HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes - 2000-10-16CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES
October 16, 2000
L CALL TO ORDER
Chair Douglas Cushing called the Development Review Commission meeting of October 16,
2000 b order at 7: 05 PM in Room C-106 of the Commons Building of Marylhurst
Conference Center at 17600 Pacific Highway, Lake Oswego, Oregon.
IL ROLL CALL
Commission members present included Chair Cushing, Vice Chair Nan Binkley and
Commissioners Dave Powers, Sheila Ostly, and Bruce Miller. Commissioners Julie Morales
and Douglas Kiersey were excused.
Staff present were Hamid Pishvaie, Development Review Director; Mark Schoening, City
Engineer; Elizabeth Jacob, Associate Planner; Evan Boone, Deputy City Attorney and Jean
Hall, Senior Secretary.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Ostly moved for approval of the Minutes of September 6, 2000. Mr. Powers
seconded the motion, and it passed with Mr. Cushing, Ms. Binkley, Mr. Powers, Ms.
Ostly and Mr. Miller voting yes. Ms. Morales and Mr. Kiersey were not present. There
were no votes against.
Ms. Ostly moved for approval of the Minutes of September 18, 2000. Mr. Powers
seconded the motion, and it passed with Mr. Cushing, Ms. Binkley, Mr. Powers, Ms.
Ostly and Mr. Miller voting yes. Ms. Binkley and Mr. Kiersey were not present. There
were no votes against.
IV. OTHER BUSINESS - Findings, Conclusions and Order
LU 00-0002, an application by JB&B Construction
Ms. Ostly moved for approval of LU 00-0002-1596. Mr. Powers seconded the
motion and it passed with Mr. Cushing and Ms. Ostly voting yes. Ms. Binkley, Mr. Powers
and Mr. Miller abstained from the vote. Ms. Morales and Mr. Kiersey were not present.
City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission Page 1 of 1
Minutes of October 16, 2000
V. PUBLIC HEARING
LU 00-0055, a request by KPFF Consulting Engineers to construct a 6 ft. wide, 4,800 ft.
+/- paved pathway along the east side of Old River Road. This project includes the
realignment of approx. 1,050 ft. of existing roadway to the west, construction of two
retaining walls and a bridge, and removal of 20 trees. The project is located along Old River
Road, from Glenmorrie Drive to the Southern City Limits. (fax Map 2 1 E 11 & 14) The
staff coordinator is Elizabeth Jacob, Associate Planner.
Chair Cushing opened the public hearing and explained the time limits and procedures to be
followed. He asked Commissioners to report any ex parte contacts, site visits, biases and
conflicts of interest. All Commissioners present reported they had visited the site. No one
present challenged any Commissioner's right to hear the application.
Elizabeth Jacob, Associate Planner, presented the staff report (see Planning Division
Staff Report dated October 6, 2000). She entered two letters labeled Exhibits 18 and 19
into the record. She advised that in 1998 the City Council had confirmed that the roadway
was to remain open and the Old River Road Pathway was to remain within the
Transportation System Plan. She explained that the current application was the culmination
of the City Council's request that the staff proceed with development plans for the pathway.
She presented boards that included enlarged drawings of the pathway and proposed bridge
and also illustrated the locations of trees to be protected or removed and the area of the
protected stream corridor. She noted that most of the 100 -year flood plain would be
outside of the construction area and the public right of way was within the Willamette River
Boundary Overlay District. She clarified that the existing roadway was approximately 18
feet wide within a right of way area that was 60 feet wide. She related that the proposed
tree removal would be mitigated by the planting of additional trees, shrubbery and ground
cover.
