07-22-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 22, 2002 • 6:30 o'clock p.m. 08) #02 -2793 REVIS STEPHENSON,1850 FOX RIDGE ROAD - AFTER - THE -FACT CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND VARIANCES - Continued Sansevere asked if the possibility existed to come to a resolution that everyone could be satisfied with. He was hesitant to inconvenience the neighborhood further and disturbing the wetland further by requiring everything to be removed. He wished that the neighbor, Mr. Chalfen, were present personally to discuss the issue. Murphy stated that there was, obviously, no denying that the project got out of control. He suggested that Mr. Stephenson bring in a plan to reconstitute the forest without going back and ripping it all out. Galatz argued that Mr. Stephenson would never have been allowed to do what he has done. He had brought in twice as much fill as allowed, and extended his yard by 38'. Stephenson stated that the new drawings have indicated that he had encroached by a much smaller degree than originally thought. Murphy interrupted and asked Mr. Stephenson what he planned to do about it and what he proposed to do for mitigation. Mr. Stephenson stated that he would be willing to plant whatever he could get down the hill, which would be somewhat limited by the grade itself. He added that he would restore the buffer even more than he had encroached with oaks, birch, apple trees, etc., far better than the buckthorn he had removed. This would only improve the situation for the wetland. He maintained that what had been planted, thus far, was as big as they could manually get down the hill, a tree spade simply could not make it. He indicated that he would be willing to work with staff, his neighbors, Mr. Chalfen, and the City Council to accomplish this. He stated that what he has planted, thus far, is beautiful and full of native flowers, grasses, and trees. He indicated that he would be willing to plant whatever Mr. Peterson, an expert in reconstructive buffers, suggested and believed it to be a mistake to tear it up. Sansevere asked staff where they were with regard to this proposal of adding additional plantings. Weinberger stated that staff would be comfortable with that. He pointed out that what has been planted, and removed, has been positive for the wetland. The buckthorn was removed and poor unhealthy growth on the south side was replaced with new vegetation. He agreed with the applicant that the size of the trees would be limited by what could be brought down the hill, however, he would recommend additional plantings, trees, and understory growth. Murphy asked how the City could ensure that this happens. PAGE 24 of 35