HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-2023 Council Work Session Minutes Orono City Council
Work Session Minutes
Monday,May 22,2023
c Council Chambers
4kEsHoRti
5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Alisa Benson, 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.
1. Retaining Wall Discussion Part II
Community Development Director Laura Oakden presented a review of the current retaining
walls ordinance and identified challenges with implementation with the current city
code. Oakden noted staff is looking for guidance if the council would like to initiate a text
amendment to the prohibition of retaining walls within the lakeyard. She also stated staff is also
recommending creating an administrative permitting process for replacement walls that are under
4 feet in height and for new walls that are part of a lake stair project. Staff is also recommending
a conditional use permit process for all other walls within the lakeyard and is requesting feedback
on the conditions that should be required for this permit.
The council agreed with staff on creating best practices and guidelines in the code for retaining
walls in the lakeyard. Council discussed the condition of a landscape plan requirement and the
challenges with implementing and maintaining landscaping as a condition with the land.
Council Member Alisa Benson discussed the DNR guidance and best practices.
There was further discussion regarding materials noting that bolder walls are a preferred material
for retaining walls. Council supported staffs recommendation and directed staff to proceed with
a text amendment.
CITY OF ORONO:
ATTEST:
Dennis Walsh, Mayor
Anna Carlson, City Clerk
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