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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,April 17,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Curt Fretham,Lake West Development, stated when they first started on this project, Staff had requested <br /> that he obtain a letter from the Watershed District explaining their position on whether this is buildable or <br /> not buildable. Fretham indicated he does have that letter and it has been submitted. The second item that <br /> Staff requested be addressed was the"mesic oak forest"designation(shown in the Hennepin County <br /> Natural Resources Inventory for Orono)which would not be buildable. Fretham stated a tree study has <br /> been completed and the property is endowed primarily with box elders,and few if any oaks. <br /> Fretham stated in his view they can enhance this property in a number of ways as well as address the <br /> neighbors' concerns. <br /> Thiesse asked if he is aware of all the easements and can handle them. <br /> Fretham stated he is aware of the easements and that they are aware of the view easement which restricts <br /> the homes to one level. Fretham indicated he is considering negotiating a payment to the Powells that <br /> would allow them some flexibility. Fretham stated he would like to have this move along a little further <br /> before addressing that. <br /> Fretham noted there are some encroachments from the neighboring property that they are aware of and he <br /> is willing to work with them as well. In addition,there are some easements that are in the wrong location <br /> and those can be fixed. Fretham stated he is very confident in their ability to sort those out. <br /> Lemke asked if any borings have been done. <br /> Fretham indicated soil borings have been done and they know that nonstandard footings will have to be <br /> done. Fretham stated in today's world with recent technology it is not nearly as complicated as it used to <br /> be. Fretham stated they are not planning to drive pilings and can use a more economical method, such as <br /> helical piers or screw pilings. <br /> Lemke asked whether fill would need to be added. <br /> Fretham stated they will need to have some fill and that they would like to raise the grade around the <br /> homes one to two feet,with some areas as high as three feet. <br /> Page 49 of 72 <br />