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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,October 19,2009 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> #09-3428 MICHAEL AND MARILYN AUTHWAITE,CONTINUED <br /> Schoenzeit asked if the Minnehaha Watershed District or the governing authority would allow the <br /> property owners to extend a culvert and put some dirt in there in order to access that portion of the <br /> property. <br /> Curtis stated she does not lrnow what the most acceptable method of access would be and that would need <br /> to be pursued with the Minnehaha Watershed District. <br /> Huthwaite stated they did look at relocating the access to that area and installing a culvert but that they <br /> would prefer a bridge. <br /> Kang stated she likes the driveway off of Crestview and that she would like to see less encroachment to <br /> the setback from the creek. <br /> Huthwaite stated they did look at reducing the encroachment and that the house is angled at different <br /> areas to help alleviate the hardcover. Huthwaite indicated they could possibly reduce the width of the <br /> garage slightly as well as the courtyard parking area. <br /> Kang indicated she would prefer the encroachment be reduced. <br /> Hendel stated it is difficult to reduce the driveway any further if they want to accommodate vehicles <br /> being able to back in and out. <br /> Steiner pointed out the Huthwaites are doing a great deal to help improve the creek area. <br /> Berg asked what the square footage of the house is. <br /> Hendel stated it is approximately 2800 square feet and the garage is approximately 850 square feet. The <br /> lower level consists of 2450 square feet but will likely not all be finished. <br /> Huthwaite pointed out the 2800 square feet includes a master bedroom on the main level and that there is <br /> no second floor. <br /> Berg indicated she has a concern as it relates to the size of the house and the close proximity to the creek. <br /> Leskinen stated she also has a concern with the size of the house. <br /> Berg noted the City does not always grant variances and that the Planning Commission needs to look at <br /> the ordinances for this lot as they exist today since this is considered new construction. <br /> Schoenzeit stated this project is an improvement from what currently exists and that the lot has unique <br /> features which would be classified as a hardship. <br /> Rice stated the Planning Commission asks that the home fit the lot and that in her view the house could be <br /> reduced further to comply with the setback requirements. <br /> Kang commented the City of Orono places a high priority on water quality and hardcover. <br /> Page 8 <br />