Ms. Jacob discussed the proposal's compliance with the multiple overlay districts and
development standards. She advised that pathways and roads were classified as Minor
Public Facilities, which were permitted outright in all zones containing the public rights of
way. She explained that a public hearing and review process was required because the right
of way was within the Willamette River Greenway. She said that portions of the proposed
pathway would also impact Sensitive Lands Overlay Districts for RC Tree Groves and RP
Stream Corridors. She advised that the Willamette River and all streams on the east side of
the right of way were defined as "streams" and had not been included in the Sensitive Lands
environmental assessment. She noted the streams on the east side crossed under the
roadway via culverts. She also noted that a small area along the east side of the right of way
was within or abutted the 100 year flood plain and some steeply sloped areas within the right
of way could also be impacted. She advised that the scope of authority of the Commission
was limited to a review of the application's compliance with the Zoning Code and
Development Standards. She said the applicable standards focused on protection of natural
City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission Page 2 of 2
Minutes of October 16, 2000
resources: streams, trees, rivers and plant and animal habitat. She clarified the applicable
standards allowed necessary maintenance and repair activities for an allowed use or
improvement. She said the existing roadway was considered a nonconforming use under the
Sensitive Lands Ordinance and the Willamette River Greenway Overlay District. She noted
that impacts to the natural resource environment were already occurring from pedestrian use
of the roadway, and because owners of riverfront property used it to access their properties.
She said construction of the pathway would provide a safer environment for pedestrians'
recreational use, and reconstruction of portions of the roadway that were in poor condition
would also make it safer for drivers. She related that a minimum of 43 new trees were to be
planted along the roadside, as well as shrubs and ground cover to control erosion. She said
tree protection fencing would be required around all trees within 15 feet of the construction
area. Invasive species, such as English ivy, blackberries, and scotch broom were to be
removed in order to enhance the wildlife habitat areas. She pointed out that a pedestrian
bridge was to be constructed at the north end of the pathway and gabion walls were to be
installed in other areas. She said the applicant had demonstrated compliance with the
applicable standards providing for a minimum disturbance of sensitive areas. She said the
applicant would be required to obtain all necessary state and federal permits prior to
issuance of a construction permit. She said staff found the application provided for
appropriate measures to balance conflicting needs between public safety and protection of
natural, scenic and recreational areas. She recommended the proposal be approved subject
to the recommended conditions on pages 16 — 18 of the staff report.
Ms. Jacob clarified for Ms. Binkley that the only bridge proposed by the applicant was to be
constructed at the north end of the pathway and the southern point of the pathway was under
Clackamas County jurisdiction. She related that the County staff had indicated that
jurisdiction had no specific requirements to apply to the proposal other than that the City was
to submit its construction plans to the County. She clarified for Mr. Cushing that the person
who wrote the letter in Exhibit 18 had not been aware at the time of writing that the applicant
proposed to use a tubular metal railing design (as had been recommended by adjacent
property owners) atop the retaining wall. Mr. Cushing asked if there would be any barrier to
property owner access to the lower portions of their property other than at the bridge and
retaining walls. Ms. Jacob answered that guardrails would be installed along portions of the
roadway.
Evan Boone, Deputy City Attorney, advised that access to private property was not a
standard for the Commission to address, unless it was addressed as a design issue.
Applicant
Tim Shell, KPFF Consulting Engineers, 111 SW 5`" Ave, Ste 2500, Portland, OR,
97204, testified that his firm had been retained by the City to prepare the construction plans
and documents for the project. He stated that he agreed with the staff report, including its
recommended conditions of approval. He said the proiect balanced the interest of the
City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission Page 3 of 3
Minutes of October 16, 2000
neighborhood with protection of natural resources along the river. He explained the plan had
been created to deal with the topography and existing roadway in a manner that would
minimize the number of trees to be removed and impacts on the floodplain, riverbank, stream
corridors and tree canopies. He clarified that guardrails were proposed around a turnout
area at the pump station and to ensure safety along the 140 foot and 8 foot long retaining
walls. He explained trees were to be replanted at maximum density and in generally the
same areas where trees had been removed. He clarified for Ms. Binkley that the proposal
documents showed the design of the bridge railing design (Exhibit 7), but did not show the
design of the retaining wall railing, which allowed a more substantial view than the bridge
railing. He explained the design of the bridge railing matched that of an existing bridge at
George Rogers Park. He clarified that although Exhibit 4 (on page 22) showed the bridge
handrail was 36 inches high, it was actually to be 42 inches high and the height of the hand
rail in Exhibit 4 (page 21) would also be 42 inches designed to meet Code requirements.
Mark Schoening, City Engineer, clarified that the City Building Code would not apply to
the railing, and the proposed railing would be a black color and its design would be similar to
railings found on pathways along Stafford Road, near the golf course.
