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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 24, 2006 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. #06-3184 PAUL THOMAS HOMES, 2695 CASCO POINT ROAD – VARIANCE – RESOLUTION NO. 5488 Paul Vogstrom, Paul Thomas Homes, was present. White noted the hardcover number in the resolution is different than what was contained in Staff’s report. Gaffron stated the applicant has requested 3,830 square feet but the Council approved 30.6 percent, which is 3,240 square feet. Gaffron stated a letter was received from William Miller, 2691 Casco Point Road, suggesting that due to the narrowness of the proposed driveway, the applicant should be allowed additional hardcover for the driveway width due to safety concerns. Miller has also suggested that the city’s vacant lot located across the street be utilized for construction parking. Staff does not have a problem granting the additional hardcover solely for the purpose of expanding the width of the driveway but has an issue regarding the use of the city lot for parking due to concerns that following the construction of the residence the lot would likely be used for parking by other residents and visitors to the neighborhood. McMillan inquired whether some temporary signs could be erected designating parking. Gaffron stated he would like the input of the police department on that issue. Vogstrom stated they could grade an area to provide some parking halfway down the driveway and erect signs on one side of the street. Vogstrom suggested parking on one side of the road be allowed. McMillan recommended the police department be notified of the parking situation. McMillan inquired whether this would be a blind driveway following construction. Gaffron stated it would not be a blind driveway. Vogstrom stated they could try to widen the north side of the driveway near the road for better visibility and also lessen the slope of the driveway. White noted the speed limit in that area is posted at 25 miles per hour and most people in the neighborhood are aware of the driveway. Sansevere inquired whether the current proposed driveway would put the public at risk of injury or death if the additional hardcover is not allowed. Gaffron stated in his opinion the public is not at risk but that the property owner could perhaps experience difficulty maneuvering up the driveway at certain times of the year. Gaffron stated the extra width on the driveway would make it safer for the people using the driveway and that a 10-foot driveway versus an 8- foot driveway would add approximately three percent additional hardcover. Peterson commented the width of the driveway has been at eight feet for a number of years. Murphy inquired whether the City Engineer should review this. ______________________________________________________________________________ PAGE 2 Item #02 - CC Agenda 08/14/06 Approval of Minutes 07/24/06 [Page 2 of 8]