02-12-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 12, 1996 ( #11) #2102 HOWARD AND ELIZABETH MCMILLAN, 1275 LYMAN AVEN UE • - CONDITIONAL USE PERMITNARIANCE - RESOLUTION #3677 The applicants were present. Mabusth reported that the property is part of the Orono Orchards Highlands plat approved in the 1970's. The southeast corner of the property is wetlands, which were not described in angles and bearings on the plat, nor did the City obtain a flowage and conservation easement over the area. The wetland is contiguous with the 30+ acre wetland and drainage system to the east and south of the subject property. The proposal is for a wildlife pond with a maximum 4' depth and an irregular shoreline requiring a conditional use permit and variance. 270 cubic yards of spoils will be taken out during the winter months, allowed to thaw, and used to contour the banks. The retaining walls currently on the banks have failed. The area currently contains canary reed grass and 40% purple loosestrife in the transitional area of the wetland proposed for alteration. The purpose is to rid the area of these weeds. The Corps of Engineers is not convinced that the prairie mix will completely eliminate the weeds. The McMillan's said it would be an on -going process. Mabusth said the MCWD has approved the plan. Hurr inquired if the 4' depth would allow maintaining open water. Howard McMillan said it would in normal years. He added that it has been found that 4' is the optimal level for water fowl. Mabusth said 4' is the recommendation of the DNR. Lili McMillan said the ability to maintain open water is dependent on the soil, noting clay holds water better. Hurr also asked if it was the applicants' intention to bubble the pond. It is not. Goetten noted that she did not view water in the pictures. Howard McMillan said water is usually found at the end of the marsh area, adding that at one point, it was drained or sluiced to establish the water table but has overgrown with woody plants over the last 30 years. The McN illans said there is standing water in the spring, which dries out during the summer months, but remains spongy in August. They noted that when the loosestrife takes over, the water cannot be seen. Lili McMillan noted that when the excavation is done, the water table will be exposed. Goetten asked what the applicants wished to attract to the pond. The McMillans said the purpose was to sustain the wetland. They plan on planting cattails and native grasses, which it has been reported, do not attract geese to a dense area. Hurr moved, Goetten seconded, to approve Resolution #3677. • 8