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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Wednesday,January 22, 2003 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#02-2860 SUNSTATE CONCEPTS,Continued) <br /> Mabusth suggested that the applicant keep the black top for additional parking next to a three-car garage. <br /> Gorr stated that, in his view, the proposal was not new construction since he was using the existing <br /> foundation. <br /> Hawn disagreed, stating that in the Commission's opinion,this was new construction. She wondered why <br /> some variances would be acceptable and not others. <br /> Mabusth stated that she had no difficulty supporting the front setback since the City put in a public road <br /> on their private property. She added that the proximity to the trail behind the property also causes an <br /> issue. <br /> Hawn agreed, viewing the cul-de-sac as something of a hardship that had been imposed upon the property <br /> owner. <br /> Gaffron reminded the Commission that potential did exist for the cul-de-sac to go away some day in the <br /> future, however,he pointed out that the trail could be replaced by light rail as well. <br /> Chair Smith asked the applicant how he felt about connecting to municipal sewer. <br /> Gorr indicated that he would prefer to keep his septic sewer system as it has been considered a <br /> conforming system, adding that rather than an alternate septic site he would consider connecting to <br /> municipal sewer as the alternate. <br /> Chair Smith asked if the system were currently conforming <br /> Gaffron indicated that the system was built for a 4-bedroom home and will still be used for a 4-bedroom <br /> home on a larger scale. He questioned what impact the usage pattern might have on the future sewer <br /> capacity and indicated that no one could predict what impact the additional use might cause. <br /> Assuming the applicant was building the home to sell it and assuming the sewer was conforming, Chair <br /> Smith questioned whether the applicant should be allowed to continued to use the current sewer system <br /> and merely make the new buyer aware that they will be purchasing a 20 year old septic system with their <br /> new home. <br /> Hawn stated that the City could not force the applicant to hook up to City sewer if their current system <br /> was conforming. <br /> Rahn felt they applicant should be connected to City sewer if available during the rebuild. <br /> Gaffron pointed out that replacing a septic system could run approximately$10,000-$15,000. Since no <br /> one could estimate how long the current system would last, Gaffron stated that to connect a force main <br /> system to a new line for City sewer would likely be similar in cost. <br /> Mabusth agreed that now would be the time to connect. <br /> PAGE 16 of 29 <br />