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Home My WebLink AboutRe: Escrow/as-built � , , , Christine Mattson From: Jesse Struve Sent: Monday, March 31, 2014 1:50 PM To: Melanie Curtis Cc: Christine Mattson Subject: FW: 20140328 2640 North shore Dr Finally, some progress (see below). Jesse Struve, PE Director of Public Works/City Engineer City of Orono (952) 249-4661- Direct (952) 249-4616- Fax www.ci.orono.mn.us From: Kent Hodder [mailto:kent@hodder.tv] Sent: Monday, March 31, 2014 1:39 PM To: Jesse Struve Subject: Re: 20140328 2640 North shore Dr Mr Jesse Struve Good afternoon, I wanted to thank-you for your email last Friday, and would like to apologize if Ron Hall has been too persistent on the matter—that would have been as a result of my not understanding the difference between what Christine's letter outlined as being needed and your aspect of the project. I was on Ron to get it all straightened out. Your letter has cleared that up for me and I am fine with the delay in sending the remaining escrow, now that I know understand the reasoning behind that. As for the re-establishment of appropriate ground coverage-I have for three seasons planted a mix of indigenous wildflowers and grasses- due to only weeds having grown under the shade of the east side of the property in the previous years. Last year due to the construction and a wedding we had in Sept-I augmented with some annual grasses for quick growth. Those are being reseeded where necessary with perennials as soon as the frost has passed this spring. As a result I understand the process of determining the area to be of sufficient vegetation may take longer into June-than the"snow melt deadline/goal"suggested by Ron Hall. The"drive approach"apparently was taken off the survey due to a misunderstanding between me and the survey company—as I had maintained that there was to be"no driveway"—but in reality there will be something between a rock path and field that could be driven upon for the rare time's access the large garage style doors is needed. A formal driveway had been represented as a potential throughout the hardcover calculations and permitting surveys—but dropped in their most recent survey. I now understand that that needs to be reflected on the plans, but I agree with you-I will wait until you've had a chance to determine if there are any other aspects you want shown on the as built before I proceed with that. Thank-you for your patience, -Kent Kent Hodder Kent Hodder (818) 842-4265 la (612) 333-1025 msp (612) 306-6806 c Special Assistant Bev Stark � � * ENTERTAINMENT�� 1 � hodder.tv On Fri, Mar 28, 2014 at 9:51 AM, Jesse Struve ystruve(a�ci.orono.mn.us> wrote: Mr. Hodder, I had a conversation with Ron Hall on Wednesday regarding the release of the escrow for the accessory structure. There appears to be some confusion regarding what needs to be done to release this escrow and Ron asked I send you an email to help clarify this. I believe you got a letter from Christine Mattson dated February 7, 2014 which requested you submit an as-built survey. While an as-built survey is required to close out this permit, I also need to verify the final grading conforms to what was approved, and the disturbed area have been re-established with appropriate ground coverage. When I was at the site and signed the as-built for the area by the house on 9/5/13, the area around the accessary structure was not completed. There was significant areas of exposed soil and the final landscaping was not complete. Mr. Hall submitted photos of the structure, but again the photos show large area of exposed soil. Until I can see if this area has been re-established, I cannot sign off on the as-built and close out the project. Once the snow finally disappears, I will make a site visit to determine if the as-built accurately depicts the area and if there is sufficient vegetation growing to close out the permit. From the photos submitted, it does appear there is an approach that was constructed but is not shown on the as-built survey. This needs to be added to the survey, but I would suggest you wait until I can make my site visit in case there is anything else that needs to be added. I don't want to you have the surveyor add this and then have to add something else later if needed. Just wait until I can visit the site and the surveyor can make all changes necessary at one time. If you have any additional questions or concerns please contact me directly at 952-249-4661. Jesse Struve, PE Director of Public Works / City Engineer City of Orono z (952) 249-4661 - Direct (952) 249-4616 - Fax www.ci.orono.mn.us 3 Jesse Struve From: Jesse Struve Sent: Friday, March 28, 2014 9:51 AM To: 'kent@methodder.com'; 'ronhall@gmail.com' Cc: Melanie Curtis; Christine Mattson Subject: 20140328 2640 North shore Dr Mr. Hodder, I had a conversation with Ron Hall on Wednesday regarding the release of the escrow for the accessory structure. There appears to be some confusion regarding what needs to be done to release this escrow and Ron asked I send you an email to help clarify this. I believe you got a letter from Christine Mattson dated February 7, 2014 which requested you submit an as-built survey. While an as-built survey is required to close out this permit, I also need to verify the final grading conforms to what was approved, and the disturbed area have been re-established with appropriate ground coverage. When I was at the site and signed the as-built for the area by the house on 9/5/13, the area around the accessory structure was not completed. There was significant areas of exposed soil and the final landscaping was not complete. Mr. Hall submitted photos of the structure, but again the photos show large area of exposed soil. Until I can see if this area has been re-established, I cannot sign off on the as-built and close out the project. Once the snow finally disappears, I will make a site visit to determine if the