Mr. Boone advised that it was appropriate for the Commission to review the design of
railings on a "structure" such as the bridge; however, he questioned the authority of the
Commission to impose design conditions on non -structures, such as pathway and roadway
guardrails (see LODS 2).
Mr. Shell confirmed that the pathway was intended for both pedestrians and bicyclists. He
also clarified that the pathway connected with a sidewalk at the West Linn city limits.
William Owen, P.O. Box 641, Portland, OR, 97207, testified that he was the certified
consulting arborist for the project, and he explained he was currently involved in
accomplishing an extensive report regarding the trees at the site. He clarified that 22 trees
had been flagged in yellow (for removal), including some groups of trees (counted as
individual trees) that shared a common root. He also noted that an additional small hazard
tree had been flagged that day for removal.
None.
Proponents
Opponents
Ms. Patty Bauman, 2065 Lilly Lane, Lake Oswego, 97034, stated she was Co-chair of
the Glenmorrie Neighborhood Association, which supported the pathway. She explained
that the Association disagreed with some of the findings in the staff report. She related that
although previous meetings had been held by the Old River Road Task Force to discuss the
City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission Page 4 of 4
Minutes of October 16, 2000
pathway plan, this was the only official public hearing in which the neighborhood had been
allowed to provide testimony. She explained that the Association believed that the staff
report included assumptions that needed to be clarified and additional conditions of approval
were necessary.
Ms. Bauman also recalled that at their April 2000 meeting the City Council had decided not
to attempt to clarify whether the public right of way was actually 60 feet wide because that
process would delay the project. She explained that some people believed the right of way
width could be as narrow as 30 to 50 feet. She recalled that the Council had approved a 3 -
to 6 -foot wide pathway; the City Engineering Department had proposed that it be 6 feet
wide its entire length; and the Council had decided to allow the Commission to resolve the
issue. She said the neighborhood understood why the roadway vias excepted from RC
District protection, but they did not understand why the pathway was also excepted. She
disputed the staff assumption that the Willamette River was a "stream" requiring a 25 -foot
buffer and contended that the Willamette River Greenway Corridor buffer should be applied.
She observed that the staff report had reported that no written comments had been received
for the hearings record. She stressed that the Old River Road Task Force report should
have been included in the record. She said the residents favored the existing "temporary"
speed bumps. She said the residents wanted more information regarding the "temporary"
chain link fence, including its purpose, how long it would be up and what it would look like.
She worried that the required final geotechnical report would require changes to the
appearance of the project and could recommend pilings. She said if that happened the
neighborhood desired that another public hearing be held. She asked for clarification of the
meaning of the language regarding flood plains in the last paragraph of page 14. She
requested that the staff recommendation that a certified arborist be onsite during construction
be made a requirement and supported by enforcement measures. She stated that the key
issues of signage and security for property owners had not been addressed in the proposal,
although they had been addressed in the Old River Road Task Force Report. She
requested that the Commission return the application to the staff to further clarify the issues
raised by the neighborhood. She opined that the City had not increased the level of citizen
input in the hearings process.
Mr. Cushing advised that the Commission did not typically review traffic signage. Ms.
Bauman related the Old River Road Task Force had designed aesthetically pleasing signage
for the area. Mr. Cushing observed that only a small percentage of the 4,800 -foot length of
the pathway — in two areas where there were very steep (Gabion) walls — would feature
obstacles to access to adjacent properties. He asked if there were other areas where
residents were concerned about access. Ms. Bauman explained the members of the
Association desired to be able to get to the beach.
Mr. Cushing observed the application documents did not include reports of Council action
regarding the pathway. Mr. Boone advised that the applicant had addressed the criteria
necessary for a Commission review, and he observed that issues raised in testimony by the
City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission Page 5 of 5
Minutes of October 16, 2000
neighborhood association did not relate to applicable criteria, but centered on the
relationship between the owner of the right of way (the City) and the adjacent property
owners.
Dave Bartz, 3242 S. Glenmorrie Drive, Lake Oswego, 97034, testified that his family
resided near the pump station on Old River Road. He questioned whether the notice of the
hearing had included all relevant information. He noted the Old River Road Task Force
Report and the Council decision regarding the pathway had not been included in the record.
