10-09-2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25,2000 (1^2596 Brenshell Homes, Continued) approval. Rasmussen stated as it relates to the delineation of the wetlands, the residents in the neighborhood requested Barr Engineering conduct a review of the area to determine whether a wetland does indeed exist in this area. Rasmussen stated the report completed by Barr Engineering does show a forested wetland located approximately 100 feet northwest of the south ravine, which may be substantially larger than the wetland indicated in 1997. Rasmussen stated the area meets the three critical criteria for determination of a wetland and this issue needs to be further addressed. Rasmussen stated one of the central issues relating to this development relates to the impact to the watershed as a result of the water runoff and erosion that may occur with this development. Rasmussen stated a third concern is the issues relating to the road alignment of Garden Lane to the cul-de-sac, has apparently been addressed by changing the road to be perpendicular. Rasmussen stated what has not been addressed is the relationship of Garden Lane and Tonka view, which is an extremely steep and narrow roadway with a number of driveways accessing that roadway. Rasmussen stated the driveway in the immediate vicinity of Garden Lane is hidden from view by foliage and is within several 100 feet of the area being recommended for an intersection. Rasmussen stated she is unsure whether this issue has ever been addressed, and requested that this matter be reviewed. Rasmussen stated the fourth issue of concern deals with the erosion and water runoff both during and following construction. Rasmussen stated the possible erosion and water runoff from this development will affect the whole area and has not been adequately addressed. Rasmussen stated in her view the removal of the tree canopy is not in compliance with Orono’s Visibility Ordinance. Rasmussen stated it is her understanding that an area at least 250 by 450 feet will be cleared of all trees and will result in a big gaping hole which will be there for many years and change the character of the view of the lake. Rasmussen stated Orono’s Municipal Code, Section 11.60 says in the preservation of the natural features and the amenities that all trees on the subdivision plan required to be retained shall be preserved, and all trees where required shall be welled and protected against grading. The vegetation map shall show the number ?nd location of existing trees as required by this Chapter and shali further indicate all those marked for retention and the location of all proposed shade trees. Rasmussen stated they have not received any indication which trees will be retained and which trees will be lost, which raises a number of concerns. Rasmussen presented the Citv ’ Council with some color photographs depicting the area to be develqjed and the tree canopy as it exists today. Rasmussen stated another issue is the definition of dry buildable area and the steepness of the slopes in the area. Rasmusssen indicated the slopes on Lots 2, 3, and 5 contain slopes which are greater than 12 and 18 percent slope and contain soils which arc not suitable for development. Rasmussen stated in her view the majority of the lot area is not buildable and docs not meet the City ’s ordinance due to the slopes in the area. Rasmussen quoted Municipal Code, Section 11.30, which states land which Council finds to be unsuitable for subdivision or development due to flooding, improper drainage, steep slopes, soil conditions, rock formations PAGES