01-23-2006 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 23, 2006 7:00 o'clock p.m. 7. #05 -3152 BOHLAND DEVELOPMENT ON BEHALF OF JAMES D. MACKINNON ET AL, `3500' WATERTOWN ROAD — PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL — DRAFT RESOLUTION Gaffron stated that since the December 12 meeting, the applicant has provided the City with concept sketches regarding the location, orientation and grading impacts for a proposed home on lot 3, block 2, and met with staff, City consultants, his own consultants and the MCWD to discuss the issues of placement of the storm water pond within the designated wetland area. Gaffron pointed out that he is in receipt, just today, of a revised storm water pond location which locates the pond outside of the wetland area and does not adversely impact the trees etc. While it appears that the new location addresses many issues, Gaffron stated that he had not spoken to the adjoining neighbor. Also, while the applicant believes the location will meet wetland requirements, they need to get an official weigh -in by the MCWD to see if they accept the new plans. And finally, Gaffron stated that although some lots are slightly less than 2 acres he would like direction to bring back a resolution for approval at the next meeting as he would not recommend approval of the draft tonight as revisions have been made. Bohland stated that he felt extremely comfortable that this new proposal will work, thanks to everyone's efforts achieved at a meeting late last week. Although he recognized that some items needed to be reviewed, Bohland asked whether the Council could approve the application subject to those approvals, if they felt comfortable in doing so. • Murphy stated that he would not support bringing in fill to create a flat backyard for these homes, • since at times, homeowners try to create a yard where there isn't an opportunity to do so. Bohland stated that they could put in place additional covenants to that means. He added that the NURP pond would act as more of a shallow wetland area. Though he had not been given time to review the revisions, Engineer Kellogg stated that the NURP pond would be designed to follow contours to promote natural vegetation. Maureen Bellows, a neighbor to the development, pointed out that 1.7 feet between the normal and high water seemed somewhat conservative and questioned how this would affect their alternate septic site. In addition, they expressed concern that the NURP pond might end up spilling over onto the northwest corner of their property as there was little margin between normal and reality. Kellogg stated that, at first brush, he will need to look at additional drawings and calculations from their yard as well as the one provided by Bohland and identify an outlet structure. Bellows stated that, though she did not have an overall objection to the location of the pond, the water typically runs east to west and overflows into their yard. She encouraged the City to take a careful look at the calculations before they proceed. Sansevere asked staff whether they were comfortable granting conditional support at this time. Gaffron stated that the City Engineer needs to be allowed adequate review of the proposal before the Council grants approval, though if comfortable, the Council could grant conditional approvals • despite the fact that MCWD approvals are necessary as well. PAGE 6 of 12