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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,August 17,2015 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Lemke asked whether the steep slopes prevent the road from going beyond the tennis courts. <br /> Gaffron stated one area has been defined as a bluff and that further analysis needs to be done to determine <br /> whether the other areas are bluff. A bluff is defined as a slope that is at least 30 percent. There are areas <br /> in there that are at least 30 percent, which would make it pretty difficult to put a road through there that <br /> meets a 10 percent grade. <br /> Landgraver asked if Lot 4 is eligible for further subdivision. <br /> Gaffron indicated it is. Gaffron stated since Lot 4 is south facing and above the bluff, it will likely access <br /> off of Shoreline Drive. <br /> Mike Stedman, Developer, stated this is four lots on 31 acres and that current zoning would allow <br /> between six to ten lots. Stedman stated this subdivision would have a very low impact and that the Jacobs <br /> family has no intention of subdividing the 20 acres where their homestead sits. <br /> Stedman stated it is important to focus on the fact that there is a very natural division consisting of buffer <br /> between the residence and the lots to the north. The bluff has a 20 to 30 percent drop in grade, and a <br /> tremendous amount of tree removal would have to happen if a road was constructed through there. <br /> Stedman stated in his opinion it was good planning in 1965 on the way it was platted. <br /> Stedman noted they did have a neighborhood meeting on July 28 that was very well attended. The <br /> neighbors were interested in finding out whether there is another access point on the property,traffic <br /> concerns were expressed, and the impact of construction traffic was discussed. Stedman indicated they <br /> are very interested in working with them, particularly on landscaping. <br /> Stedman stated it is also important to point out that the building pads are 600 to 700 feet away from the <br /> nearest house. The driveways will be kept away from the trees as much as possible. Stedman stated he <br /> would like to get some input from some custom home builders on whether the house pads should be <br /> graded and that he hopes to have an answer on that in the near future. <br /> Mark Gronberg, Surveyor, stated a bluff analysis was completed when a piece of property was split off <br /> approximately a year ago and that he would be glad to go over it with the City to see whether it needs to <br /> be expanded or subtracted. Gronberg stated they also did a preliminary stormwater management plan and <br /> depicted where the pond might go but it is a little bit dependent on the cul-de-sac and road design. <br /> Gronberg stated the stormwater routing along Dakota Trail is where the drainage goes currently but that <br /> he would be willing to look at something different if the City recommends it. Gronberg indicated they <br /> may have to dig the pond deeper down if the stormwater ponding goes near the cul-de-sac, which has <br /> more impact. Gronberg stated he can discuss that with the City Engineer but that in his view it would be <br /> better if it was a little further away from the cul-de-sac. <br /> Gronberg stated as it relates to temporary street construction easements,that is why they show the <br /> retaining walls, which will help keep the excavator within the 50-foot right-of-way. Gronberg stated he is <br /> anticipating the retaining walls will need to be engineered. Gronberg noted they will not be asking the <br /> neighbors for easements. <br /> The final landscape plan will be submitted prior to final plat and that they are certainly agreeable to <br /> preserving as many trees as possible and are open to some conservation areas near the road. <br /> Page 30 of 43 <br />