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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,April 15,2019 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Erickson stated in his view there is a strong case for the variances since this is an older house and they <br /> have a leaking well,which needs to be repaired. <br /> Erickson stated he would like to hear from Staff about the advantage of going to a new ordinance and <br /> whether it would be a more flexible position for the City to work with. <br /> Curtis indicated that is true. <br /> Erickson stated his other concern is if he had a leaking well,he would like to get that fixed right away, <br /> and that a new ordinance would take quite a bit longer. <br /> Curtis stated a new ordinance would allow Staff to approve it administratively. Currently Staff cannot <br /> approve new hardcover in a different location or reconfigured hardcover within the 0-75-foot zone. Staff <br /> can draft an ordinance in such a way that limits that approval by imposing restrictions, such as no new <br /> hardcover closer to the lake. The ordinance would be a benefit to property owners as well as Staff and <br /> would make things easier. <br /> Thiesse noted the intent of the ordinance is to reduce or eliminate any new hardcover in the 0-75-foot <br /> zone. <br /> Erickson asked if the Planning Commission could do both tonight to make it move faster. <br /> Thiesse stated he does not want to tie the new ordinance to this application. <br /> Erickson suggested making a motion recommending Staff proceed forward with a new ordinance. <br /> Gettman asked whether the City has a list of other ordinances that should be reviewed other than this one. <br /> Barnhart noted the City Council comes up with a list of priority items every year, but if the Planning <br /> Commission sees something that should be looked at closer,they can recommend that. <br /> Libby stated it looks like the applicants will be reducing the hardcover. Since there are a lot of wells in <br /> the City,this is probably not a unique situation and that he is curious as to when the well was last <br /> replaced. <br /> Curtis noted that would not fall under the purview of the City Engineer. <br /> Willenbring stated his understanding is that prior to City sewer and water,this is likely where the well <br /> was located, and that the membrane is now leaking. The well structure is still there. <br /> Libby asked whether it can still be used for watering. <br /> Willenbring stated he is not sure and that the house was originally constructed in 1927. The membrane <br /> structure has failed but not the well. The property owners would like to repair the structure, and in order <br /> to do that,they need to remove the existing patio. <br /> Page 17 of 29 <br />