HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-24-2023 Council Work Session Minutes W
Orono City Council
Work Session Minutes
� Monday,April 24,2023
KsHo Council Chambers
5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Alisa Benson, Richard F. Crosby II, and
Matt Johnson. Staff members present were City Administrator/Engineer Adam Edwards, Golf
and Parks Superintendent Josh Lemons, Community Development Director Laura Oakden,
Planners Natalie Nye and Melanie Curtis, and City Clerk Anna Carlson.
1. Planning & Park Commission Interviews
Applicant Commission Interview Time
Michael Huddy Park 5:00—5:15
Ted Schultze Planning 5:15—5:30
The Council members present interviewed the commission candidates.
2. Retaining wall Discussion
Community Development Director Laura Oakden introduced the Retaining Wall
discussion. She discussed the city code related to the subject, implementation, and issues
that tend to show up with retaining walls.
City Administrator/Engineer Adam Edwards explained the various retaining wall
variations and their construction and impacts as shown on the presentation slides.
Oakden finished the presentation by discussing DNR Shoreland Regulations and
recommendations for best practices. She noted that additional research is needed for staff
to develop best practices since the current code is somewhat restrictive. Staff is asking
for direction from the council in regards to how to proceed and is asking for feedback
related to retaining walls.
Mayor Dennis Walsh noted that he is not sure if the process should be changed or moved
out of the typical process by bringing it to Council. He added that he would like final
decisions and approval to be brought before Council.
Council Member Matt Johnson would like to get staff recommendations and encouraged
them to research the topic further to make sure that the right people are making
recommendations for approval.
Council Member Crosby discussed giving more flexibility to residents and is opening to
reviewing changes relating to in-kind wall replacements.
Council gave direction to staff to bring this topic back to a work session for additional
discussion.
Adjourned: 5:55 p.m.
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Orono City Council
Work Session Minutes
y •
Monday,April 24,2023
1111•01L
�' Council Chambers
4kESHO-
5:00 p.m.
CITY OF ORONO:
ATTEST:
arn..g— Dennis Walsh, Mayor
Anna Carlson, City Cler
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