08-21-1995 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 21, 1995 • ( #14 - 92056 Michael & Barbara Wigley - Continued) Peterson told the applicant that the Planning Commission does not want residents to wait until a hill is eroding, but he also did not see any problem except by the house. The weeds and the structure on the hill should hold back the hill while revegetating according to Peterson. It was also noted that the stairway was in good solid condition. Gaffron inquired about a drainage pipe found on the property. The applicant said she had no idea what was the reason for the pipe. The contractor said he would check on the pipe. Laue said defoliating would be difficult and would kill the undergrowth. Hawn asked what would be used to kill the poison ivy and oak voicing her concern with chemicals washing into the lake. Laue said a spray would be allowed to dry resulting in no run off. Laue said the top wall would hold back erosion from the house area. It is his plan create a swale with the boulder wall being located higher and the soil lower to catch the drainage and allow it time to percolate thru the soil. Lane said an original permit was denied by the MCWD, not because of the plan, but because the neighbor's contractor was under investigation. The neighbor was asking for a similar boulder wall. Schroeder said it would be hard to believe that the permit was denied for any other reason than merit. Schroeder said the City's Comprehensive Plan sets guidelines for lakeshore. The Plan requires that natural vegetation be preserved as much as is practical. If erosion is present, rip rap can be used. The City recommends a natural look. The applicant asked what was the definition of erosion. It was noted that no erosion was noted by either the Engineer, Staff, or the Planning Commissioners. Schroeder said the only erosion noted was near the home, which can be assisted with walls at that location. Wigley said she was looking at taking the grass out and putting in vegetation. Lane said the mulch will also be removed. Gaffron asked if the walls were to be approved, what construction process would be used for this project. Laue said two options were available. If permission were received from the neighbor, he would come across their property, drop the materials over the hill to be placed by a machine at the bottom. The other alternative would be to bring in the wall material over the lake during the winter and install it in the spring. Gaffron read into the minutes a letter received from the DNR noting their concern with retaining walls removing the natural vegetation, with screening, erosion control of the steep slopes, and concern over water level and ensuing construction. 20