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W <br /> Orono City Council <br /> Work Session Minutes <br /> � Monday,April 24,2023 <br /> KsHo Council Chambers <br /> 5:00 p.m. <br /> PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Alisa Benson, Richard F. Crosby II, and <br /> Matt Johnson. Staff members present were City Administrator/Engineer Adam Edwards, Golf <br /> and Parks Superintendent Josh Lemons, Community Development Director Laura Oakden, <br /> Planners Natalie Nye and Melanie Curtis, and City Clerk Anna Carlson. <br /> 1. Planning & Park Commission Interviews <br /> Applicant Commission Interview Time <br /> Michael Huddy Park 5:00—5:15 <br /> Ted Schultze Planning 5:15—5:30 <br /> The Council members present interviewed the commission candidates. <br /> 2. Retaining wall Discussion <br /> Community Development Director Laura Oakden introduced the Retaining Wall <br /> discussion. She discussed the city code related to the subject, implementation, and issues <br /> that tend to show up with retaining walls. <br /> City Administrator/Engineer Adam Edwards explained the various retaining wall <br /> variations and their construction and impacts as shown on the presentation slides. <br /> Oakden finished the presentation by discussing DNR Shoreland Regulations and <br /> recommendations for best practices. She noted that additional research is needed for staff <br /> to develop best practices since the current code is somewhat restrictive. Staff is asking <br /> for direction from the council in regards to how to proceed and is asking for feedback <br /> related to retaining walls. <br /> Mayor Dennis Walsh noted that he is not sure if the process should be changed or moved <br /> out of the typical process by bringing it to Council. He added that he would like final <br /> decisions and approval to be brought before Council. <br /> Council Member Matt Johnson would like to get staff recommendations and encouraged <br /> them to research the topic further to make sure that the right people are making <br /> recommendations for approval. <br /> Council Member Crosby discussed giving more flexibility to residents and is opening to <br /> reviewing changes relating to in-kind wall replacements. <br /> Council gave direction to staff to bring this topic back to a work session for additional <br /> discussion. <br /> Adjourned: 5:55 p.m. <br /> Page 1 of 2 <br />