10-24-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, October 24, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 7. OLD BEACH ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY ENCROACHMENT (continued) The snow removal crews indicated they have no problem with the wall. Craig stated he also spoke with Bob in Orono's Public Works Department and he said he had no issue with snow removal. Craig stated if need be, he will install reflective markers to alert anyone about the wall. Craig stated as far as the boulders in the area are concerned, someone cannot see them when they are up on the cul-de-sac or on the property to the right. Craig stated the boulder retaining wall blends in well with the boulders that the neighbors have and that he does not see any compelling reason not to grant the permit. Levang stated her only concern was the dirt that was there along the retaining wall and that the idea of low mow or no mow grass sounds pretty reasonable. Craig indicated that is part of the project and that putting sod there would be aesthetically pleasing and would be able to be mowed. Levang asked if Staff is comfortable with the plan. Edwards stated his only concern is the location of the wall to the edge of the pavement. Edwards stated as far as snow storage capacity, the snow will have to be thrown above the wall. Edwards indicated he brought this to the Council given the closeness of the wall to the traveled roadway. Craig stated he has noticed when the snow is being cleared from the neighbor's driveway that the contractor has a tendency to push it over to the left where the boulder wall now is. Craig stated as a result, when someone comes out of the driveway, they could not see over the snow and that this will deter that. Craig indicated they will have to push the snow further over by the mailboxes. McMillan asked if the soil was built up that way previously before the wall was there and that was the reason for the erosion. Craig indicated the slope is approximately 2:1 and that the dirt has been brought up to the top of the retaining wall, which allows it to be maintained. McMillan commented it is a very attractive wall and that she can see why erosion might have been a problem. McMillan noted approximately 18 months ago the City put an article in the City newsletter about what is allowed in ROW. McMillan commented this is a tough situation for the Council because the intentions are good. Craig stated he totally appreciates the ROW concept. Craig stated since he has to maintain it, he kind of forget about the ROW, which he apologizes for. Council Member Walsh stated it appears to be a reasonable accommodation for what is intended to be accomplished. Walsh asked what the height of the wall is. Craig stated it is approximately three feet at the highest point and that it gradually drops down to two feet and then one foot. Page 5 of 8