August 6, 2025, Planning Board Regular Meeting.

Exhibit at Turtle Back Zoo. The Gibbons’ Exhibit already exists at the Turtle Back Zoo. The changes include the netting being replaced. The netting needs repair. They're going to be putting a brand new net system in. While they were doing that, they had opportunities to do a little bit of other adjustments that Gillian, the zoo director, preferred. They're putting in two new platforms for the gibbons to sit on. There are three tiers, about 18 feet high. They're also adding a new viewing window. They're changing out the concrete pavers to go to brick pavers to match the fountain area. They are adding a little bit of landscaping on the outskirts. There's existing bamboo in areas that they're keeping. There are a couple of older shrubs that they're taking out, but for the most part, they're just putting in new grasses and lower bamboo so that people can see in those areas. No trees are being removed for this project. No new trees are being added for this project. They're putting a little tunnel for the gibbons to have a new exploration that brings them out to the guests. The existing building that is being talked about will have a little bit of a vestibule pop- out. It's 6 feet by 21 feet, and they're going to match the height of the roof, which they'll put it at 15 feet to match up with the existing story building. Additionally, they’re adding a sidewalk. The public access part of the project will be available as handicap accessible. It already is, they're just making some adjustments to it. With respect to the 125 square foot little addition to the rear of the building, there will not be a meaningful impact on water drainage in this exhibit. The project will take roughly 5 months to get to completion. The project being underway will not interfere with the public going to the zoo. BOARD QUESTIONS Councilperson Scarpa asked if it would be possible to put a few native trees for shade for those who will be standing around observing. Mr. Piga said it would be difficult because of the nature of the netting. There's a canopy that goes over the top of this exhibit right now, so the type of trees with shade would immediately have an effect on the exhibit itself. However, they do have trees in this area that provide shade for these locations. BOARD COMMENTS Mayor McCartney said the administration is ready to present a bamboo ordinance, and during their

self. However, they do have trees in this area that provide shade for these locations. BOARD COMMENTS Mayor McCartney said the administration is ready to present a bamboo ordinance, and during their discussions, Mr. Piga’s name has come up numerous times because he integrates bamboo often with county projects at the zoo. Mayor McCartney states Mr. Piga does an outstanding job in explaining how to control it, and they are using those methods in their proposed ordinance. Councilperson Scarpa states that a couple of residents have talked to her that since the increased attendance and expansion of the zoo, it has created some challenges for the community. There has been an increase in garbage from Oak Ridge to Pleasant Valley Way, and from where the zip line is to Walker Road. Councilperson Scarpa wanted to know if the county could do a good job of monitoring and taking charge of any of the excess garbage that is being dumped in that area. Chairman Bagoff asks that the county speak to the board’s fire chief and or their representatives to evaluate how many times ambulances are being dispatched to the zoo over the time that the zoo is open, and what can be done to make better response time? Chairman Bagoff thinks of possibly having one ambulance stationed near the zoo at peak 3