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Date Application Received: 2-23-04 Date Application Considered as Complete: 2-23-04 60-Day Review Period Expires: 4-23-04 To: From: Date: Chair Mabusth and Planning Commissioners Ron Moorse, City Administrator Mike Gaffron, Planning Director April 16, 2004 Subject: #04-2997 City of Orono -Access Between Lots 38 & 39, Morse Island Park (120-140 Big Island) -CUP and Variance for Wetland Alteration -Continuation of Public Hearing List of Exhibits: A -PC Draft Minutes 3-15-04 B -Notice of PC Action 3-22-04 C -Memo and Exhibits of 3-12-04 Application Summary: As a result of numerous requests from property owners on Big Island, and as a result of the previously used adjacent access road being converted to lawn by its owner, the City is requesting a variance and a conditional use permit to allow the filling of a small portion of wetland and floodplain to allow construction of a new driveway for vehicular access from the lakeshore to the interior platted road system. Current Status: This item was tabled on March 15 because Public Services Director Greg Gappa was not present. Planning Commission recommended that this not be brought back until staff meets with the residents of Big Island and can present a comprehensive plan for establishing/upgrading all three potential access points. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the proposed wetland alterations absent the suggested meeting with residents. The Council has indicated no intent at this time to address further access issues or proceed toward opening a third access point. Background In March of 2003, the Council invited a group of Big Island residents to a work session to discuss the access issue. At that meeting, the consensus of the residents, and of the Council, was that the access lane that was closed by Mr. Uran should be replaced on the adjacent City right-of-way lane. Since that time, the Council has authorized a wetland delineation and a feasibilitystudyin preparation for construction of the access. These have been completed. The only step remaining is the CUP for filling in the 0-75 lakeshore zone. Most recently, the Council discussed this issue at its April 8, 2004 work session. The Council confirmed its support for the access lane. The Council also indicated its intention to limit the number of access lanes open on Big Island to the minimum number necessary to provide minimally adequate access. Minimizing the number of access lanes will minimize the amount and impacts of motor vehicle usage on the Island.