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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, July 15, 2013 <br />6:30 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />Page 5 of 23  <br />  <br />Miller noted the current staircase goes straight down and they are proposing it to meander it. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit indicated that is permitted and would allow some screening and better vegetation than what is <br />currently there. <br /> <br />Miller asked why they would need to request permission if it is already permitted. <br /> <br />Curtis stated the applicants are requesting additional hardcover and approval for their plan tonight. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit stated the applicants are allowed to ask the City whether they can rebuild their stair access in <br />the 0-75 foot zone and they have submitted a plan depicting what they are proposing, which is what the <br />Planning Commission is reviewing to determine whether it would be allowed. Schoenzeit stated given <br />what he has heard and looked at tonight, it appears the proposal is an improvement over what currently <br />exists. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit stated if Mr. Miller has concerns about the silt fence and erosion controls, he should bring <br />those to Staff’s attention and Staff will make the applicants aware of those issues. Schoenzeit stated he <br />personally knows that four foot pieces of number eight rebar holding a silt fence will do a pretty good job <br />because he has about 50 pieces at his house. Schoenzeit stated there are ways to properly do projects and <br />what the applicant is asking for is very reasonable. <br /> <br />Miller stated he understands that but his point is that they bought the property knowing what the access <br />was. Miller stated in his view there has been a lack of consideration and that he is wondering why they <br />should be allowed additional consideration. Miller stated it appears they are allowed additional <br />consideration because they are the homeowner. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit stated they are entitled to safe access to the lake. Schoenzeit stated it is likely it is no longer <br />economical to repair the existing stairs and so they have chosen to propose constructing a new set of <br />stairs. <br /> <br />Miller asked who determines whether it is economical to replace the staircase. <br /> <br />Leskinen stated she does not want to engage in a shouting match. <br /> <br />Miller stated he is talking louder because he is further away. <br /> <br />Leskinen stated the Planning Commission appreciates Mr. Miller’s comments. <br /> <br />Miller stated he understands there are rules and regulations but he is wondering who enforces them and <br />reviews them. Miller asked if the City calls the Watershed District to see if they are monitoring the <br />situation. Miller stated in his view there are some obvious concerns and he is curious as to why there is <br />additional consideration being given in this case. <br /> <br />Thiesse noted there are other properties in the City that have experienced problems because of the rain <br />and that he is aware of a property next to him where the silt fence failed. Thiesse stated Mr. Miller is <br />holding it against the property owner when it is the builder that is at fault and is responsible for the silt <br />fence. <br /> <br />Item #01 - PC Agenda - 08/19/2013 <br />Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 07/15/2013