as-built accurately depicts the area and if there is sufficient vegetation growing to close out the permit. From the photos submitted, it does appear there is an approach that was constructed but is not shown on the as-built survey. This needs to be added to the survey, but I would suggest you wait until I can make my site visit in case there is anything else that needs to be added. I don't want to you have the surveyor add this and then have to add something else later if needed. Just wait until I can visit the site and the surveyor can make all changes necessary at one time. If you have any additional questions or concerns please contact me directly at 952-249-4661. Jesse Struve, PE Director of Public Works/City Engineer City of Orono (952) 249-4661- Direct (952) 249-4616 - Fax www.ci.orono.mn.us � 1 , �, , , Jesse Struve From: Jesse Struve Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 4:00 PM To: Christine Mattson Cc: Melanie Curtis Subject: RE: 2640 North Shore Dr/#2012-01255 One thing Mr. Hall is forgetting is I only approved the portion by the house because they were going to have a wedding he wanted or needed the as-built to be approved before Willie would perform a tent inspection. This is why I specifically called out that only the house portion was completed. If the intention was to have the entire site finalized, I would not have signed anything because the other building was still being worked on and no vegetation was established around the structure. Jesse Struve, PE Director of Public Works/City Engineer City of Orono (952) 249-4661- Direct (952) 249-4616- Fax www.ci.orono.mn.us From: Christine Mattson Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2014 4:30 PM To: Jesse Struve Cc: Melanie Curtis Subject: FW: 2640 North Shore Dr/ #2012-01255 We need to meet and discuss how we are going to respond. From: Ronald Hall [mailto:cc.ronhall@qmail.com] Sent: Monday, March 03, 2014 9:18 PM To: Christine Mattson Subject: Re: 2640 North Shore Dr/ #2012-01255 Christine, Melanie, Jesse, I am responding to the above on Kent's behalf, The letter sent to Kent dated February 7, 2014 requested an as-built drawing prior to release of escrow. Orono was already in possession of the as-built as it was included along with another project on this property. I have offered to provide it in a different format and resubmit if needed. Kent has thus met the requirements of the letter. Now the list of requirements seems to be growing, and in an arbitrary fashion. i , ' 4 � information but were modified by the draftsman as the final design aesthetic was not yet determined. Since this was only a matter of aesthetics he did not feel it was important. The eventual design of the entry was discussed with Lyle and Willie prior to erection, with handrails installed to meet their requirements. The entry was completed late September, the building as stated above was not completed until November 1, again adequate time for the city to raise any issues. Willie and I stood on this entry as he approved the final inspection. The only remaining item is to remove temporary storage building by June 1, 2014. If required Kent will pay the surveyor to add the front entrance to the as-built, but it seems unnecessary when it is obviously located at the front door. Kent is very conscientious about the environment, the improvements he has made to his property to solve chronic drainage issues around house, retain runoff water for watering, prairie restoration, wild flowers, geothermal, electrical load control program, etc. are good for the environment, good for Orono, and an good example to other citizens. Orono should reward this type of behavior, not hinder it. Sec. 86-68 (3) allows for the Building Official to exempt the as-built requirements and this would be a good time for such an exemption. I ask on Kent's behalf that Orono grant him this exemption and release the escrow. Thank you for your consideration Ron Hall 612-868-1165 On Fri, Feb 28, 2014 at 4:09 PM, Christine Mattson<CMattson(a�ci.orono.mn.us>wrote: Kent, City Engineer, Jesse Struve, reviewed the photos submitted by Mr. Hall, please see his comments below. On the proposed survey submitted with the project, a driveway was shown. The survey dated 8/8/13 does not show a driveway. The photos Mr. Hall submitted show a driveway and a front entry/bridge constructed. The front entry/bridge was not part of the original permit approvals and therefore was constructed without permits; further it is not shown on the survey. z ' r � Once the snow melts have the survey updated to reflect the property in its finished/completed state. If it is not apparent at that time that vegetation is established in the exposed areas please be advised we will hold the escrow release until it is apparent. Please make sure erosion control measures are in place until vegetation is established. Thank you. Christine Mattson Planning Assistant City of Orono 2750 Kelley Parkway '', Orono MN 55356 (physical address) PO Box 66 ' Crystal Bay ', MN ', 55323-0066 (mailing address) ? 