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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> SEPTEMBER 18, 2000 <br /> (#2596 Brenshell Homes, Continued) <br /> • <br /> Steve Behnke, Brenshell Homes, stated they have made the revisions based upon the concerns <br /> expressed by the local residents and City Staff. Behnke indicated all the proposed lots in this <br /> development exceed the one acre dry buildable minimum. <br /> Behnke stated the revisions created a road 40 feet shorter, which results in less hardcover and <br /> less runoff. Additional protections have been given for the vegetation and trees in the area by <br /> the granting of conservation easements over those areas. <br /> Behnke stated all lots would meet the lot width requirement if the road itself was in front of <br /> the lots. Behnke noted lot width is measured differently for lots situated on a cul-de-sac. If <br /> the cul-de-sac were to be extended further into the development, Behnke noted this would <br /> result in all the lots meeting the 140 foot lot width requirement. Behnke commented in his <br /> view a shorter road would be more desirable due to the amount of hardcover being reduced. <br /> Behnke commented they have taken efforts to respond to the concerns raised by the <br /> neighbors, noting they have substantially reduced the amount of water runoff to the southern <br /> ravine and by reducing the amount of water runoff from Lots 2 and 3 and improving the water <br /> quality. <br /> Behnke stated they are in agreement with the directional borings being requested by Staff in <br /> this area to allow as little impact as possible to the site, and are in agreement with all six of the <br /> conditions listed in the Planner's Report. Behnke stated in his opinion all the conditions outlined <br /> in the City Engineer's have been complied with or will be prior to final plat approval. Behnke <br /> 1111 stated it is his understanding the trail would be credited against their park dedication fee to be <br /> paid on this development. <br /> Kathleen Kasprick, 1067 Linden Lane, commented she was confused why this application was <br /> back before the Planning Commission again. <br /> Hawn stated generally the City Council will send an application back to the Planning <br /> Commission when there have been revisions made in order to allow the citizens an opportunity <br /> to comment on those revisions. <br /> Kasprick inquired why variances need to be granted on this project. Kasprick inquired if <br /> variances do not need to be granted on this application, why Staff is recommending variances <br /> for this development. Kasprick stated in their view some of the issues have not been addressed <br /> completely, noting they still have concerns regarding the wetlands and water runoff in this area. <br /> Kasprick stated they are not opposed to development in this area,but would like to see a <br /> development that is done in accordance with Orono's Ordinances. <br /> Hawn indicated the variances are being recommended to help reduce the amount of hardcover <br /> in the area, improve the drainage, and to help protect the ravine. Hawn noted only the City <br /> Council has the authority to grant variances. <br /> Michelle Wickman, 4735 Tonkaview,presented pictures to the Planning Commission of the <br /> area,noting in her view this area best serves the community the way it presently is. <br /> Sandy Rasmussen, 1186 Wildhurst Trail, stated the residents in the neighborhood have <br /> • <br /> PAGE 3 <br />