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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Tuesday,March 15,2021 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Libby noted they have looked at some similar projects that are different architecturally but have essentially <br /> a compound-type structure. He asked if the architect,in order to enhance the green space,to put something <br /> recreational,a family-oriented type area in. <br /> Mr.Mohagen said absolutely,yes. <br /> Libby asked if they have a future vision of screening and tree cover as this is Orono which is a very rural <br /> community. <br /> Mr. Mohagen said yes, and that is helpful for the project, to have landscaping around the project is <br /> imperative. <br /> Mr. Richardson said on the back side of the property there is a vacated easement for a future road that will <br /> not be going in because they sold Cliff Often the one section of that road. He assumes they will eventually <br /> vacate that property. <br /> Barnhart would not make that assumption but said they can certainly look into it a little more. <br /> Mr. Richardson said it is about a 40-foot section and half would go to Orono Woods and have to tot his <br /> project. <br /> Barnhart said not necessarily and it is probably something they need to dig into a bit more. <br /> Ressler thanked the Applicant and hopes the feedback was useful to the project. <br /> 10.UPDATE ON MARCH 8,2021 CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Barnhart noted the Commission was fairly busy last month. There were a number of actions the <br /> Commission approved and most were done by consent. Approvals by the City Council:the variance at 746 <br /> Tonkawa Road, the vacation of the unimproved alley at 1121 North Arm, CUP for plumbing at 1150 <br /> Pineview, MUSA expansion for public works facility, Pillar Homes variance at 3220 Navarre, average <br /> lakeshore setback variance at 1825 Lakeside Trail, CUP for LuLu's pizza,variance at 1260 Spruce Place, <br /> CUP for the Day Nursery, Comp Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and Master Development Plan for David <br /> Weekley. The Council denied the variance at 133 Chevy Chase on a 5-0 vote. The concern the Council <br /> had was it did not seem the practical difficulties were met; Barnhart received some feedback from the <br /> Council to really make sure they look at the practical difficulties objectively and critically because that is <br /> what approvals must be based on. The Council did not support the 12 duplex buildings next to the Fire <br /> Station—they would rather see a density closer to the 3 units/acre versus the middle of that range of 3-10 <br /> units/acre. <br /> Libby was the liaison between the City Council and the Commission and a remark was made by the Council <br /> as a uniform compliment to all the Commissioners who are working hard, solving a lot of problems, and <br /> giving a lot of guidance to the Council. <br /> McCutcheon noted they do not always have to agree with Council. <br /> Ressler agreed and said just because they do not agree does not mean they are wrong. <br /> Page 33 of 34 <br />