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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,April 17,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> stated from a remodel standpoint or a large addition to a home,a full delineation would not be required in <br /> all situations and a desk review would be utilized to verify setbacks. If it appears that the building <br /> addition is encroaching into the setback,then the resident may have to modify their plans or submit <br /> additional information, such as a wetland delineation. <br /> Barnhart stated if the concern is that not enough people were aware about the buffer question,that would <br /> be a moot point if no changes are going to be recommended. Barnhart stated if the Planning Commission <br /> wants to consider changes to the buffer,then it might make sense to split this up into two ordinances and <br /> allow for additional input. <br /> Dennis Walsh, 1354 Rest Point Circle, noted wetland delineations can only be done from May through <br /> October during the growing season, which is part of the issue. If someone wants to do something on their <br /> property,they may be delayed as a result of the need for a wetland delineation, which is part of the reason <br /> for the proposed change. <br /> Walsh stated as it relates to the wetland buffers,there are not a lot of variances requested or approved <br /> since a practical difficulty needs to be demonstrated. Walsh stated it is similar to the 0-75 foot zone in <br /> that you cannot build in that zone but you can still walk in that area, but with a buffer,there is also a <br /> 10-foot setback added on to that buffer prohibiting structures, which limits a person's ability to use their <br /> property. Walsh stated the Development Process Review Committee felt the City should follow the <br /> Watershed District's direction on this. <br /> Kinve asked whether someone can skate on a pond located in the buffer area. <br /> Thiesse commented that is a good question and that he does not know the answer to it. Thiesse stated as <br /> far as the 10-foot setback is concerned, it is not a buffer but a piece of land that allows someone to access <br /> their back yard. <br /> Thiesse asked whether it would alleviate any of Mayor Walsh's concerns if the City opens that setback <br /> area up a little to allow more usage in that. <br /> Walsh stated he is trying to give more flexibility,which does not mean that he wants people to build right <br /> up to the buffer. From a delineation standpoint,the ordinance is attempting to make it a little easier with <br /> the desk review for the residents. Walsh stated the Planning Commission should look at whether a <br /> setback is needed, and if so, what that setback should be. <br /> Kinve commented his position is that the LGU should not rule in this town and that the City should do <br /> something to provide that flexibility and allow different structures in the setback. Kinve stated the <br /> principal structure should not go up to the buffer. <br /> Christopher Jones stated the Minnehaha CreekWatershed District has a regional view and Orono has a <br /> local view. Jones stated in his view Orono probably owes it to itself to retain control of its local <br /> environment to some extent, particularly in situations where it occurs on a frequent basis or where it <br /> might be more appropriate to weigh in at the local level rather than abdicating it to a regional authority. <br /> Jones stated if the City does not have the information or the data to suggest why this is a good idea to <br /> change,then why change it. Jones stated there could be a lot of unknowns and that there may have been <br /> other influences that changed the wetland that had nothing to do with buffers and watershed issues. If <br /> Page 42 of 48 <br />