09-12-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION TREE PRESERVATION WORK SESSION HELD SEPTEMBER 12,1997 ROLL The Orono Planning Commission met on the above date with the following members present: Chair Dale Lindquist, Jan Berg, Sandy Smith, Liz Hawn and Bill Stoddard. Van Erickson was present representing the Orono Park Commission. The following represented City staff. City Planner /Zoning Administrator Liz Van Zomeren, Senior Planning Coordinator Mike Gaffron, Intern Brad Bressler, Director of Public Services Greg Gappa and Recorder Lin Vee. The meeting was called to order by Chair Lindquist at 8:02 a.m. Council has asked that the Planning Commission address issues identified by both the Park Commission and Council relating to the development of a tree preservation ordinance. After developing a model ordinance, public hearings would be held, with Council action following. Van Zomeren referred to the Purpose Statement prepared by the Orono Park Commission on July 7, 1997 noting that Park Commission and Council were in agreement with this statement. In addition, discussion should take place as to whether private property owners would be treated the same as developers regarding tree preservation and reforestation. • Hawn asked if the Planning Commission was designing an ordinance that is really needed. Van Zomeren responded that the Spring Hill Golf Course has raised concerns over tree preservation. Berg suggested the City be pro- active rather than reactive. Lindquist stated one goal would be to prevent clear cutting in new development. Hawn asked if clear cutting has been a problem. Lindquist noted that the shoreland areas already have restrictions on tree removal. Hawn questioned the City's ability to enforce a policy preventing clear cutting. Berg noted that Plymouth experienced a problem with clear cutting before they adopted a tree preservation ordinance. Developers found it easier to clear cut and then transplant. She felt the land across from Billy's Lighthouse would be a similar situation when developed. Hawn asked about an individual property owner who might choose to log the land as trees have value. Could the City be considered "taking" the land by restricting tree removal? Other cities should be researched to determine their policies. Van Zomeren noted the Council and Park Commission do not want to hinder the individual property owner. The Dickey property is an example of large lots with no trees. In such a case, could the City require a developer to plant trees? Berg added that some people don't want trees, and therefore trees would not necessarily increase the value of a property. Lindquist felt the Minnetonka ordinance was close to what Orono would want to accomplish and • suggested working from their ordinance format. Discussion continued relating to the "City of Minnetonka Guide to the Tree Preservation Ordinance ".