Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br />Monday, May 20, 2019 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />Curt Fretham, Lake West Development, stated as they went through this process, they tried to address <br />everything upfront. The dock was clearly an oversight during the process. Fretham noted they did not <br />show the dock on all the plans, such as the utility and tree removal plans, since that is typically not done. <br />The dock was shown, however, on a number of the plans, but was not shown on the final plat because it <br />would not be included on that. <br />Fretham stated the proposal cleans up the lakeshore side and gives the homeowner a nice view of the lake <br />as well as everybody else on the lake. Fretham noted they did not realize there was a separate permit <br />process with the City and that they received the permits for the two docks from the LMCD. They were <br />informed that Orono is the only city that requires a separate permit from the LMCD. <br />Fretham stated if someone drives by, they would not be able to tell if it is an outlot or an easement down <br />to the lake. It is important to us because the lot was sold and plans for that dock were shared with the <br />purchaser. The new property owner was excited to have a dock. Fretham stated he did not stand up to his <br />end of that deal in that transaction and that he is attempting to correct the situation. If a dock is not <br />possible, he is not sure how the situation will turn out, but that he is attempting to get the property owner <br />what was promised. <br />McCutcheon asked if they want permanent dock or a seasonal dock. <br />Fretham stated they made a permanent dock application to the LMCD, who approved it, but they were <br />told they also had to obtain a permit from the City because it attaches to the land. Fretham stated it is not <br />a matter of a dock or not, but it is a matter of where it should be placed. The property still has 129 feet of <br />lakeshore on the lakeside and it is a matter of where the right place to put the dock is. <br />Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 8:11 p.m. <br />Rusty Cocoon, Shoreview, stated when they saw the dock on the plan, they were excited about it, and that <br />they are planning on planting native grass down by the lake. The outlot will be plowed and maintained <br />and is basically a private drive. There will be very little traffic down there and the road is basically one <br />and a half lanes. Cocoon stated he does not believe it will disrupt the public by having a dock down <br />there. <br />Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 8:13 p.m. <br />Thiesse asked if Lot 2 deeded the lot back to Lot 1, whether that would solve the same problem. <br />Barnhart indicated it would. The ordinance requires the outlot but there are other ways to address the <br />concerns. <br />Ressler asked if Staff has any preference on how to handle this. <br />Barnhart stated what is being proposed is a variance that allows the two lots to be replatted as one. At a <br />minimum, the City will require a variance. From a practical difficulty standpoint and the uniqueness of <br />the situation, the situation is not likely to be replicated elsewhere in the community. <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />