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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> August 20,2001 <br /> (#01-2689 Mandeep Sodhi,Continued) <br /> The Applicant has submitted a landscaping plan for this area, which includes two maple trees left of the <br /> stairway, a spruce tree and crab apple tree. Staff was able to verify that one tree greater than six inches <br /> in diameter was removed, along with some undergrowth and natural vegetation that was growing on the <br /> hillside. Weinberger stated this lot is 45 feet wide, and once the two maple trees mature,they will <br /> provide a full canopy over the majority of the lot. The landscaping plan includes some bushes and <br /> hostas, giving it more of a garden appearance than a natural species shoreline. Staff is recommending <br /> the addition of some day lilies and junipers,with the natural regrowth being left undisturbed to restore <br /> the natural appearance of the lakeshore. The natural restoration would allow the property owner to <br /> remove any buckthorn and poison ivy. Staff is recommending the undergrowth be planted as soon as <br /> possible in order to prevent erosion and to become established prior to winter as well as possibly <br /> planting one or two more trees that are native to the area. <br /> Staff recommends conceptual approval of the plan. <br /> Sodhi indicated he purchased the property approximately one year ago and was not aware of the proper <br /> procedure that should be following prior to commencing the work in this area. Sodhi stated the previous <br /> stairs were built approximately 30 years ago and were in a deteriorating condition. Sodhi expressed <br /> concerns regarding safety if the stairs were used, noting they had discontinued using the stairs due to <br /> their condition. In addition,the Applicant's family has experienced problems with poison ivy and were <br /> attempting to remove it. Sodhi indicated he is willing to work with City Staff to resolve these issues. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Hawn inquired whether the grade of the slope has been altered with any fill. <br /> Weinberger stated to his knowledge it was the natural grade at the time he reviewed the site. <br /> Sodhi stated the slope has remained basically the same except for the area where a putting green is <br /> being constructed above the stairway. <br /> Weinberger stated he is unaware of a putting green being constructed in that area. Weinberger stated it <br /> appears that work is being done outside the bluff area. <br /> Hawn inquired whether the Applicant obtained a permit for the putting green. <br /> Sodhi indicated he has obtained permits from the City allowing the putting green. Sodhi stated this is an <br /> older survey and does not show the second set of stairs. <br /> The Applicant indicated where the second set of stairs was constructed. <br /> Kluth questioned how a putting green could be constructed in this area due to the slope of the land. <br /> Weinberger stated the area for the putting green is outside the bluff area. Weinberger stated a steep <br /> slope does not necessarily preclude any work from occurring, but would require additional review on <br /> the part of Staff to insure proper steps are taken for erosion control. <br /> PAGE 7 <br />