06-24-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 24, 2002 7:00 o'clock p.m. • ( #02 -2788 BRAD AND CAROL PASS — Continued) Public Service Director Gappa stated that storm water trunk fee figures were based on an analysis of 10 different parcels in the City that were currently undeveloped and could possibly develop in the near future. The costs for storm water system facilities to serve these larger parcels were divided by the total acres in each parcel to determine an average cost per acre for storm water facilities. The average cost per acre for the 10 different parcels was $2,700. The intent of the fee is to include both wetland and nonwetland areas in calculating the fee for a new lot. Mayor Peterson asked if there were questions regarding the park dedication fees. Mr. Pass stated that these additional fees make it difficult for them to afford the whole project. He added that they are not wealthy people, and simply have good intentions, he hoped that the City might consider eliminating the wetland portion of the land in their calculations. Sansevere stated that while he empathized with their situation, it would be precedent setting to alter the fees. Murphy inquired over the possibility of the City giving consideration to dry versus wet land. Mr. Alcon stated that the Passes were hopeful that an exemption for the wetland could be made. • Gappa stated that both wetland and nonwetland areas were used in determining the trunk fee. The cost for storm water facilities is fixed and if only nonwetland areas had been used to determine the fee, the trunk fee would be higher because there would be less area over which to spread the storm water improvement costs. Mayor Peterson explained that the City needs to treat everyone equally, therefore, they could not make the exception the Passes were looking for. She inquired over the park dedication fees. Gaffron stated that this is not a new sale, therefore the park dedication fee may be less than the $5,300 cited, but not less than $3,200. Mr. Pass reminded the City Council that they are working to give the City a park, an area of conservation forever, and asked what the City could do for them to make it possible. Gaffron suggested they discuss the right -of -way issue. Recently, Gaffron explained, the County changed its philosophy with regard to trail access. Today, if the County requests R.O.W. and builds a trail, and the City did not originally mandate the R.O.W., the City is required to purchase the R.O.W. that was not acquired when the lot was sold. Murphy questioned, if not for this situation, what the park dedication fee was meant to help • offset. PAGE 12 of 17