He stated that the proposal violated the Willamette River Greenway and Sensitive Lands
Overlays because it unnecessarily converted several hundred feet of natural ground to
pavement. He related that he and his wife had landscaped a berm near the pump station
where a grasscrete driveway was proposed to serve station maintenance vehicles. He
contended that feature was not necessary to the project and merely accomplished a project
desired by the City Maintenance Department. He quoted from the staff report that "no
sanitary sewer, water or any utilities are required for the proposed pathway" (see page 13 of
the staff report). He contended that City crews only needed to use the area once or twice a
year during outages and could access the station without the proposed driveway by backing
in and out. He asked the Commission to reject the proposal for the drive through. He
pointed out the location of his residence on the upriver side of the pump station. He worried
that the plan to locate a generator so close to the riverbank posed a danger that breakdowns
could spill oil into the river and endanger species there. He acknowledged that his property
deed described a 60 -foot public right of way. He referred to an "as built" construction plan
for the pump station that showed the 60 foot wide right of way ending just behind the existing
pump station. He noted that the proposed plan showed the right of way continued to 20 feet
north of the station. He asked the basis on which the City could support the expansion of
the right of way onto private property.
Rick Jacobson, 3166 Stonebridge Way, Lake Oswego, 97034, testified that he resided
one block west of Old River Road. He explained that five of the property owners on his
street were joint owners of some river front recreational lots. He said he was in favor of the
pathway, but the application had not fully addressed the issues of whether the adjacent
property owners were to be responsible for maintenance and liability related to the pathway
and the issue of parking along Old River Road.
Mr. Boone advised those issues were beyond the scope of the hearing. He indicated that
further research would be necessary to determine whether the pathway was to be treated as
a sidewalk or as a public street. Mr. Schoening advised that the City had historically taken
the responsibility of maintaining its asphalt pathways.
Mr. Jacobson pointed out the location of the jointly owned recreational riverfront lots (about
halfway along the proposed pathway length) that extended from the right of way to the river.
He explained that there was no "short cut" for the residents of Stonebridge Way to use to
access the lots, so they typically drove the 1.5 mile round trip to the property carrying
City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission Page 6 of 6
Minutes of October 16, 2000
people and supplies. He said that if the owners' right to park across the road from the lots
was eliminated their enjoyment of the property would be reduced. He explained that the
river lots had been created for recreation of residents of the residential subdivision at the time
the subdivision had been created.
Jerry Lublink, 17007 Old River Road, Lake Oswego, 97034, recounted the legal
history of the roadway and disputed the City's claim that the right of way was 60 feet wide.
He noted that the width was described as 30 feet in dedication, survey and name change
documents dated 1871 and 1884; and although a 1914 survey had not specifically described
its width, the document had referred to previously established vested rights. Mr. Lublink
held that meant the document intended the roadway was to remain at 30 -foot width, or it
would have specified a new width. He also observed that nearby Glenmon-ie Drive and
Stonebridge Way were 30 feet wide. He recalled an old law had provided that if no width
was specified the old right of way width would remain. He also recalled that at its April
meeting the City Council had indicated the issue of roadway width should be resolved.
Judy Dauble, 3030 S. Glenmorrie Drive, Lake Oswego, 97034, testified that she had
served as the Glenmorrie Neighborhood Association representative to the Old River Road
Ad Hoc Task Force. She recalled recommendations made by the task force, including:
• The amount of new asphalt should be minimized to maintain a "country lane" quality.
• Tree preservation is essential.
• The Old River Road right of way should be managed to ensure quality of life for
residents, and quality of life should not be compromised by future improvements.
• The use of paint and signage should be minimized.
• The City should work with property owners to enhance natural resources and protect
native plants and wildlife.
• The pathway area should provide a natural park -like experience for walkers and
adequate security for residents.
• The design of all improvements and any associated amenities should address
neighborhood concerns about congregation and security.
• Aesthetically pleasing barriers should be installed to prevent parking along roadway
shoulders.
• Implementation should be phased, judicious and based on thorough testing. There is not
a need to complete the entire program at once. For example, the use of traffic
management devices may mean there is not an immediate need for a fully developed
pathway.
