08-25-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 25, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 18 4. #13-3638/39 SOURCE LAND CAPITAL, LAKEVIEW PROPERTY, 405 NORTH ARM DRIVE – LAKEVIEW EAW COMMENTS REVIEW Pat Hiller, Source Land; and Bob Kermis, NAC, were present. Kermis stated the comment period for the Lakeview EAW closed on August 6. A total of 12 comment letters were received and were comprised of a mixture of letters from various agencies and area residents. Those specific comments are provided in the cover sheet contained within the City Council’s packet. The majority of the comments are related to items that will be addressed as part of the preliminary plat or PRD application process. Kermis noted there were some comments that will require some additional information to complete the EAW and the first item is related to the avian survey. The DNR has requested some additional detail regarding the survey. Staff is working with the applicant and also discussing the issue with the DNR to clarify exactly what is needed and what will be acceptable to the DNR. Kermis noted, the second item is the archeological survey. A couple of the letters indicated that there is some incompleteness. Kermis indicated this work is underway in order to respond to the received comments. The third item related to some comments from area residents regarding the traffic study and some impacts that they felt were not sufficiently addressed. Kermis stated it is his understanding work on that item is also currently underway and is nearing completion. Kermis stated ultimately the charge of the City Council will be to determine whether or not an EIS is required for this particular project. Considering that there are some outstanding issues or additional information that has been requested, Staff is recommending that that determination not be made tonight but rather after that information is received and Staff has had an opportunity to review it. McMillan asked whether the City Council should comment on the information they have received in their packet. Kermis stated it is Staff’s recommendation to have all of the comments received so there is a complete package to bring before the City Council and then continue the matter. It is Staff’s intention to thoroughly examine the material and then provide a detailed report to the City Council. McMillan stated she is delighted to see the avian survey and that it is the first time she has seen that included in an EAW. McMillan stated one of the comments that she would like to make regarding that item is that this development has a conservation design component to it and that she would like to ensure the prospective homeowners are provided information on that to make them aware of that fact. McMillan stated the philosophy of the development that has been discussed so far are the inclusion of conservation areas, natural drainage areas, and natural wildlife corridors, and that she would like to make sure that that information is provided to the homeowners. Kermis stated he is not that familiar with Orono’s Planned Residential Development process; but assuming that it is similar to a PUD process, the City has the ability to impose any sort of conservation related standards it deems appropriate.