08-21-2017 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,August 21,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair John Thiesse, Commissioners Kevin Landgraver, Bruce Lemke, Denise Leskinen, Chad Olson, Loren Schoenzeit, and Jon Schwingler. Representing Staff were Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, City Planner Melanie Curtis, City Planner Laura Oakden, and Recorder Jackie Young. Chair Thiesse called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. NEW BUSINESS 1. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 17,2017 Landgraver moved,Leskinen seconded,to approve the minutes of the July 17,2017,Planning Commission meeting as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0. 2. 17-3949 DALE GUSTAFSON ON BEHALF OF KEVIN KRETSCH,3155 CASCO CIRCLE,VARIANCE,6:32 P.M.—6:44 P.M. Dale Gustafson,Applicant,was present. Oakden stated the applicant is requesting a setback variance for construction of new retaining walls within 75 feet of the OHWL in the lake yard. The applicants are adding retaining walls and landscaping along the shoreline. The property abuts Lake Minnetonka and has a slope into the shoreline. There are currently stairs leading down the slope creating an access to the lake. The applicant is proposing to replace the stairs in kind and to strengthen the slope along the lake by installing additional retaining walls. The applicant is working with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to add rip-rap along the water line and they are also proposing to add boulders above the rip-rap along the base of the slope creating what appears to be a retaining wall to protect the rip-rap and slope. The proposed walls range between one and four feet high and run from property line to property line creating the need for a building permit. The walls are also situated at the ordinary high water line of the lake. The applicant is hoping to proactively prevent further erosion of the slope. The City Engineer has reviewed the proposal and is requesting a building permit be obtained in addition to engineering of the walls. Included in Staffs report is an analysis of the practical difficulties for the variance. The applicant has submitted some photographs of the existing stairs they would like to replace in kind. In addition, Staff has conducted a site visit and took photographs as well to illustrate the current condition of the slope. Oakden displayed a photograph of the existing stairs looking to the east. With regard to the walls protecting the stairs, Staff finds practical difficulties exist with the existing conditions and find a need to stabilize and protect the slope from erosion. Staff has concerns regarding the linear retaining wall that runs along the shoreline that is connected to the rip-rap. A thorough grading review by the City Engineer will occur upon submittal of the building permit Page 1 of 25