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� MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMIVIISSION <br /> Monday,November 20,2006 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#06-3243 NORTH SHORE GARDENS,CONTINUED) <br /> require work on adjacent properties. Initially Bonestroo and Associates thought there was no way to <br /> create a stable slope of more than 3:1. After Bonestroo conducted further investigation,they found <br /> MnDOT specifications for constructing steeper slopes. The applicant prefers to construct the retaining <br /> walls. <br /> In Staff's opinion the slope is preferable to walls. While it would be possible to place landscaping in <br /> front of the walls to screen them,the landscaping�would appear unnatural since it would be in steps rather <br /> than a curved line following the slope. Because of soil requirements,planting trees on the terraces would <br /> be impossible. It would be difficult to effectively screen the ten-foot walls. <br /> Staff considered a"do nothing"alternative but it was Staff's opinion the slope would continue to erode. <br /> The applicant could continue to"trim"the box elders periodically but eventually parts of the slope would <br /> begin to fail. Staff asked the Watershed District Staff for comments on this option, since they are <br /> lrnowledgeable about water quality. While very careful to say they have no authority in this situation, <br /> they indicated their opinion would be that in the long run it would be better to have some erosion into the <br /> lake during construction of the walls than to have continued erosion and a possible landslide into the lake. <br /> Marzan stated the bank has been a concern of his since he purchased the property and that they had an <br /> issue with the steps being too difficult to traverse up and down. Marzan stated his concern was the <br /> steepness of the hillside and the debris that was thrown down the slope by the previous owner. Marzan <br /> stated he had the previous owner clean the slope up prior to his purchase. <br /> Marzan stated he received a complaint from the City regarding the buckthorn on his property encroaching <br /> into the neighbor's property and that they have observed this year that the water is going to the right and <br /> to the left and washing out a portion of the adjoining properties. Marzan stated he would like to�x the <br /> problems that are occurring in that area and that he is open to any suggestions that would stabilize this <br /> slope and allow him to replace the steps. <br /> Marzan stated he is as concerned as the Planning Commission that the right engineering plan is in place <br /> prior to commencing the project. Marzan stated he personally does not like boulder walls and that it has <br /> been suggested that flagstone by utilized,which would allow vegetation to grow over the top of it. <br /> Marzan stated he is looking to stabilize the slope with the retaining walls but that he only wants to do the <br /> project once. Marzan pointed out there used to be a walkway between the two properties that has since <br /> washed away. <br /> Marzan stated the water off of the roof goes more into the front of the property,but that once the water <br /> hits the ground,it goes down to the lake. Marzan stated he has had two engineers review his plans and he <br /> has been told that the plans are right to conect the problem. <br /> Marzan stated he is willing to follow the requirements of the City but that he only wants to undertake this <br /> project once. <br /> Marzan distributed photographs depicting the property to the Planning Commissioners. <br /> PAGE 13 <br />