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. Landgraver stated his initial reaction was that the snaking design creates the need for the retaining walls and that a stairway straight down would requires less hardcover. Landgraver stated the mitigating factor is the fact that it comes down and goes behind the boathouse, which helps reduce the massing effect. Thiesse stated he is in agreement with Commissioner Landgraver and that he is not a big proponent of wooden stairs. Leskinen stated the look of the stone stairs with the plants around it is an improvement but that she has a concern with the amount of hardcover and whether that might speed up the runoff down to the lake. Schoenzeit questioned whether the overall project should be reviewed by the City Engineer even though it is under four feet. Oakden stated if it under four feet, the applicant would need to submit plans for a zoning permit but it would not be reviewed by the City Engineer. Thiesse asked if the City Engineer looks at all applications. Schoenzeit commented it would be nice to have it vetted by an engineer and that the Planning Commission could encourage the applicant to supply documentation. Barnhart stated the City Engineer will review the grading and drainage but that he will not look at a retaining wall that is less than four feet in height. Gustafson stated the stairway and wall will be constructed from a barge off the lake. Gustafson stated when the bigger rocks are placed to retain the grade, there will be drainage rock behind them, which will help capture some of the water. If the stairway is straight, the water will go straight down and lead to erosion. Gustafson noted they will have to do some slight grading and that they will add more vegetation to help hold the bank in there. Gustafson stated the company has been around a long time and that they want to do it right the first time around so repairs do not need to be made. Lemke moved, Leskinen seconded, to recommend approval of Application No. LA18-000016, Dale Gustafson, 1370 Cherry Place, granting of a 0-75 foot lake setback variance. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0.