10-16-2000 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2000 (^2596 Brenshell Homes, Continued) Tom Kellogg, City Engineer, stated the issue regarding the outlet was addressed in his August 15 memorandum. Kellogg indicated he has not reviewed any outlet structures proposed by the developer to the present time and is unaware of what the developer is proposing for these ponds. Kellogg stated Item U3 in his memorandum requires that the developer construct the ponds according to City standards, with proper skimming being provided. Kellogg indicated skimming will keep the submerged pipe from being plugged up with leaves or sticks. Proper sized orifices and skimming would be required on these ponds under Orono’s Ordinances. Kellogg noted an emergency overflow is also required on all ponds. Kellogg stated he does have some confusion because the plan that is being reviewed tonight is not the plan that he has reviewed. Kellogg stated the plan he reviewed dated 9/12 does address some concerns regarding the steep slopes by relocation of the pond to the north. Weinberger concurred that the pond has been relocated. Kellogg stated there is a 4.8 foot difference between the pond high water elevation and the basement for Lot 5. Rasmussen commented they were unable to update tlieir information due to not being provided current data from the developer, noting they have only been notified of the changes to^y. Tom Stokes, Brenshell Homes, stated they have revised their plan in accordance with the request of City Staff. Stokes stated they did provide a revised plan to the Citv last Tuesday incorporating the recommendations of City Staff and addressing the concerns of the residents. Mark Gronberg, Surveyor, stated they have attempted to take into account the concerns of the neighbors by relocating the pond, with construction of a drainage swale behind Lots 2 and 3 to handle the water runoff. Gronberg stated normally on a preliminarv' plat you do not show all the details that would be required on a final plan. Gronberg stated they are intending to incorporate an emergency overflow in accordance with Orono’s Ordinances into the design of the plans. Hawn inquired whether the developer could subdivide this property without the need for variances and still meet City requirements. Gronberg stated a tvpical walkout slope is 18 percent. Gronberg stated there are some steep slopes in the area but the houses would not be impacting those slopes. Weinberger stated City Code does not prohibit building on steep slopes but only on bluff situations, which does not exist in this case. Weinberger stated the only variances for this development that are being requested are to lot width. Weinberger stated if the road were to be extended, the houses could be approved without the need for a variance. Rasmussen stated one of the issues they are raising with regard to this development has to do w ith both the steepness of the slopes and the soils in the area. Rasmussen stated the question to consider is whether this development is suitable for this area and whether the developer is able to address the erosion that could potentially occur as a result of the construction. PACES