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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,April 21,2014 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> McGrann stated it is clear from the discussion that they are proposing to do a number of things with <br /> plantings above the wall and that the upper part of the slope will be stabilized by the plantings,but that he <br /> does not see anything that really addresses that. <br /> Landgraver indicated he is in agreement with Commissioner McGrann and that a plan detailing what will <br /> be done with the upper slope would be very helpful. <br /> Sedgwick stated there was no disrespect intended by her comments regarding the geo grid and that she <br /> was confused about what Commissioner Schoenzeit was talking about. Sedgwick stated she now <br /> understands the Planning Commission is looking for the photo degradable mesh to hold the slope. <br /> Lemke stated he also is in agreement that additional details need to be submitted showing what will be <br /> done with the upper slope. <br /> Leskinen asked if an erosion control blanket would be an option in place of the retaining wall. <br /> Sedgwick stated an erosion control blanket would only deter the erosion for a period of time and that <br /> within six to seven years the same issues would be occurring. <br /> Curtis asked whether re-grading the entire slope would be a solution. Curtis asked if there is a non- <br /> structural solution to stabilization of the slope. <br /> Thiesse stated in his opinion it is possible to stabilize the slope without the need for a retaining wall. <br /> McGrann noted the wall will also be covered with some vegetation, and asked if the issue is whether there <br /> will be a precedent set or whether Commissioner Thiesse is worried about the visual impact from the lake. <br /> Thiesse stated he is looking at it from the way the City Council will look at this application. <br /> Leskinen stated it is beneficial to argue every side of the issue since it raises issues that might otherwise <br /> be missed. <br /> Thiesse stated a wall halfway up is fine since it will fix the problems on the bottom part of the slope but <br /> that the upper part of the slope also needs to be addressed. Thiesse noted other applicants have addressed <br /> erosion issues with plantings. <br /> Lemke noted the slope has existed for quite some time and that there does not appear to be a major <br /> erosion problem. <br /> Sedgwick stated she would beg to differ with that. Sedgwick pointed out a maple tree that is showing <br /> erosion around it. Sedgwick stated her company primarily deals with hydraulic pressure and water issues. <br /> Sedgwick stated her sketch shows some plantings but they are merely there for aesthetics. Sedgwick <br /> stated she would be willing to create a more detailed plan showing the plantings and that it is their <br /> intention to disguise the wall from above and below. <br /> Sedgwick noted the one thing that is not shown in the photographs is the root system of the existing <br /> vegetation. Sedgwick indicated the buckthorn has been clipped off at the top,which was done to help <br /> Page 14 of 19 <br />