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CITY OF ORONO <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, May 15,2017 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />Thiesse noted the Planning Commission recommended that portion of the ordinance be approved and that <br />the City Council would need to approve it. <br />Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. <br />Thiesse asked how the City deals with subsurface drainage. Thiesse noted subsurface drainage is more <br />difficult to deal with than surface runoff. <br />Barnhart stated Staff identifies to the property owner that there are reports of subsurface drainage which <br />may impact their buildability of the site and that some ftirther investigation should be done. Barnhart <br />noted the City's ordinance does not restrict subsurface drainage but it does restrict collecting of water and <br />dumping it onto adjacent properties. Barnhart stated he does not know if that is cause to deny a variance <br />on a property that is otherwise buildable in the City's eyes. Barnhart noted if it did not require a variance, <br />the applicants could have simply obtained a building permit. <br />Leskinen commented the request is not unreasonable and is similar to many other variances that have <br />been granted in the past. Leskinen stated in her view the Planning Commission has no grounds for denial <br />based on subsurface water concerns, especially since it is considered to be a buildable lot. Leskinen <br />stated she sees more grounds for approval than denial. <br />Thiesse stated he just wants the developer or builder to be aware that it is a sensitive issue and that people <br />have come forward raising concerns about the issue. <br />Leskinen stated builders and developers are always encouraged to work with the neighbors. <br />Schoenzeit suggested a structural engineer be used to design the foundation. <br />Schwingler commented he understands the neighbors' concerns but that they had the opportunity to <br />purchase the property at fair market value and that it is not a basis for denial. <br />Leskinen moved, Olson seconded, to recommend approval of Application No. 17-3938, TC Homes, <br />Inc., on behalf of Nancy Bloms, 1325 Rest Point Lane, granting of variances per Staff <br />recommendations. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. <br />Page 4 of 4 <br />