08-28-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 10, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 13. #17-3933 CATHERINE SWEET, 3405 AND 3407 CRYSTAL BAY ROAD, VACATION OFSTREET Barnhart reviewed his Staff report dated July 10, 2017, regarding the applicant's request to vacate an unimproved right-of-way adjacent to her property. The Planning Commission voted to deny the request but recommended the City Council consider a relocated right-of-way. Staff recommends denial of this request as well as relocating the right-of-way. Barnhart noted the public hearing continued at the Planning Commission meeting should be reopened. Mayor Walsh opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. Catherine Sweet, Applicant, stated the property has been vacant for a number of years and that she found out at the time she went to list the property for sale that the lot does not have dock rights. Sweet stated when she found out she cannot split the current easement, she suggested relocating it. Sweet indicated if it is relocated, she would tear down the garage, remove the driveway and other hardcover that is on that lot with the exception of the house, and the City would then have an easement over that lot. Crosby asked if the advantage to the applicant is to gain dock rights. Sweet stated if it is approved, she would end up with one continuous property and that she would retain ownership of all the property and keep the dock on the 3405 property. Sweet stated in the future it would be sold as one property. Mayor Walsh closed the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. Printup stated he would lean towards opposing it since from a historical perspective Orono has retained these fire lanes for lake access. Seals asked how many fire lanes the City has. Barnhart indicated there are several dozen fire lanes throughout the City but that he does not have an exact number. Seals questioned whether this would be opening Pandora's Box given the other fire lanes throughout the City. Walsh commented there are a number of issues associated with the fire lanes depending on their location and that typically the City does not do anything with them unless something comes up. Dankey asked who owns the dock that is depicted on the survey. Barnhart stated he is not aware of who owns the dock. Barnhart pointed out the four lots owned by the City. Walsh stated it was his understanding that the people who own those lots were given the right to have a dock there but that it had to be removed if the properties were ever sold. Page 1 of 3