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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLAN1vING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> March 16,2009 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Kempf commented the aesthetics of the garage would be a trade-off but that in his view the applicant <br /> should make another attempt to fiu-ther reduce the hardcover. <br /> Rice questioned how the Planning Commission could recommend approval of a variance when there is <br /> not a demonstrated hardship. Rice stated the duty of the Planning Commission is to protect the lake as <br /> much as possible. <br /> Berg commented the Planning Commission also has to take into consideration how the structure will <br /> impact the neighborhood and that she would prefer to see the garage located in the proposed location as <br /> long as the hardcover is reduced closer to the 25 percent. <br /> Rice commented the Planning Commission may be setting a dangerous precedent by approving a location <br /> that requires a variance when there is a location available for the garage that does not require a variance. <br /> Berg stated at the time an application is heard the Planning Commission has an opportunity to <br /> recommend improvements to the lot and that she would also like to address the water issues with this <br /> application. <br /> Bennett stated she would prefer to see a rain garden versus a French drain. Bennett reiterated she still <br /> does not feel enough information has been provided on the rain garden or the grading that the applicant is <br /> contemplating in order to address the water issues. <br /> Kempf stated the poor grading of the driveway results in a number of drainage issues and that in his view <br /> there should be a more comprehensive drainage plan submitted. Kempf asked if the Planning <br /> Commission agrees to a variance with the condition that a portion of the hardcover be removed,whether a <br /> portion of the driveway would be eliminated. <br /> Hayhurst stated probably 30 to 40 percent of the driveway is not necessary if the third stall is added and <br /> that a good portion of the driveway would need to be removed in order to fix the drainage issues. <br /> Bennett reiterated she would like to look at the entire project rather than just a couple pieces of it. <br /> Kempf asked whether the applicants would like their application tabled in order to revise their plans to <br /> show the removal of the hardcover and to show how the drainage issues would be resolved. <br /> Bennett noted the Planning Commission is unlikely to approve the hardcover at the level the applicants <br /> are asking and that in her view the best approach to this application is to look at the entire lot. <br /> Kempf asked whether the applicants would be agreeable to tabling their application to allow them to <br /> revise their plans. <br /> Jacobson asked whether the incorporation of rain gardens is necessary for approval or whether they can <br /> simply reduce the hardcover. <br /> Kempf stated the applicants will need to do as much as possible to reduce the runoff into Lake <br /> Minnetonka and reduce the hardcover on the lot. Kempf recommended the applicant develop a more <br /> comprehensive drainage plan. <br /> Jacobson asked whether permeable pavers would be considered hardcover. <br /> PAGE 5 <br />