Staff to draft plan for brush clearing and controlled burn on Orbis property after survey findings

City staff told the EDA that land surveys and drone footage of the Orbis property showed thick brush, debris and wetlands that will increase clearing and grading costs. Council previously directed staff to put together a plan that could include selective brushing and a controlled burn.

Why it matters: The site contains roughly 60–80 acres total (staff cited the split as about 60/20 in discussion) and nearly half an acre of wetlands in one area, which will limit options for clearing and require regulatory sign‑off. The board flagged potential cost increases from clearing large trees and debris and asked staff to include a range of approaches — from low‑cost in‑house brush cutting and fire department participation to renting specialized forestry heads or hiring contractors.

Staff said the fire chief will be consulted on timing and that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sign‑off will be necessary for a controlled burn. Members discussed alternative clearing methods, including targeted grazing, but agreed that heavy brush and trees likely require machinery or contractor work before any burn. Staff will prepare a cost estimate, regulatory steps and a proposed timeline for council consideration; once council decides, staff will return to the EDA with the final plan.