10-24-1988 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF REGULAR ORONO COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 24,1988 ZONING FILE #1339 -LEE CONTINUED • said that Staff's position was based upon previous conditions of approvalmade in the past by the Council. Mr. Lee said that Mr. Robin was scheduled to arrive shortly. He explained that he had tried on his own to stabilize the bank after it had washed away. Callahan commented that he had heard Mr. Robin's presentation at the Planning Commission meeting. He suggested that the Council try to be consistent in the policies they set forth in these cases. He was not certain whether the 8' steps should be allowed to remain, simply because they are already there. Mr. Lee stated that the steps stabilize the entire bank. Mabusth concurred that the steps, at this point, were providing stabilization for the bank. Callahan and Goetten believed that the option for restoration of the bank that was most in line with the City's policies should be chosen. Councilmember Goetten expressed the difficulty in dealing with after - the -fact requests, especially in this type of application where tearing down the retaining wall would worsen the condition of the bank. She added that she did not like the 8' steps, but if that was the only way to stabilize the banks, she would have to accept that. Mabusth stated that planters were proposed to be placed within the 8' steps. Mabusth asked Mr. Lee if he fully understood what the City • staff was proposing. Mr. Lee answered in the affirmative. Mabusth explained that timbers would be removed and the lower wall would be exposed. Instead of having the'upper two tiers of retaining wall, there would be an earthen slope and plantings. Councilmember Callahan observed that there was a concentration of after - the -fact variances that occured on Casco Point, Baldur Park Road and Fagerness Point Road. He said that should Mr. Lee's variance request be approved, it would be likely the Council would see yet another such incident. Mayor Grabek expressed his desire 'to see Mr. Lee's bank restored to its original condition. Mr. Lee interjected that the stone wall that previously existed was "gross" in appearande. He added that neighbors who had witnessed his construction of the new retaining walls were very supportive. City Administrator Bernhardson asked whether the walls could be extended and covered over, as opposed to putting in the 4' planters? Mabusth replied that she would need to get input from the City Engineer in that regard.' Mr. Lee explained that he had designed and built the wall himself. He was unaware of the fact that a retaining wall required a building permit. He informed the Council that eventually the wall would fade to a gray color and would not be quite so noticable. He said that due to the support system of the wall, he could not remove any timbers. Councilmember Nettles asked why the 8' steps could not be narrowed to 41? Mr. Lee explained that the 8' steps were stabilizers. City Administrator 2