06-23-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JUNE 23, 1497 ( #7 - #2240 Jim Waters Sketch Plan - Continued) • Gaffron said sketch plan 2 presents a scenario with the two -acre zoning Morgart and Van Sloun properties. He said there is a problem with septic, however, in that there is no location for septic sites due to steep slopes on some lots. While noting the review is an informal discussion only, Jabbour acknowledged the interested parties in the audience and asked for public comment. Jun Stephenson, who resides on West Branch Road, said the property should not be developed into 19 homes considering the density and grade of the area. Sandy Rasmussen said she appreciated the Council's comments. She asked the Council to restate their vision for the City, suspecting accountability and health of the community were factors. While noting the plan's effect on the economic health of the community, Rasmussen felt there were other issues that bind the community together citing protection of the environment and open space. She noted that Forest Bay and Saga Hill are big assets and are examples of what the City is all about as well as examples of its vision. She indicated the community can be brought together not only by these issues but by threats to sensitive environmental areas and pollution to endangered lakes. Rasmussen said a variance to the MUSA boundary would have a high impact on the community. She indicated the City was not only fortunate to acquire the park but • recognized the large grass roots effort by the community in that acquisition. She said she hoped the developer understood this. She said she would be interested in hearing what the vision and mission is of the City_ Jabbour said the vision and mission of the City is summarized in the Comprehensive Plan and invited her and others to read it. He noted that page one recognizes the need to preserve the natural resources. He noted that the rights of individuals must also be upheld by the majority. Jabbour said the developer should be allowed to develop the property within the current ordinances. He indicated that the City does not normally grant variances to subdivisions. John Hasselbalch, the listing real estate agent far the property, said the environmental concerns are addressed by sketch plan 3. He indicated the current plan would bisect the park. Hasselbach said development of the area adjacent to the park will result in trees being removed if septic was allowed. This plan, Hasselbach said, eliminates the need to bisect the 6 -7 acres of wooded open space and eliminates tree removal. Go 10