Ms. Dauble stressed that the task force had not foreseen the installation of retaining walls,
the removal of 20 trees and the development of a structure. She recalled that the Task
Force had included people with differing interests who had reached a compromise regarding
roadway improvements. She said the essential conclusion of the group had been that "less is
more." She opined that once asphalt and retaining walls were installed they would never be
City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission Page 7 of 7
Minutes of October 16, 2000
removed. She urged the Commission to take a restrained position regarding the application.
Mr. Cushing asked if the group had envisioned that people would continue to walk in the
street. Ms. Dauble clarified that the Task Force had recommended that traffic devices be
used to slow traffic and then that a partial pathway (of varied width) be constructed where it
was necessary. She said the group had envisioned a pathway design that used part of the
road, incorporated "pinch points" in places (in place of retaining walls and tree removal),
and featured traffic management devices (including speed bumps). She acknowledged that
the group's position regarding prohibiting parking along the roadway differed from Mr.
Jacobson's position that parking be allowed there.
Jim Morse, 17147 Old River Road, Lake Oswego, 97034, stated that he owned
property on both sides of the right of way. He asked for clarification regarding the difference
between the terms "easement" and "right of way." Mr. Cushing explained the City had a
right to occupy the right of way. Mr. Morse asked what his liability would be in the event
someone was injured on his property. Mr. Cushing explained that issue was beyond the
scope of review of the application. Mr. Morse related that he had constructed a boat dock,
and he asked if other riverfront property owners would also be allowed to construct boat
docks. He also wondered who was to be responsible for landscaping the right of way. Mr.
Cushing opined that Mr. Morse would not be obligated to landscape the area, and he
observed that if the City landscaped the area, it would be to the property owners' benefit.
Mr. Morse asked if the City would have a right to change any landscaping he installed in the
area. Mr. Cushing commented the City would probably have a right to change it if it
interfered with public use. Mr. Morse related that he had held discussions with PGE
regarding the burying of power lines along the pathway area. He asked if the City would
share the cost of moving poles. Mr. Boone advised that was not a design issue and he
suggested Mr. Morse discuss the matter directly with the City Engineer. Mr. Cushing
observed the application documents showed poles to be relocated, but it was not clear to
him which ones would be moved where.
Mr. Boone cautioned that the legal opinions expressed by the DRC chair might not be the
same as the City's positions.
C. C. Dawell, 16805 S. Old River Drive, Lake Oswego, 97034, stated he was testifying
on behalf of L. M. Dawell (Tax Lot 1100). He related he had resided in the City for 73
years. He said the Glenmorrie Cooperative had determined that the right of way was 30 feet
wide after they had engaged a lawyer to clarify the legal width of the right of way. He said a
1908 survey had indicated a 60 foot wide road, but that would have made the roadway too
wide when it was measured according to the scale of the survey. He recalled that Ms.
Morrie had platted the road in 1913; however, in 1914 the County had determined the
original plat was faulty and had requested it be replatted. He explained that Mrs. Morrie had
never signed the plat. He noted the road in the plat showed a 30 -foot wide right of way
along the river. He also pointed out five locations where the roadway had been flooded
City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission Page 8 of 8
Minutes of October 16, 2000
during a 1964 flood and recommended against building in these areas. He recalled that
residents had been discussing the roadway issue for eight years and had agreed to a 6 -foot
width of the pathway when it was adjacent to the road. He noted Willamette River
Greenway regulations provided that property owners' views and existing vegetation were not
to be disturbed. He stated that as many as 340 dogs per day had been counted along the
roadway and dog droppings presented a maintenance problem. He worried that a 6 -foot
wide pathway would not accommodate all of the people, dogs and bicyclists who would use
it. He also indicated his concerns regarding trespassers and drivers who used his property to
turn their vehicles around. He questioned whether the proposed pathway would be worth
the disturbance it could cause.
Carolyne Jones, 2818 S. Poplar Way, Lake Oswego, 97034, related that the
neighborhood's major concern was ensuring the safety of pedestrians by slowing vehicle
speeds along Old River Road. She worried that drivers would feel they could continue to
speed along the roadway if a 6 foot pathway was installed beside the roadway. She recalled
the Old River Road Ad Hoc Task Force had determined that the best use of the roadway
was as a "walking park" and not as a cut -through for drivers avoiding Highway 43 traffic.
