08-13-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, June 15, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 12 of 12 Bollis stated he does not believe the Planning Commission should be adding additional code that is going to create variances if it is not an issue today. He does not see that it has become an issue. He has not seen a variance request for it. Barnhart said Staff has been able to suggest that they do not apply for one and fix the issue. Staff would be helped with having standards in place in those discussions. Bollis stated he feels that anytime a number is put on something, someone is going to come in and ask for something different, such as 25% hardcover and someone coming in to ask for 26%. It says 18 feet; they are going to come in and ask for 17 feet, 16 feet, etc. He said an issue is being created by adding it in. He does not see the issue of “snow piling” on current subdivisions and is not in favor of it. Gettman stated he supports the 18 feet. Ressler noted, as Barnhart mentioned, the text amendments regarding subdivision is not urgent and could be tabled. He does not think it would be unreasonable, and noted that is what the deliberation is currently. Kirchner commented that Barnhart asked for the Commissioners’ opinion on minor subdivisions and lot splits. He said he agrees with Barnhart that the Commission should not allow for those to happen without this process and protocol, especially if the vast majority of what Staff is seeing would fall into that criteria. He thinks it is prudent to keep that in place. Bollis moved, Kirchner seconded, to table LA19-000065 City of Orono, Text Amendment: Subdivisions. Roll Call Vote: Ayes 3 (Erickson, Bollis, Kirchner), Nays 3 (Libby, Gettman, Ressler). Motion failed. Barnhart stated Staff is not opposed to bringing this back with some of the changes made. It is an important document in the development of the community, and he does not want to rush it. He does not have an Applicant coming in and ready to apply this. He will incorporate the changes that he can incorporate and call out the areas he cannot; the Commission can review it again at the next meeting. Ressler asked if it was an option to leave it as-is and not make a motion. Staff would recommend it be tabled and to come back in July. Ressler stated, based on the feedback, the motion should be re-entertained. Bollis moved, Kirchner seconded, to table LA19-000065 City of Orono, Text Amendment: Subdivisions. Roll Call Vote: Ayes 6 (Libby, Erickson, Bollis, Kirchner, Gettman, Ressler), Nays 0. Motion carried unanimously.