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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, October 21, 2002 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />Weinberger explained that the property owner had requested a conditional use permit to permit <br />land alteration on the property over 500 cubic yards . The project would be to build a berm, <br />behind the existing row of evergreen trees, along the northern border of the property parallel to <br />North Shore Drive. The intent of the berm would be to screen traffic noise from North Shore <br />Drive. Weinberger noted that the proposed berm would be approximately 8' at the highest point <br />and curve around as shown on the survey. The existing row of smaller evergreens would be <br />removed and replanted on the berm. He pointed out that the berm and plantings would have no <br />impact on traffic sight-lines and would appear to have no negative impacts on site drainage .. <br />Weinberger stated that according to the City Engineer, since the property was two lots combined <br />in 1995 and the portion of the lot where the proposed berm would fall was vacant, there is <br />merely a sewer stub on the property with nothing connected to it. Weinberger added that the <br />design was done by an engineer and reviewed by the City Engineer who had no negative <br />comments or concerns. He stated that the widest width of the berm at 8' tall could be potentially <br />48' and still would not impact the stand of tall evergreen trees it would be located behind. <br />Chair Smith reminded the applicant and Commission that the slope must not exceed a 3:1. <br />Mabusth added that the manhole must be located and marked. <br />Gaffron indicated that the contours of the design were misleading, and based upon his <br />calculations the plan reflected a mere I' scale versus the normal 2'. He questioned whether the <br />design reflected a 4' or 8' high berm at its peak. <br />Wiens stated that he believed the design reflected a 6' or 8' high peak, however, indicated his <br />willingness to redesign the plan in order to address neighbors concerns. <br />Chair Smith felt it was necessary to determine the true height of the berm with and/or without <br />trees. <br />Page 3 of 42