10-09-1995 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 9, 1995 (#4 - 42049 Chic Dwight/Fred Guttormson - Continued) • Gaffron said Staff does not totally agree with the recommendation of the Planning Commission as it is felt the new screen porch located so near the shoreline would only increase the bulk structure of the property within 75' of the shore. Staff is also concerned that the approval of the excavation to create a walkout would possibly be precedent setting. Callahan asked the applicant if he had reviewed and approved the recommendation made. Guttormson said the main reason the property was purchased was because of the deck by the lake. He noted it is located near the end of the point and is partially hidden from view. It is his main concern that this Lakeshore deck remain. Guttormson said he was willing to eliminate the gravel road, had no problem with changing the stairs from the front to the back of the deck, would remove the small shed, although it is not very visible, and noted that the 10'x10' shed had already been removed, as well as the center section of the driveway, which was sodded. He is willing to proceed with the recommendations if the Lakeshore deck can remain. The applicant said it was their intention to perform upkeep on the property. The rip rap has been found to be eroding and needs to be reconstructed in order to save trees. Chic Dwight commented that neighbors present at the Planning Commission meeting were not given the opportunity to comment on the application. She said they were in • favor of the proposed projects. Goetten responded that she also was present at the meeting and felt their inability to speak was unintentional, an oversight, and apologized for the applicant's feeling of mistreatment. Hurr asked Gaffron if the Staff had concerns with approval of the walkout. Gaffron said the City has generally not approved major excavation in shoreline areas for properties high in elevation when the purpose is only to produce a basement walkout. This application, according to Gaff&on, was considered minor in comparison at 2 to 2 -1 /2' of cut. He noted that the area was more than likely filled in when the house was built and is not in its natural state but was probably flat and built up to accommodate the split -entry style home. The applicant said the area where they are asking for excavation for the walkout is on the east end and receives very little light. Their purpose is to gain more light into the lower level of the home with the walkout door. Kelley asked and received confirmation that there is an entrance to the inside of the residence from the screened porch. Kelley asked if there were any hardships for the requested variances. The applicant said their desire was to improve on the aesthetics of the home, to gain the extra light into the lower level, and to repair the deck. •