07-14-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JULY 14,1497 • ( #3) TREE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE UPDATE Jabbour reported that he was of the understanding that the work reviewing a tree preservation ordinance should have been conducted by the Planning Commission. He felt it was incorrect to keep the Planning Commission out of the process and contradictory to the Comprehensive Plan. Moorse responded that the Planning Commission has to be included as part of the full process, and it was not the intent to leave them out of the process. Jabbour said he has received citizen comment that reflected the Planning Commission's lack of involvement in the process to date and feels the process was reversed. He indicated that this is no reflection on the Park Commission. The Park Commission is to comment on the review completed by the Planning Commission. Jabbour felt Planner Van Zomeren spent more time than warranted and would like to see the process conducted in the proper order. Kelley asked why the ordinance was being considered. He asked what the vision is of a tree ordinance and whether it was to regulate what can take place on property. Kelley said he understood that the ordinance was initiated because of the Spring 191 Golf Club application. Goetten noted that it is customary to attempt to protect trees in the review of • applications before the Council. She indicated there is greater concern with subdivisions, and the City currently has no recourse within the code as written. 0 Kelley said he felt the market dynamics will take care of preserving trees as they add intrinsic value to property that would decrease if trees were removed. Goetten said, while a person may think that would occur, she questioned where the City would be without the Shoreland Ordinance. Kelley asked for the opinion of the other Council Members. Jabbour said the process started with good intentions but felt it might have been wasted time. He would like to have seen the process periodically reviewed by the Council. Goetten replied that she thought the ordinance was going to the Planning Commission. In noting differing opinions, Jabbour questioned what scenario the Council would want if someone wanted to develop heavily treed property for a horse farm. He noted that the City has not been totally successful in preserving trees the 0-75' Lakeshore setback. He felt there should be a happy medium between preservation of trees and other scenarios. Jabbour felt that deforestation should not take place. 9