08-14-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, July 17, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Curtis noted that property owner has been notified. Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. Dennis Libby, 1000 Heritage Lane, stated he spent a lot of time reviewing this application and that he is delighted to see the architectural design work on this project. Libby stated the good aspect is the fact that it looks architecturally acceptable and is complementary to the neighborhood. Libby noted he is a real estate agent and has dealt with septic systems. Libby stated he has a concern about the installation and use of a subsurface septic system. Libby noted 17 years ago the residents in his neighborhood were required to abate those systems once they hooked up to city sewer. Libby stated two and a half weeks ago a state of the art pressurized high pressure sewer system was installed to service Tanager Estates and at that time he asked the contractor if the capacity of that line was really going to be adequate for the three large-scale homes. Libby indicated the contractor assured him that the line is adequate and could, in fact, service more homes. Libby stated from a common sense standpoint, he is wondering why the City is talking about putting in a subsurface system in an environmentally sensitive area with large levels of habitat and on a lot that is almost directly adjacent to wetland. Libby stated in his view the subsurface system is antiquated and the City should look at connecting to this high capacity sewer system that was just installed. Thiesse stated in his view it is a system that works and that this property should have adequate room for it, which will be verified by the City. Thiesse stated his biggest concern with throwing it into a force main is that they are sending their problems elsewhere and that a well-maintained system should do what it is supposed to do. Libby stated the modern systems versus the old systems are much more efficient. Libby stated the system that is there, according to the City Engineer, has the capacity to service more than the three houses that were just approved. Libby stated in his view a subsurface system is regressive, old-fashioned, and taking a step backwards. Libby stated given the wetlands and the wildlife, it is a real concern. Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:43 p.m.