She requested that more Task Force recommendations be included in the project plan in
order to accomplish that. She clarified for Mr. Cushing that she would prefer to see higher
speed bumps installed on the roadway.
Priscilla Penachello, 3000 Stonebridge Way, Lake Oswego, 97034, related that her
family had resided in the area for many years, and owned Tax Lots 1200, 1201 and 1203.
She worried that permanent development of the site would further urbanize the area. She
asked that it be left natural - without wide pathways. She observed the plan (including the
wider roadway) was different from that which the Old River Road Ad Hoc Task Force had
envisioned.
John Handy, 16955 Old River Road, Lake Oswego, 97034, pointed to his property
(]Fax Lot 1800) and explained that was where the 140 foot long retaining wall was
proposed. He asked how access to the beach from his property would be accomplished,
without going across someone else's property. He also worried about the security of private
property owners. He said that although the Old River Road Ad Hoc Task Force had
adequately addressed his concern, the current project design did not. He held that access
and security were design issues that the Commission should consider as they reviewed the
design of the retaining wall and railings. He observed that 20 trees were to be removed from
the area of the retaining wall and he asked where the mitigation trees were to be planted. He
explained that the width of the right of way was an important issue because it impacted how
much riverside property he owned and paid taxes on. He stated that he was on the board of
the Glenmorrie Neighborhood Association and the Association was in favor of the pathway,
but the application should have more adequately addressed residents' concerns. He
requested that the issue be mediated. He summarized the issues as access, security, trees
and the impact of the large retaining wall on remaining trees, including a massive maple tree.
City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission Page 9 of 9
Minutes of October 16, 2000
He clarified for Ms. Binkley that he had installed a "No Trespassing" sign on the beach. He
said he currently accessed the beach either by climbing down a steep rock wall, or via a
pathway that meandered across some else's property.
Mr. Cushing asked Mr. Handy what kind of access he felt the City should provide. Mr.
Handy answered that he would prefer to have use of a staircase down to the beach and a
lockable gate for residents' use. Mr. Cushing observed the gabion wall did not extend
beyond the northerly boundary of Mr. Handy's property. Mr. Handy explained there was a
sheer cliff in that area that obstructed access to the beach. He pointed out the area of two
reflective poles where his family accessed the beach. He acknowledged that a retaining wall
was necessary, as the roadway was collapsing into the river; however, he requested that
beach access be provided for residents who owned property along the river.
Rick Brinkman, 4320 S Callaway Drive, West Linn, OR, testified that he had run and
biked along the pathway area for the past 16 years. He expressed his concern that features
the residents had requested had not been included in the project. He said he would prefer to
walk and run on the roadway, as it currently existed. He urged the DRC to preserve the
recreational value of the site.
None.
Neither for nor against.
Rebuttal
Mr. Schoening clarified for the Commissioners that the project featured an asphalted
pathway because the City's Transportation System Plan had identified it as a paved
pedestrian pathway. He further clarified that it was primarily intended for use by pedestrians
(and perhaps children riding bicycles) but not for commuting cyclists (who could use the
roadway). He also advised the City was required to provide an all-weather surface
(typically asphalt or concrete) for the use of all residents, regardless of their physical abilities.
Mr. Schoening explained that the City Maintenance Department checked the pump station
every week. He noted the proposed design reduced the area where a maintenance vehicle
(a pickup truck, which sometimes pulled a trailer containing a generator) currently accessed
the site. He also advised that City guidelines would allow the width of the pathway to vary
from the minimum requirement of 5 feet up to 10 feet.
