of the wetland adjacent to the ditch is of poor quality due to erosion problems. In addition to <br /> creating a more aesthetically pleasing environment adjacent to the ditch,the pond will also serve as a <br /> storm water pond and will provide treatment for the storm water. One half of the mitigation area will be <br /> in the form of wetland and the remainder wetland buffer. The berms created from the excavated material <br /> will be no higher than five feet and will be generally located within the golf course and not adjacent to <br /> any residential area. The berms along the Luce Line will be an extension of what currently exists. <br /> Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit for wetland alteration and land alteration subj ect <br /> to the following conditions: <br /> 1. Provision of a flowage and conservation easement and restrictive covenant over the wetlands and <br /> wetland buffers. <br /> 2. Provision of a$6,000 escrow and an escrow agreement to guarantee establishment of the buffers. <br /> 3. Issuance of a permit or conditional approval of a pernut by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed <br /> District. <br /> Distel stated the pond and ditch are full of weeds and requires some upgrading. <br /> Kempf asked whether the applicant is in agreement with the recommendations of staff. <br /> Distel indicated he is in agreement with the recommendations. <br /> Kempf opened the public hearing at 6:13 a.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Kempf closed the public hearing at 6:13 p.m. <br /> Kempf stated it appears this application will be serving a good purpose by improving the storm water <br /> pond and the drainage in the area. Kempf noted that the DNR has pointed out that there may be a <br /> problem with geese and that the golf course should take steps to address that. Kemp asked whether the <br /> golf course is planning on planting tall grasses to help deter the geese. <br /> Distel stated they are loolcing at their options for deterring the geese. There are currently two other ponds <br /> on the property and the geese are deterred by either maintenance workers or a dog. <br /> Rahn commented the application is preriy straight forward and that he is not opposed to the <br /> improvements. <br /> Bennett asked if this is the first time the golf course was aware that they have impacted the wetlands. <br /> PAGE 2 <br />