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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,July 18,2022 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> ROLL CALL <br /> The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: <br /> Chair Mark McCutcheon,Commissioners Dennis Libby,Jon Ressler,Bob Erickson, Scott Kirchner,and <br /> Alternate Dave Peterson. Commissioners Matt Gettman and Chris Bollis were absent. Representing Staff <br /> were City Planner Melanie Curtis and City Planner Laura Oakden. <br /> Chair McCutcheon called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. <br /> APPROVAL OF AGENDA <br /> Libby moved,Ressler seconded,to approve the Agenda.VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. <br /> APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 21,2022 <br /> Ressler moved,Peterson seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission <br /> meeting of June 21,2022.VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. <br /> PUBLIC HEARINGS <br /> 1. LA22-000034 CONCEPT LANDSCAPING, 1350 REST POINT CIRCLE REQUESTS <br /> VARIANCE FOR LAKEYARD SETBACKS TO REPLACE FAILING RETAINING <br /> WALLS AND THE LAKE ACCESS STAIR SYSTEM.(STAFF: MELANIE CURTIS) <br /> Jared Smith,Concept Landscaping,was present. <br /> City Planner Curtis gave a presentation on the item,stating the subject property has an existing, aging <br /> timber wall and stair system that is exhibiting signs of failure.The existing walls are tiered and support <br /> the hillside to the lake. The configuration of the walls allows for some lake access stairs and deck <br /> platforms. The bottom wall is located approximately 6 feet from the OHW(Ordinary High Water Line) <br /> and the repair will be located one foot in front of the wall creating an estimated 5 foot setback from the <br /> lake. In addition to the size of the block being used,there will be a batter which will further increase the <br /> footprint of the walls. The Applicant has provided an engineer design for the wall construction and plan to <br /> reconstruct all in-kind with the exception of the expansion due to the change in material.The Applicant <br /> has identified the failing retaining wall and protection of the hillside as practical difficulties supporting <br /> the requested variance.Additionally,they have provided supporting documentation regarding Practical <br /> Difficulties and should be asked for additional testimony regarding the application.Regarding practical <br /> difficulty, Staff finds the existing conditions of the retaining walls and the hillside are practical difficulties <br /> which support the variance request.The new retaining walls would support and protect the slope. Staff <br /> has not received any public comment on the application and recommends approval of the lake setback <br /> variance for the improvements as proposed and suggests additional screening of the walls to preserve the <br /> natural vegetative view from the lake where feasible. <br /> Jared Smith, 8994 Zanzibar Lane,Maple Grove,represents Concept Landscaping and is present to answer <br /> questions. <br /> Chair McCutcheon asked if the same material will be used. <br /> Page 1 of 5 <br />