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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY PLANNING COMMISSION <br />Monday, October 21, 2013 <br />6:30 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />Page 39 of 42  <br />  <br />McGrann stated he prefers the clustering plan and that maintaining at least half of the property as open <br />space is preferred and ultimately would be an attractive part of the development. <br /> <br />Leskinen stated she also would prefer the PRD layout versus the straight two-acre lots. Leskinen stated <br />she does not necessarily prefer this exact layout but that she prefers the PRD concept. Leskinen asked <br />whether the developer has considered some kind of trail or trail easement along North Arm or some of the <br />other areas for walking. <br /> <br />Hiller indicated the dotted lines are proposed natural paths and are more or less located within the <br />development. Hiller noted they did discuss a trail along North Arm at the neighborhood meeting but <br />certain sections of the road do not have any shoulders. <br /> <br />Lemke asked if they would entertain an easement around the whole property in the case the City would <br />like some sidewalks. <br /> <br />Hiller stated beyond that natural path, they have not considered that at this time. <br /> <br />Thiesse asked if the City would require that. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated the City might not necessarily require a perimeter trail in a development like this and that <br />the City would only require an easement if it is part of the City’s comprehensive trail plan. Gaffron stated <br />to his understanding North Arm is not part of that plan. <br /> <br />Landgraver asked if the trail would be open to anyone who wanted to walk through there or just open to <br />residents of the development. <br /> <br />Hiller stated the common area would be owned by the association and the trails would be owned by the <br />association and so as such it would not be public per se. Hiller stated from a practical standpoint, if folks <br />wanted to walk on the trails, he is not sure what objection there would be. <br /> <br />Landgraver stated from a goodwill standpoint, providing access to the neighbors might be good to allow <br />them to continue to enjoy the area. <br /> <br />Hiller stated they have not thought a lot about that. <br /> <br />Grant Wenkstern noted a gentleman brought up a concern about the aquifer. Wenkstern stated the <br />developers have talked to him about bringing in water from Minnetrista and have also talked about using <br />his pumps to irrigate the housing development, which makes sense. Wenkstern stated in his opinion not <br />having the golf course would put less stress on the aquifer. Wenkstern noted he currently has two big <br />wells at 120 feet and has never had to move them in 20 years. <br /> <br />Lemke asked how much water they use every month. <br /> <br />Wenkstern stated it is in the millions of gallons but that he does not have an exact number. <br /> <br />Hiller stated one of the things they are working on is they will be bringing water down 151 and going <br />south into Red Oak in the City of Minnetrista. Hiller indicated it is potentially possible to continue that <br />down and bring water in from Minnetrista if an agreement can be reached. The early comments from <br />Item #01 - PC Agenda - 11/18/2013 <br />Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 10/21/2013 <br />[Page 39 of 42]