07-22-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, JULY 8,2002 6. #02-2793 Revis Stephenson, 1850 Fox Ridge Road-After-the-Faci Conditional Use Permit and Variances—Continued he fell that the adjacent neighbors did not need to submit applications since the changes to their property were basically committed by trespassing. Stephenson apologized for his ignorance over the entire matter and stated that he understood it was ultimately his responsibility and would accept the Council’s decision. He had a contractor that did not follow City instructions, and he stated that he did not set out to disregard the requirements of the permit. He stated that the topography map supplied by the City was not accurate. Mark Gronberg, an engineer, surveyed the property for him and found the wetland delineation different from what was provided by the City. He stated that overall, the changes he made were an improvement with better drainage and a planted buffer zone. Gronberg told Stephenson that the current slope was graded between 2.1:1 and 2.9:1, and that the slope would compact and lev cl out to the recommended 3:1 over the next year or so. Stephenson stated that he did not seed and plant the slope to influence Council. He informed Weinberger that he was going to do the plantings in order to prevent the fill from washing downhill, and if needed, he would tear out the plantings later. Stephenson passed out photos of the slope. Munson stated that the main goal was to protect the wetland and buffer zone. He asked Council for 2 weeks in order for staff to come out to the property and review the delineations, since they had originally been done in winter with snow on the ground. He stated that Council had the power to grant Mr. Stephenson’s request. Also, that Mr. Galatz’s letter to the City was intended to incite and that it was written after Mr. Stephenson had acknowledged his mistakes and begun working with the City. Petereon stated that he had viewed the property regarding the wetland protection issue. He did notice discrepancies in the delineation that was done in December. He stated delineations could not be accurately made with snow on the ground. The wetland has a partial drainage under the Luce Line at the north end. It was common practice for railroad lines to install culverts under tracks so that every time water goes into the wetland, some goes out via that drain. He stated that the canary grass is non-native and inconsistent with the wetland. The area was a marsh before the drainage was installed. He stated additional time was required to refine the delineation.. Peterson also stated that given the stabilization of the slope, the landscape fabric and plantings installed, the recent rains have not caused any noticeable runoff into the wetland. He felt it would be imprudent to tear it out. He added that the applicant had no intention of mowing the buffer zone or using it as a yard, and there is now a dip at the buffer zone with the wetland being elevated, which makes it more effective. Muqjhy asked Peterson to expand on the discrepancy. Peterson replied that there is upland area designated as wetland, which is shown by the buckthorn and other plants 1