06-11-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 11, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. (6. #12 -3547 JOHNAND PHOEBE STAVIG, 790 BROWNROAD NORTH, Continued) Gaffron stated some grading would be required for a walkout and that he is unsure whether all the grading that is shown on his sketch would be required. McMillan asked if the house is moved five feet out of the bluff impact zone, whether that would be a good compromise. McMillan noted it would still be 10 feet within the street setback. Gaffron stated it would still require some work within the bluff impact zone but the structure would be eliminated from that area. Franchot commented that would also speak to the slope stability and maintaining the City's setback to the bluff. Gaffron stated the bluff impact zone is intended to help ensure stability as well as minimizing visual impacts. Gaffron stated he is in agreement that the visual impacts of a,house as viewed from the lake are fairly minimal given the trees. Franchot commented in his view the Mayor's proposal would be a good compromise. Stavig stated he appreciates that proposal, but unfortunately, given the pie- shaped lot, he would lose 15 • percent of the house and 21 percent of the garage. Franchot stated if they presume the City Council approves the other variances, those would help him avoid constructing a multi -story house. Stavig stated the engineering report specifically commented on attempts to relocate the house further forward and noted that given the unique contour created by the construction of the driveway bed, positioning the structure further away from the bluff zone may actually create a greater potential for erosion above the driveway bed. Stavig stated it would create more of a concern locating it there than at the proposed location. Stavig stated he would also like to highlight the fact that there is another application on tonight's agenda requesting a variance to the bluff. Stavig stated Planner Gaffron's proposal requires six variances, which is more than what he is requesting. McMillan stated she would be in favor of one side setback variance on the side of the applicant's other lot and that the garage could also be pulled forward closer to the road, which would lessen the impact on the bluff. Printup stated he has struggled with the recommendation from the engineering report and then discounting it. Printup stated he understands the concerns with impacting the bluff and that in his view bringing it forward five feet is good. Printup commented he has a concern with the City Council designing a building pad for the applicant. • Rahn stated the City Council is discussing a plan that the applicant is not interested in and the neighbors are not interested in the plan. Rahn stated the City Council has provided the applicant with some feedback, and that in his view the Council cannot make a decision based on what is before them tonight. Rahn stated it is not fair to a neighbor to approve a building pad within the side setback when the property Page 9 of 17