05-15-2017 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,April 17,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. minor variations of the existing slope. It appears that a few trees will be removed as part of the grading plan. Along the easterly yard,the tiered retaining wall system will be removed in favor of a single wall system. In this area existing slopes range from 18 percent to 36 percent. At the base of the slope is a drainageway within an existing drainage easement. Proposed re-grading after the tiered wall is removed will result in a uniform slope of about 34-36 percent. Grading plans indicate that the drainageway will not be filled or graded. A temporary culvert in the drainageway,however,is proposed to allow construction vehicle access from Long Lake Boulevard. Total fill in this area estimated by Staff is another 500 cubic yards and will range up to perhaps two feet in depth where it replaces the retaining walls. The proposed slope is at the limit of what is maintainable as yard area. The applicants should be asked what they intend for permanent ground cover in those sloped areas. Grading and filling in a bluff area is generally prohibited and the existing structures in this area would likely not be allowed under today's codes. However,their replacement substantially in kind,with only minor revisions to allow for greater safety,would appear to be reasonable and have no additional impacts on the bluff if appropriate erosion control and permanent vegetation measures are implemented. Before the Planning Commission tonight is a letter that was received from Christopher Jones. The letter talks about the fact that the applicants are seeking variances for average lakeshore setbacks,bluff setback variances,and a conditional use permit for grading. Jones states that"The proximity of this property to Long Lake and the slope o the property towards Long Lake suggests that any variance approvals be paired with rain/storm water remediation best management practices." Jones further states that"Long Lake is an impaired lake with phosphorus and other chemical levels that inhibit its ability to recover. Members of the Commission who grew up on Lake Minnetonka in the 1970s will recal what that body of water looked and felt like, and they will likely recall the 'Save The Lake' campaign that began that lake's recovery. That's where Long Lake is today,and that's without the invasive species that compound the problems. Any variances granted to this property/project also should seek commensurate rainwater runoff treatment using rainwater gardens or similar management practices to infiltrate runoff before it reaches the Page 40 of 72