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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />MINUTES FOR JANUARY 19, 2000 <br />(#2547 Kimb«r1l and William Abbott, Continued) <br />in fact occurring. Weinberger stated he has not seen any photographs illustrating the condition <br />of the shoreline prior to construction of the retaining walls. <br />Hawn commented there appears to be a reference to the fact that the City Engineer did review this <br />situation in 1991. <br />Kluth stated he would be willing to accept a statement by an engineer or landscape architect. <br />Kluth stated Gaffron's March 12,1991 memorandum states, The City Engineer has examined the <br />structure in terms of the necessity of the retaining walls. He determined that the width of the <br />bank does need some kind of a supporting system. He is suggesting that the walls with a <br />height exceeding three to four feet be lowered, and that some interior walls be added. The City <br />Engineer has indicated that the stability of existing walls is questionable. He also stated that the <br />lower walls would be easier to screen from the lake." Kluth stated apparently the findings of the <br />previous Planning Commissions have taken the recommendations of the City Engineer into <br />consideration. Kluth stated this Planning Commission could either adopt the findings and <br />recommendations of the City Engineer made in 1991 or they could elect to have the site <br />re-inspected by another engineer. <br />Stoddard indicated the Planning Commission is attempting to work with the Applicant on this <br />issue, but noted that City Staff Is unable to visit the site at this time of the year. <br />Hawn commented she is unsure whether photographs of the area would be sufficient to demonstrate <br />the need for retaining walls. Hawn stated she would like to make a record demonstrating the <br />need for the retaining walls. <br />Abbott stated it is his understanding he needs to address whether the current retaining wall <br />system is adequate as well as determine whether erosion has occurred to this area. Abbott <br />inquired whether there were any other issues that need to be addressed. <br />Hawn commented there probably are other issues that will need to be discussed, but inquired <br />whether the Applicant would be willing to obtain a statement by an engineer demonstrating the <br />need for the structure prior to those issues being discussed. Hawn stated it may not be <br />possible to obtain that statement until the springtime, and inquired whether the Applicant would <br />be willing to wait. <br />Abbott stated he would be agreeable to obtain an opinion by an engineer. Abbott inquired whether <br />some agreement could be reached on the width of the stairway. Abbott indicated the structure was <br />constructed out of railroad ties and could possibly be reduced somewhat. <br />Stoddard stated in his view the width of the stairway is a small item compared to the overall <br />structure. Stoddard stated he would be agreeable to leaving the width of the stairway as is if <br />a benefit could be demonstrated. <br />Abbott indicated he will probably be able to comply with the other conditions recommended by <br />City Staff. <br />Stoddard stated the Applicant will need to address whether retaining walls are needed in this <br />area and also to look at whether the overall structure can be reduced and made to blend in more <br />with the area. <br />Page 5