952.249.4620 8 952.249.4616 � cmattson(a�ci.orono.mn.us � www.ci.orono.mn.us Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm From: Jesse Struve Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2014 4:12 PM To: Melanie Curtis Cc: Christine Mattson Subject: 20140227 2640 North Shore Dr Melanie, 3 . r Y ' The photos provided by the applicant do not show if the area around the cabin has been restored and the photos show a large exposed dirt driveway up to the cabin which is not shown on the survey. When I was out to approve the other area, there were large areas of exposed dirt around the building. At this time they will have to wait until the snow is gone so I can determine the grading around the building matches what was proposed and grass or flowers are reestablished around the building. Jesse Struve, PE Director of Public Works / City Engineer City of Orono �952) 249-4661 - Direct �952�249-4616 - Fax www.ci.orono.mn.us 4 t � � Christine Mattson From: Christine Mattson Sent: Friday, February 28, 2014 4:09 PM To: 'Kent Hodder'; 'cc.ronhall@gmail.com' Cc: Melanie Curtis Subject: 2640 North Shore Dr/#2012-01255 Kent, City Engineer,Jesse Struve, reviewed the photos submitted by Mr. Hall, please see his comments below. On the proposed survey submitted with the project, a driveway was shown. The survey dated 8/8/13 does not show a driveway. The photos Mr. Hall submitted show a driveway and a front entry/bridge constructed. The front entry/bridge was not part of the original permit approvals and therefore was constructed without permits;further it is not shown on the survey. Once the snow melts have the survey updated to reflect the property in its finished/completed state. If it is not apparent at that time that vegetation is established in the exposed areas please be advised we will hold the escrow release until it is apparent. Please make sure erosion control measures are in place until vegetation is established. Thank you. Christine Mattson Planning Assistant City of Orono 2750 Kelley Parkway Orono I MN 55356(physical addressJ PO Box 66 ; Crystal Bay ", MN : 55323-0066 (mailing addressJ '� 952.249.4620 8 952.249.4616 � cmattson@ci.orono.mn.us � www.ci.orono.mn.us Office Hours: Monday- Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm From: Jesse Struve Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2014 4:12 PM To: Melanie Curtis Cc: Christine Mattson Subject: 20140227 2640 North Shore Dr Melanie, The photos provided by the applicant do not show if the area around the cabin has been restored and the photos show a large exposed dirt driveway up to the cabin which is not shown on the survey. When I was out to approve the other area, there were large areas of exposed dirt around the building. At this time they will have to wait until the snow is gone so I can determine the grading around the building matches what was proposed and grass or flowers are reestablished around the building. � � '� Jesse Struve, PE Director of Public Works/City Engineer City of Orono (952) 249-4661 - Direct (952) 249-4616- Fax www.ci.orono.mn.us 2 ' �` � Christine Mattson From: Christine Mattson Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2014 4:15 PM To: 'Kent Hodder'; 'cc.ronhall@gmail.com' Cc: Melanie Curtis Subject: FW: 2640 North Shore Drive-As Built Hi Kent, Our City Engineer,Jesse Struve inspected your property on 9-5-13 triggered by submittal of the as-built survey on 8/26/13. Because the area around the accessory structure was still unfinished (i.e. no sod or plantings established)lesse inspected and approved the final grading associated with the land alteration portion of the project only(permit#2013- 00458). The accessory structure received final approval on 11-1-2013. The as-built survey should show how the conditions of the property when the project is complete-after final grade& vegetation establishment. You mention that the plantings were completed. Can you provide us with photo documentation? Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions. Christine Mattson Z�� Planning Assistant City of Orono 2750 Kelley Parkway Orono MN 55356 (physical addressJ � (I`'I j �c PO Box 66 ' Crystal Bay ' MN 55323-0066 (mailing addressJ �t«- rd.��" � '�' 952.249.4620 8 952.249.4616 �r`�� "� �tc��tll�� c�� cmattson@ci.orono.mn.us � www.ci.orono.mn.us �� q ,,,�„�,,,( , nµ�j�r�W�_� Office Hours: Monday- Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm W t W�� /� a�- �r�� - ��,� �,-� ;�, � �'`' �� From: Kent Hodder [mailto:kent@hodder.tv] Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2014 9:52 AM To: Christine Mattson Subject: 2640 North Shore Drive - As Built Good morning Christine, -- it's been a while since we've talked or emailed etc- I hope you have been surviving this cold. Ugh. I'm writing today about a letter you sent a couple weeks ago regarding looking through your closed projects files and finding you didn't have an 'as built'survey on file for my pole barn project. I was happy to get it the letter- as I had begun to wonder when the escrow funds would be returned. What has me confused now - is that I asked Ron Hall to ensure you had what you need as he had indicated that we had submitted the survey companies as built months ago. i ' � . He now explains me that I can't get my remaining escrow funds returned until spring once a new inspection/as built can be done. I'm confused and wanted to make sure that Ron has explained that nothing has changed. The city had asked if I was sodding-and I believe Ron explained that no- I was going with wildflowers and indigenous grasses as I have done in 2011,2012 and late 2013; and when the drive way was going in. There isn't one being installed. If it is the driveway that is the issue holding things up- I can explain -as there are some details Ron maybe wasn't aware of. When the plans were originally drawn up- I was advised by the survey company that I should have drawn a driveway into the accessory building -even though I didn't intend to have one, They felt that the city would want to include one for hard cover calculations regardless. So we did. As it was- I did have the landscapers compress some field stones into the dirt to provide a driving path of sorts amidst the wildflowers---that could be used for a rare vehicle pull up if needed (i.e. to store a boat in the Access. Bldg for the winter or something). I am interested in getting the escrow funds back and am somewhat frustrated at waiting longer. If the driveway is the issue and the city needs a'as built'that shows the stones as a driving path as opposed to the driveway drawn - I will have it done immediately as I know the survey company took pictures when they did the final drawings and could more accurately illustrate the path vs driveway. Let me know how I can help move this forward, Thanks, -Kent Kent Hodder i