11-17-2014 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, October 20, 2014 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 9 of 28 the conservation design, there are comments relating to protection of the wetland and trees as well as existing landmarks. Staff has asked for more information as to how that protection would be carried out as well as how the invasive species will be addressed. Martini noted all of the wells require a separation from the septic sites of 50 feet. The curves on the street were also mentioned as not meeting City standards and additional information has been requested to ensure there are sufficient sight lines and no other safety concerns that need to be addressed. Patrick Hiller, Source Land Capital, stated he would like to talk about the changes they have made since the last time they appeared before the Planning Commission. Hiller indicated they have done quite a bit of thinking about the park and that they are currently showing Outlot I as a public space which they are calling a privately owned space that would be available to the public. Connections onto North Arm are available to the public and will connect to Lake View Parkway. Hiller stated while the preliminary plat drawings show a small parking area, it is not their intent to provide parking and that access will be by the local residents walking to the park. The two homeowners associations would work to put the land into a 501(c) corporation and would maintain the park in the future. Hiller noted the exact design of the park is still in flux at this time and that they are working on a landscape plan for the lot. Hiller indicated the park would be more passive and would like have some benches and a picnic area along with prairie grasses. Lemke asked if there is parking along North Arm Road. Hiller indicated there is not currently and that this is meant to be a walk-up park. Hiller stated in his view parking would not be compatible with that concept. Lemke asked if the internal pathways would be open to the public. Hiller indicated the pathways to North Arm Drive and Lake View would be open to the public and that they will be installing some signage explaining how the area should be used. Hiller stated the park is meant to be a walking, contemplative area. Hiller stated the whole philosophy of the development is to have an extensive conservation area and refurbishment of the golf course turf. Hiller stated the homeowners will be well aware of what they are buying into and that the plan at this point is to provide a declaration in the homeowner association documents as well as another notification document that will be very clear about the conservation areas and how they should be left natural. The limited access to the conservation areas will be for maintenance. Hiller indicated they are working with Prairie Restoration to do the site restoration. As part of that, there will be an ongoing maintenance contract. Limited burns will be done as well as invasive species control. Prairie Restoration will have access to the conservation areas through their contract with the homeowners association and the conservation areas will be denoted with signage. In addition, the homeowners will be provided with documentation on how that conservation area relates to their parcel. Hiller indicated they are currently working with an attorney and that as they get closer to final plat, those documents will be available for Staff to review. Hiller stated as it relates to the trees on the site, 17.8 percent of the trees will be removed. One of the concerns of the engineers is invasive species control. Hiller stated since they are creating a new Item #01 - PC Agenda - 11/17/2014 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 10/20/2014 [Page 9 of 28]