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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, October 15, 2012 <br />6:30 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />  Page  <br />11  <br />  <br />   <br />Connie Lein indicated she has resided on this property for over 30 years and that they have planted a <br />number of trees on their property over the years. If the City is worried about removal of trees, that will <br />not happen. <br /> <br />Connie Lein indicated she is in agreement with Mr. Carroll regarding the holding pond. Over the years <br />they have been able to mow closer and closer due to the lack of water in that area. Lein stated in her view <br />the sight is fantastic and that there are deer and geese in the area. A holding pond would ruin the view <br />and it is not necessary. There is also a ditch that runs the whole distance of the property and varies from <br />one foot to five feet deep. There is very little, if any, water in the creek currently because of the holding <br />pond that was constructed behind this property. The creek used to have about three feet of water in it but <br />now there is no water in it due to the holding pond. <br /> <br />Chair Schoenzeit closed the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. <br /> <br />John Lein stated the holding pond would be an eyesore. Lein pointed out in the documents there are <br />statements regarding views and that he objects to someone going out and evaluating views. There is one <br />view that was negative where you could place a pond, which is where the electric lines run parallel next to <br />County Road 6. Lein stated he is in agreement that those are eyesores, and if there is anything the <br />Planning Commission can do about them, he would appreciate it. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit asked whether the holding pond is required. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated because this development would add additional hard surface to the site, the Watershed <br />District and the City would consider a holding pond necessary. A holding pond does not necessarily have <br />to rectangular although there are some parameters that have to be met. Typically after a number of years <br />a holding pond becomes a more natural looking area. Gaffron stated if the City would call it a wildlife <br />pond, it would likely be perceived as something more positive. Gaffron noted the City does not have the <br />ability to say it does not need to be there. <br /> <br />Thiesse stated the Planning Commission is not the body that would recommend a holding pond is not <br />necessary. <br /> <br />Walsh noted the area lakes are also low given the lack of rain. Walsh commented everybody likes <br />wildlife and that it is great to have those views. <br /> <br />Connie Lein asked if the holding pond could be located further west. <br /> <br />Gronberg pointed out that area is a wetland and they are not allowed to construct holding ponds in that <br />area. <br /> <br />Lein noted the Minnehaha Creek area from Gray’s Bay dam to Minnehaha Falls is all manmade and not <br />natural. Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriett and the creek was not the way it is today and was <br />originally wetland. Lein stated there is nobody that would say it should go back to what it was but that <br />history tells us that these wetlands eventually get developed whenever land becomes valuable enough. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit stated after looking at Staff’s recommendations, the main issue outstanding is the trail <br />easement. Schoenzeit stated use of trails has increased over the years and provides a safe area for people