06-08-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 8, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. S. #15-3738 KUHL DESIGN BUILD ON BEHALF OF JOHN AND CYNDY BOWLSBY, 1025 SPRING HIII ROAD — VARIANCES (continued) Murphy indicated there is not. Murphy stated the current city sewer ends on the other side of this property and that the Bowlsbys are paying to have the city sewer brought across the neighbor's property to their property so they can eliminate the septic system. Murphy stated the adjoining property owners have already agreed to the easement but that they are waiting on the paperwork. McMillan asked if this area is located within MUSA. Gaffron indicated it is. McMillan noted to the east of the house there are a number of trees and to the west of the house there is ii little garden area. McMillan asked if that garden area was considered for the pool. Murphy stated that location will still require a fairly large retaining wall. Murphy stated the wall would be visible from the lake and would change the drainage. Murphy stated the pool would also be set back further from the house. McMillan commented most people do not want trees around their pool. Murphy noted the tree canopy is more out in front, and that when the sun is up, the proposed spot is fairly sunny. McMillan stated as the sun moves to the west, there will be quite a bit of shade, which is something to consider. Murphy indicated they are not proposing to remove any trees. McMillan stated in her view the location to the west would not require any variances. McMillan stated access to the pool is important, but that when she was growing up, a standard rule was that no one was allowed to swim unless somebody was right there at the pool supervising. Murphy pointed out the kitchen and living room. McMillan stated the pool should also not be so close to the house that someone will fall in. Walsh stated the biggest issue is the 0 -75 -foot zone and that over the years other property owners have wanted to place a pool within the 0-75 foot setback but the City has not allowed it. Murphy stated in his view this is a unique situation and that the Comprehensive Plan covers visual impacts from the lake. Murphy stated if the pool is located anywhere else, it will be visible. Murphy stated in his view there are very few lots that will not have a visual impact on the lake if a pool is located in the 0-75 foot setback. Murphy noted there will be a visual impact if it is not placed in the proposed spot and that other sites would be more environmentally detrimental. Murphy stated the property owners are willing to do what is necessary to improve the property. Page 12 of 19