04-23-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 23, 2012 . 7:00 o'clock p.m. (4. #12 -3546 TODD HOLMERS ONBEHALF OFMAPLE PLACE, LLC,1545 MAPLE PLACE, Continued) provide drainage for the entire site, now would be an opportunity to discuss trees and landscaping that would make the development fit in more with the neighborhood. Gaffron indicated the applicant would need to be asked whether he would be willing to provide a landscape plan that is comprehensive over the seven lots. McMillan questioned whether the lots would be so artificially shaped that it would not fit into the rest of the neighborhood. Rahn commented the City Council's hands are basically tied as it relates to the seven houses and that he is not sure whether all houses at the same grade would fit into the neighborhood. Rahn suggested the applicant consider following the natural contours perhaps to bring some different dimension to the homes. Bremer commented she would like to hear from the applicant on why they have chosen to go from three homes to seven homes and that she has a concern with the marketability of these homes. Bremer stated she would like some reassurance that there is some interest in this type of development. McMillan noted the City changed the definition of basement a few years ago due to 'a concern about a • developer artificially raising the grade and creating something that does not look natural. McMillan stated she has a lot of concerns about some of the homes located on the northern portion of this site and the fact that the applicant is proposing more than 2 -1/2 stories. Holmers stated according to his understanding, given the way the lots sit, they are entitled to come in and obtain a building permit for each individual lot. Holmers indicated they have changed course since last fall and have increased the number of homes on the site. Holmers indicated they have agreed to redo the ponding so it improves the drainage because the area currently floods. Holmers stated he will be incurring that expense and that his engineer has worked with Staff and the City Engineer to resolve the drainage. Hohners stated they have removed the majority of the trees to help accommodate the grading. Holmers commented he is a little confused by some of the comments because they are doing more than what is required to address the flooding issues. Franchot asked how that relates to the question of artificially raising the grade. Holmers indicated they can bring in 500 cubic feet in without a conditional use permit. Franchot noted the height is defined from the existing grade. Holmers stated they would be willing to comply with the building height restrictions. Holmers stated they did have a meeting with Staff last Thursday to discuss the drainage and ponding in the rear. Mattick asked if they do pull individual building permits, whether they would be able to keep all the drainage from that home on that lot. • Holmers indicated his understanding is that they would have a plan for each lot and that it would flow from left to right. Page 7 of 16