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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,April 15,2019 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> not want to disrupt the trees that have been there for a long time. Discussions have already been had with <br /> the Watershed District and in their view the project will move along okay. <br /> Erickson noted Staff addressed the hammerhead in their report and that they had concerns given the <br /> traffic levels that it might not be okay in this situation. Staff also pointed out that the radius of the <br /> hammerhead is not spelled out on the plans, which is a critical factor. <br /> Stickney noted the fire chief helped them design it but that they would be willing to redesign it. The third <br /> home will never see the roadway unless it is made wider. <br /> Erickson stated he personally would be tempted to go with the hammerhead but that he would like Staff to <br /> have some input into it. <br /> Stickney indicated the trucks could also utilize one of the circular driveways to turn around in. <br /> Thiesse noted the Planning Commission has to look at the proposed roadway and that the applicant is free <br /> to put in circular driveways but that is not part of what the Planning Commission is considering. Thiesse <br /> stated they are looking at fire trucks, FedEx trucks and other delivery vehicles,and that they do not want <br /> them to go all the way up to the house,go around back down to the hammerhead,and then back around. <br /> Stickney stated a turnaround would solve that. <br /> Libby stated the length and size of school buses have a more practical application for a cul-de-sac rather <br /> than having to pull into and back out of a driveway. The other thing is that often the 24-foot width is a <br /> practical matter due to the snow cover that is received in the winter and for snow coverage, which would <br /> likely narrow the roadway. <br /> Stickney noted there is a 50-foot right-of-way,which provides more snow storage than most roads. <br /> Libby indicated he is supportive of preserving the trees. <br /> Stickney stated the wider width does not make sense for two homes. <br /> Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 6:58 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments. <br /> Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 6:58 p.m. <br /> Stickney noted last year the City approved a subdivision on Bracketts Point,which also had a <br /> hammerhead turnaround at that property, which was deemed appropriate for three homes. In that <br /> situation, it went from a 50-foot right-of-way to a 30-foot right-of-way and that received approval from <br /> the Fire Chief The same thing was also done a few years ago at Mooney lake, which serves six homes. <br /> Thiesse noted there are extenuating circumstances for both of those examples. Thiesse asked if there are <br /> any extenuating circumstances that should preclude a cul-de-sac. <br /> Stickney indicated it would preserve the tree canopy. <br /> Page 5 of 29 <br />