12-13-1999 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 13, 1999 06) #2522 BANCOR GROUP, INC - Continued recommend that the trail be moved to take advantage of the natural topography of the site to insure it is above where drainage areas and water would naturally stand. The trail does create a vital link along Willow and along County Road 6, especially to the school properties and to connect into the more regional system toward the Baker Park. Weinberger said the plan proposes a pressure sewer system. Pressure systems are usually only used when a gravity system will not work. Staff recommends that a gravity system be used because there is less concern for long -term maintenance. Weinberger said the City of Orono is requesting as part of this PRD that municipal water connection be made to the property. He said there are concerns due to public health and safety issues because many of the lots within the development are smaller than the standard two -acre lot. Weinberger said the City Engineer has reviewed the grading plan and it is, for the most part, acceptable. The City Engineer has recommended the lowest basement elevations be above the Normal High Level of the ponds and the exposed opening 2' higher than the High Water Level of the ponds. The applicant has indicated that this can be accomplished. Another issue to be discussed is the concept of the road. The Comprehensive Plan states Private Roads shall have a maximum service of approximately ten residential properties and that they be maintained and owned by a homeowners association. The other alternative is a public road. The Comprehensive Plan would suggest a public road for this development; however, the City has not required private roads in other developments become a public road, such as Sugarwoods. The road will serve this development only. Weinberger said the proposed lot layout indicates the lots to the northern portion of the development are on average smaller than those within the southwest portion of the property. Many smaller lots are located along County Road 6 and Willow Drive North. The lot layout would indicate that there would be a higher density of homes along County Road 6. Prior to recommending approval for the plat, staff would request that the City Council and the developers discuss the following issues: The conservation easement be platted as a conservation outlot to be held in the ownership of the Homeowner's Association. A conservation easement would allow a house to be built to the easement boundary, but the property owner would not be allowed to remove or alter any vegetation to the rear of the house. Platting the outlot would ensure houses would be built allowing a minimum setback to the conservation areas. 2. The lots are developed that would concentrate the least amount of higher density to impact the properties near the intersection of County Road 6 and Willow Drive North. Page 14