07-14-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JULY 14t 1"7 • ( #3 - Tree Preservation Ordinance Update - Continued) Moorse said a summary of the Minnetonka ordinance is included in the package and worth reviewing as it addresses the concerns mentioned. He referenced a point in their ordinance noting the City's ordinance can reflect their needs. Jabbour said he agreed with Flint regarding the need for reforestation and preservation. He reiterated the need for the review to come back before the Council regularly as it proceeds. Gaffron informed the Council that the Park Commission comments were in agreement with those of Jabbour regarding development and subdivision tree preservation and did not reflect the desire to restrict property owners. He noted that the City has more trees today than years ago citing the example of the Jyland Development; that developer restricted the number of residences as they acknowledged the value of the lots being with the number of trees. Gaffron said the time spent by Staff on this issue may be less than is perceived and asked to have the Council comment on its direction regarding the ordinance before Planning Commission review. He feels the next step should be taking the Park Commission views to the Planning Commission. Van Zomeren agreed with Gaffron. She indicated that the agendas of the Planning Commission have been too full to accommodate this issue. is Jabbour suggested a possible work session to dialogue the issue but asked that the Planning Commission be assigned to continue the review. Flint said he would not want to send the draft details to the Planning Commission if they did not fit in with the thoughts of the Council. He asked what direction the Council should give the Commission. Jabbour said the feeling of the Council is one of preservation and reforestation within a subdivision ordinance and development of large parcels but not applying to individual properties. He indicated there is a question as to what point development should be affected. He suggested other cities' ordinances be reviewed and relayed back to Council after each meeting. Jabbour noted that Council members can attend the meetings as well. Kelley said he was personally not in favor of a tree ordinance except for subdivisions. He cited a tennis court built in a forest of trees and believed the property owner had that right. Goetten said she did not believe the Council was taking the issue in that direction. Jabbour said dialogue about the issues can take place at the Planning Commission meetings. He asked Flint about reforestation. Flint said he would not suggest reforestation regulation but if the City was involved in such an application, it could be • reviewed. Flint said he saw this issue used regarding PUD's. 11