08-14-2006 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 14, 206 7:00 o'clock p.m. • ( #05 -3076 Grading Plan Review —1280 Spruce Place, Continued) site, which made a drainage easement necessary. Due to the drainage easement, they were then required to go to a retaining wall system that was not originally contemplated by the previous contractor. McMillan commented the retaining wall close to the house looks unnatural and inquired why that retaining wall is necessary. Gustafson stated the architect determined the grade line and the idea was to fill against the side of the house. Gustafson stated with the requirement of a ten -foot easement, along with negative drainage for this site, prompted the need for a retaining wall. McMillan inquired whether that was an existing grade. Gregory Gustafson stated he did not want a retaining wall on that end of the house due to the costs associated with construction. The original plan did not depict a retaining wall in that area. Gustafson stated after the plans were approved, they were informed about the requirement to have so much of the foundation covered and that they were required to grant a ten -foot easement. Gustafson indicated they did speak with the inspector at the time the work was being completed and that they were not aware they were doing anything inappropriate. Gregory Gustafson stated the other three retaining walls are depicted on the original plans. McMillan commented the other retaining walls look like they are cut into the existing elevation and look more natural. Jeffrey Gustafson stated they tried very hard to design a house that did not require any variances, and in comparison to the lot next door, they have less hardcover. Gustafson stated the walls that were for aesthetic reasons have been removed. White commented the City takes hardcover limits very seriously and that the amount of hardcover on a lakeshore lot impacts the quality of the lake as well as the drainage to the neighboring properties. Jeffrey Gustafson stated the driveway is basically the same width as the garage doors and that a couple of feet could be removed if necessary. Murphy expressed a concern that these alterations and changes were made without going through the proper process. Murphy inquired whether the existing hardcover and grading as reflected on the as -built really works better than what was originally approved and is necessary. Murphy inquired whether the Planning Commission should review these changes. Curtis stated her comment does not imply that the original proposed grading would not work. Jeffrey Gustafson stated at the time they felt they graded it appropriately. Gustafson demonstrated where the existing house, retaining walls, and steps were located. Gustafson stated the original house, PAGE 4