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r , <br />ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD MARCH 11, 1991 <br />( #5 & #6)ZONING FILES #1493 & #1570 - DOWNEY CONTINUED <br />Callahan asked Mabusth to show what areas were g---ass in <br />1982. <br />Mabusth showed the areas that are grass. <br />Butler asked if the grass on the hill is mowed. <br />Mabusth replied, "Yes, the grass is mowed, though it is not <br />easy. Mr. Downey first proposed the three tier plan because it <br />would have made yard maintenance easier. However, the plan did <br />not resolve the erosion problem." <br />Goetten asked Cook if the revised retaining walls meet <br />engineering standards. <br />Cook replied, "Yes. We always felt that the lower wall is <br />necessary to save the bank and the tree. We did have concerns <br />regarding the upper wall and discussed them with Mr. Downey. We <br />are concerned about the ability of the upper wall to contain the <br />water running off the well if the drainage pattern is changed. <br />The property owner has agreed to watch the situation and take <br />care of any problem that may arise." <br />Goetten asked if Mr. Downey's neighbor is aware of the plans <br />for this property. <br />Mabusth stated that the neighbor has joined with Mr. Downey <br />in an attempt to solve the erosion problem. <br />Downey confirmed Mabusth's statement and added that he will <br />assist with a project to change the direction of his neighbor's <br />gutters so that drainage occurs toward the street rather than the <br />lake. Downey said, "I did not have any erosion problem until the <br />City required the Holzers, previous owners of the neighboring <br />property, to remove their retaining walls. There are plans on <br />record with the City showing a swale that was to be constructed, , <br />but never was." Mr. Downey distributed pictures of his and the <br />neighbor's property. <br />Jabbour asked the City Engineer if vegetation is ever <br />considered as a method of controlling erosion. <br />Cook replied, "In :his case, only a retaining wall will <br />provide erosion control along the bottom of the yard. The upper <br />retaining wall could perhaps be substituted with ground cover." <br />Butler asked if the new upper retaining wall would align <br />with the existing stone wall on Mr. Downey's property. <br />Mr. Downey replied, "We intend to start the new section of <br />