05-13-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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