10-25-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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I MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, October 18,2004 6:00 o’clock p.m. Staff recommends approval of the average lakeshore setback variance and denial of the side street setback variance and denial of the hardcover variance as proposed as there are no hardships to support the variances as requested. In addition, Staff is recommending approval of any variances be made contingent upon approval of a rectoration plan to remedy the vegetation removal on the property. Rahn asked for public comment concerning this application. Jeff Essen, 2648 Casco Point Road, indicated he had met with the applicant prior to last month’s Planning Cc.nmission and discussed his original plan and the concerns he had regarding drainage, trimming of trees, protection of established trees, and off street parking. Essen stated Vogstrom indicated at that time that he was agreeable to installing gutters and downspouts, drain tile, and construct a swale beriveen the two properties. Essen stated he agreed to work with Vogstrom on trimming his trees in an effort to improve Vogslrom’s view of the lake. Essen stated last week Vogstrom had a tree service come in who illegally took down two mature trees on his property a**, well as other trees and vegetation on his o\mi property. Essen indicated based on those actions, he no longer is in support of this proposal until such time as a restoration plan is approved and the damage has been adequately addressed. Paul Raster, 2600 Casco Point Road, stated he is the neighbor to the north and at the last meeting was in favor of the variance to encroach on the fire lane. Raster indicated since the applicant has now clear cut his lot, he would like to withdraw his support of the variance. Raster stated he now has concerns regarding erosion since the vegetation has been totally removed. V'ogstrom stated he is in agreement with his two neighbors regarding their concerns and that the tree company was hired to remove a couple of trees that were dead. Vogstrom apologized to the City and his neighbors regarding the removal of the vegetation, noting that he was not aware the tree company was going to remove as much vegetation as they did. Vogstrom indicated he did ask the tree removal company to contact Staff regarding this incident, but that he accepts full responsibility for the mistake. PAGE 6 1^