Mr. Shell related that the proposed design had been presented to the Council during an April
2000 meeting, and the Council had instructed the applicant to proceed with the design for a
6 -foot wide pathway that could vary in width to avoid impacting trees. He noted the
neighborhood association had been afforded an opportunity to speak at the meeting. He
explained the temporary chain link fence was to be used to protect trees during construction
City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission Page 10 of 10
Minutes of October 16, 2000
and would then be removed. He advised that the final geotechnical report had already been
prepared and would not require changes to the project plan. He stated that an arborist had
been retained; he was to prepare a full report prior to the issuance of building permit; and he
was to be onsite during construction. He explained that a one-way drive through the area of
the pump station would allow maintenance trucks to pull through the area instead of backing
out of it. He said Willamette River Greenway standards allowed utility maintenance access
and the applicant believed that the installation of a grasscrete driveway would be preferable
to the use of concrete or asphalt. He further clarified that the pathway would change from
asphalt to grasscrete as it passed the area of the station. Ms. Binkley commented the
grasscrete surfaces posed a hardship for occupants of wheelchairs.
Mr. Shell explained the purpose of the proposed retaining wall at the Handy property was to
prevent flooding. He clarified for Mr. Cushing that the Army Corps of Engineers had
approved the project, and he anticipated that the Division of State Lands would approve the
project after clarification of some information. He said he did not anticipate the agency
would change the project. He said he believed the applicant's plan would make the pathway
area safer. Mr. Schoening and Mr. Shell clarified for Ms. Binkley that the speed bumps
would remain on the roadway and the pathway would be routed so there were no bumps in
the path. Mr. Shell acknowledged that the applicant would agree to a condition to install a
gate in the railing at the Handy property. He cautioned that due to the physical constraints of
the area access there could not be made to accommodate persons with disabilities, it would
be within the 100 -year flood plain, and the Army Corps of Engineers would have to approve
the plan. He clarified for those whose testimony had referred to a large maple tree below
the retaining wall that it was actually a large cottonwood tree.
Mr. Owen also clarified the 44 -inch diameter tree near the gabion wall was a cottonwood
tree. He advised that the wall could be constructed without hurting the tree. Mr. Cushing
noted the tree was not flagged to be removed. He asked if allowing the pathway width to
vary so that it could be reduced to 5 feet in some places would save any of the trees that had
been proposed to be removed. Mr. Owen opined that a maple tree in the area where
grasscrete was proposed might be saved if the pathway was narrowed two feet; however,
he recommended that it be replaced by another tree. He also clarified for Mr. Cushing that
trees removed from the immediate area of the pathway could be replaced by planting new
trees close by, except for trees in the location of retaining wall at the Handy residence.
Mr. Bartz asked for additional time in which to submit the 10 -year-old "as built" plan for the
pump station. Mr. Cushing announced that the hearing would be continued to November 6,
2000. He clarified that the record would be held open until 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October
24, 2000, to receive additional written testimony or evidence; and written rebuttals to that
testimony would be allowed until the following Friday.
The Commissioners indicated they desired that a report regarding the April 2000 Council
action regarding the project be included in the record. Mr. Boone recommended that parties
City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission Page 11 of 11
Minutes of October 16, 2000
submitting additional written testimony indicate the source or criteria for their arguments
regarding access, parking restrictions, Old River Road Ad Hoc Task Force
recommendations, etc. He also listed some objectives of the Willamette River Greenway
Plan:
• Significant fish and wildlife habitats were to be protected.
• Significant natural and scenic areas were to be protected.
• Natural vegetation was to be protected or enhanced to assure scenic quality,
protection of wildlife, protection from erosion and screening of uses from the river.
• Public safety and protection of public and private property (especially from vandalism
and trespass) was to be provided to the maximum extent practical.
• Public access was to be provided to and along the river for pedestrian, bicycle and
water uses.
Mr. Boone observed the applicant had not waived the 120 -day time limit. The applicant
agreed to submit any final written argument by Friday, November 3, 2000.
Ms. Binkley moved to continue the hearing until November 6, 2000. Mr. Powers
seconded the motion and it passed with Mr. Cushing, Ms. Binkley, Ms. Ostly, Mr. Powers
and Mr. Miller voting yes. Ms. Morales and Mr. Kiersey were not present. There were no
votes against.
VI. GENERAL PLANNING
None.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Development Review Commission, Chair Cushing
adjourned the meeting at 9:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted.
Jean Hall
Senior Secretary
1:\dre\minutes \ 10-16-00. doc
City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission Page 12 of 12
Minutes of October 16, 2000