06.01 Planning Commission Report

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PEQUOT LAKES PLANNING COMMISSION/ BOARD OF AJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING June 15, 2017, 2017 PRESENT: Todd Engels, Bill Habein, Mark Hallan, Mark Mortenson and Nathan Norton. ABSENT: Brian Wallin and Wesley Wilson. CITY PLANNER: Justin Burslie, NJPA ZONING SPECIALIST: Dawn Bittner COUNCIL LIAISON: Absent. Chair Engels called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. and opened the Public Hearing. APPLICANT: Dennis W. Reschke Applicant requests to Rezone from Shoreline Residential to Rural Residential Mr. Burslie explained the Staff Report. Applicant was represented by his brother, Paul Reschke. Mr. Burslie stated Staff is recommending approval of the rezone request,based on the 14 Findings of Fact and noted the decision of the Planning Commission is a recommendation to the City Council;the City Council makes the final decision. Paul Reschke explained a year ago the family was looking at the woods and noted the woods were getting dense and had a lot of deadfall. They sought the advice of a forester who recommended that a lot of the trees were dying and beyond the stage of life expectancy. They planned to thin out the short life trees, clearing 70% of the trees. The property has been in the family since 1948. Their goal was to put in a drive way to a camp site near the wetland so the kids could enjoy the woods. The deadfall has become a fire hazard and needs to be removed. The logging began this spring and they were not aware that they needed City approval. They do not plan to build any cabins or homes or do any subdividing of the parcel. Their objective is to improve the health of the forest. Planning Commission Member Hallan stated he walked the property since the last meeting and asked what percentage has been cut; it appeared to be close to 70% cleared. Mr. Reschke stated about 10 acres have been cut. Approximately 2 to 3 acres have been cleared to stage the trucks. There is a 50 foot buffer indicated with flags. MINUTES Pequot Lakes Planning Commission June 15, 2017