04-09-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2018 6:30 o'clock p.m. Dale Gustafson, applicant, stated he is the landscape designer for this project and that this lot is a typical kind of problematic lakeshore lot with a steep bank. Currently the slope is just a collection of weeds and invasive trees and that there is the typical problem with trying to maintain that. In addition, the existing stairway is beginning to deteriorate and needs to be replaced in some shape, manner or form. The walls that were originally installed were substandard and the stairs going down to the boathouse are sinking and are not very safe or useful. Gustafson stated it is the property owner's plan to resurface and redo the boathouse and then install the stones more into the ground. Gustafson indicated they are anticipating using granite slabs. The retaining walls are simply to retain the soil on either side of the stairs. Gustafson noted as someone comes up the stairs, the wall might be nonexistent on one side and on the other side it could be two feet high. Gustafson stated the idea is to plant vegetation around the retaining walls and stairs so they are not very visible. Oakden displayed a picture of a sample stone stairway. Gustafson indicated it would consist more of stone outcroppings to control the slope. Thiesse asked if it will be similar to what is depicted. Gustafson stated it will be. Gustafson pointed out the boathouse will block the view of the stairs from one side of the lake. Gustafson stated at this time of the year there is not much vegetation but that they do plan on putting some wooded shrubs in there to help screen it during the winter. Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. Thiesse stated it does not appear there is a railing around the boathouse at the top or access. Gustafson indicated the access will be up at the top of the boathouse and is depicted on the plan. The access will consist of three stepping stones and there will be a railing around there. Lemke commented it is an improvement from what is there now and that what currently is there is not very attractive or safe.