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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 /> better visualize the existing conditions. Sedgwick indicated the engineering value of all vegetation on a <br /> slope is the root structure underneath the ground. <br /> Thiesse stated then the problem has not been fixed and that they will end up with basically the same slope <br /> since it will not be receiving any treatment. Thiesse stated the applicant is basically telling the Planning <br /> Commission that the root systems will not fully prevent the erosion problem. <br /> Sedgwick stated the geo block at the top of the slope will also provide percolation,which will help with <br /> the erosion. <br /> Thiesse stated the percolation will go into the ground and will come out at the easiest,weakest spot, <br /> which is the face of the slope. Thiesse stated in his opinion the problem has not been resolved and that it <br /> might be exacerbated. Thiesse stated he does not want to recommend putting in half a wall without <br /> addressing the entire slope. <br /> Leskinen stated a number of good points have been raised and that Commissioner Thiesse has a good <br /> point about addressing the entire slope before adding hardcover in the 0-75 foot zone. <br /> Thiesse stated he would not be opposed to adding hardcover if it fully solves the problem and that he <br /> would suggest the applicant come back with a revised plan that completely addresses the entire slope. <br /> McGrann asked if the Planning Commission can table the application or approve or deny. <br /> Curtis stated the application can be tabled but that she would recommend the Planning Commission <br /> provide specific direction for what additional information they would like to see. Curtis noted the City <br /> Engineer's comments are included in Exhibit H. <br /> Landgraver noted the City Engineer did review the plans and did not raise any major concerns. <br /> Landgraver stated he is inclined to suggest that the Planning Commission approve what is being proposed <br /> but then also require the applicant to provide information on what they are planning to do with the upper <br /> slope prior to this application going before the City Council. <br /> Sedgwick asked what the Planning Commission's experience is regarding solutions on other slopes. <br /> Sedgwick stated in her view her client is not asking for anything out of the ordinary. <br /> Thiesse stated to his recollection the walls that he sees in the area are more terraced. Thiesse stated he is <br /> merely pointing out that they are only addressing the bottom half of the slope. Thiesse stated it has been <br /> suggested that plantings can also stabilize the slope but that the applicant is saying that is a short-term <br /> solution. Thiesse stated he would like the applicant to address the upper part of the slope as well in order <br /> to solve the entire problem. <br /> Curtis asked if the solution is a tiered wall. <br /> Thiesse indicated he is not against the wall or the hardcover in the 0-75 foot zone but that he is not going <br /> to vote in favor of it if it does not fix the entire problem. <br /> Lemke stated the main issue is the upper half of the slope, which has not been addressed. <br /> Page 15 of 19 <br />