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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, October 19, 2009 6:30 o'clock p.m. #09-3428 MICHAEL AND MARILYN HUTHW AITE, CONTINUED Schoenzeit asked if the Minnehaha Watershed District or the governing authority would allow the property owners to extend a culvert and put some dirt in there in order to access that portion of the property. Curtis stated she does not know what the most acceptable method of access would be and that would need to be pursued with the Minnehaha Watershed District . Huthwaite stated they did look at relocating the access to that area and installing a culvert but that they would prefer a bridge. Kang stated she I ikes the driveway off of Crestview and that she would I ike to see less encroachment to the setback from the creek. Huthwaite stated they did look at reducing the encroachment and that the house is angled at different areas to help alleviate the hardcover. Huthwaite indicated they could possibly reduce the width of the garage slightly as well as the courtyard parking area. Kang indicated she would prefer the encroachment be reduced. Hendel stated it is difficult to reduce the driveway any further if they want to accommodate vehicles being able to back in and out. Steiner pointed out the Huthwaites are doing a great deal to help improve the creek area . Berg asked what the square footage of the house is. Hendel stated it is approximately 2800 square feet and the garage is approximately 850 square feet. The lower level consists of 2450 square feet but will likely not all be finished. Huthwaite pointed out the 2800 square feet includes a master bedroom on the main level and that there is no second floor. Berg indicated she has a concern as it relates to the size of the house and the close proximity to the creek. Leskinen stated she also has a concern with the size of the house. Berg noted the City does not always grant variances and that the Planning Commission needs to look at the ordinances for this lot as they exist today since this is considered new construction. Schoenzeit stated this project is an improvement from what currently exists and that the lot has unique features which would be classified as a hardship. Rice stated the Planning Commission asks that the home fit the lot and that in her view the house could be reduced further to comply with the setback requirements. Kang commented the City of Orono places a high priority on water quality and hardcover . Page8