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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 22, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 18 (7. #14-3682 JAMES AND MARGARET KELLY, 1855 CONCORDIA STREET – AFTER-THE- FACT CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – RESOLUTION NO. 6449, Continued) Martini stated the water runoff is directed from the house down to the lake and that there is nothing about this project that would stop or slow that down. Martini stated there may have been a swale near the property line prior to the grading being done but that to his knowledge the area that is being drained is not being changed as part of this project. Martini stated the idea would be to try to segregate the runoff and keep it on the property and prevent it from spilling onto the neighboring property to the extent possible. Martini stated a key part of this is re-establishing the turf and preventing erosion issues towards the lake, which is part of the reason and thought behind the buffer area. Levang asked if the buffer area should be increased so there is more ability for filtration. Levang stated she has a concern about the runoff and that the City should be doing everything they can to mitigate the runoff. Martini stated to his knowledge what is being proposed is similar to the property to the north as far as the width of the natural buffer. The 10 to 15 feet was felt to be consistent with what was there and that he is not sure whether that is the case or not. Levang stated at a minimum it should be 15 feet. Martini stated that would be up to the Council’s discretion. Staff felt it was important to have the buffer but that the width of it is somewhat subjective. McMillan asked how the buffer is protected from being washed out and whether silt fencing would be necessary. Martini stated until that turf is firmly established in the buffer and yard areas, it will be necessary to provide some erosion control. Levang asked whether any shrubbery would help. Martini stated anything with a significant root mass would be helpful. Levang stated the perennials identified in the landscape plan do not seem to have a significant root mass. Levang stated she is also concerned about the north side needing additional shrubs. Levang stated while the plan does list three trees, she is wondering about some additional buffering between that area and the neighboring property. Levang stated it is very unfortunate that the grade got taken down to that degree and that she would like to see it repaired. Levang stated it appears there is a hardship to the neighbor since all the vegetation in that area is now gone and the neighbor’s perennial beds are all exposed. Martini stated as Staff reviewed this property; it appeared the grades were not very significant, which will help reduce the erosion potential to a certain degree. McMillan asked if the City has any plant requirements for the buffer. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 10/13/2014 Approval of Council Minutes 09/22/14 [Page 7 of 18]