09/15/2014 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, September 15,2014 6:30 o'clock p.m. Kelly stated there were only three trees that were greater than six inches that were removed that were deemed unsafe. Those trees,prior to removal,were inspected and approved by the City. There were also three trees that were well below six inches that were removed because they were unsafe. One of those trees was dead and was approximately 20 feet tall. Kelly stated they are asking for the ability to lay sod and to construct a swale to allow the water to be diverted. Kelly indicated one wall was covered with water and covered with mold,which was improved by covering it. The$800 that was paid for the initial permit for the grading was not followed by the contractor and he was fired. Kelly indicated the contractor they had hired cut too far into the side hill and broke off one of the trees and the other two were killed as a result of the work, which will be replaced. In addition,the contractor did not follow the directions down by the lake. Kelly stated it was supposed to be the exact same grade going toward the lake, and that when they started the grading process,there were some conversations on whether the water would potentially run into the neighbor's yard. The City Engineer met with the bobcat operator and decided that a swale would be constructed so the water would be diverted toward the lake. During the grading, an 3' x 8' area was raised by almost six inches down by • the lake,which will be removed. Kelly stated it was not their intention to cause any change in the grade but to make it smooth so that a riding lawn mower could be ridden safety in that area. Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 6:44 p.m. Jeff Tridwell, 1865 Concordia Street, stated he had something happen a few years back in their neighborhood with a different property down the road where there was intense clear cutting done over the weekend. Tridwell stated if you go out on West Arm and look at the point from a boat,there is a clear cut lot with massive excavation and no trees on the lot,which stands out like a sore thumb. Tridwell stated this is their neighborhood and that many of the other residents on the point have been there more than 20 years.Tridwell stated their goal has always been to preserve the character of the neighborhood,which is known as Fagerness Woods, and to preserve the lakeshore. Tridwell stated he wants to make sure that everyone follows the same rules. Page 4 of 59