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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,September 16,2013 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Curtis noted it would need to be 25 feet or higher to be considered a bluff. <br /> Lin Yan, Applicant, indicated they just purchased the house May 30, and shortly thereafter there were a <br /> number of storms which led them to discover a couple of problems with the property. The first problem <br /> relates to the back yard and how it is laid out. Whenever there is a heavy storm, basically the property <br /> turns into a riverfront and is not a lakefront. The second problem deals with a large amount of erosion <br /> that is occurring on the easement adjacent to the property. Lin Yan noted his property is the lowest point <br /> on Cherry Place, which results in a lot of water runoff to his property. <br /> Lin Yan stated after the storms, they noticed a number of roots around the trees were exposed and mud <br /> was washing into the lake. As a result of the runoff, Lin Yan indicated his shoreline is no longer sandy <br /> but full of mud. <br /> Lin Yan stated they are attempting to come up with a solution to manage the stormwater and help <br /> decrease the runoff into the lake. One option is to open up 40 to 50 feet in the back yard and have <br /> landscaping in that area to help slow down the runoff. Lin Yan indicated they did meet with City Staff <br /> this morning and that it sounds like there is an agreement with the City Engineer to come up with a plan <br /> for better management of the stormwater in the back yard and on the easement. Lin Yan stated if the <br /> erosion continues, it will significantly impact his property. <br /> Clairson Dutra stated that he would like the Planning Commission to understand that they are not <br /> attempting to improve the view since the house already has a good view but that they are trying to fix the <br /> drainage. There is already a good view from the first and second floors of the home and the Yans do not <br /> anticipate utilizing the basement very much. <br /> Dutra pointed out on the overhead the area that experiences the runoff and has accumulation of water. <br /> Dutra stated the water in that area could create instability in the hill and that they are attempting to divert <br /> the water away from the house and keep the mud out of the lake. <br /> Lin Yan commented Cherry Place is very steep, and that given his observations, it appears a majority of <br /> the water comes from the street. The land erosion goes up to North Arm Drive and is also occurring in <br /> the area near the lake. Lin Yan indicated he has counted four dead trees in that area already. The plan is <br /> to regrade that area and let the water go through the grass,which will help slow down the stormwater that <br /> flows into the lake. <br /> Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. <br /> Leskinen commented this is a challenging site and that the back yard does slope down to the basement. <br /> Thiesse asked what the reason is for Staff's recommendation that the application be tabled. <br /> Curtis indicated the applicant has provided some additional information but that their survey still reflects <br /> a similar grading plan to what was originally proposed for the 0-75 foot zone. Curtis requested the <br /> Planning Commission provide some direction on what they would like to see happen in that area. If the <br /> Page 4 of 34 <br />