06-23-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUNE 2.3, t99�i 07 - 42240 Jim Waters Sketch Plan - Continued) • Gaffron indicated that the Planning Commission reviewed four concept plans. After review of the first two plans in May, the Commission suggested the developer take a clustering approach to housing, which subsequently resulted in two additional concept plans. The Planning Commission generally supported sketch plan 3 with 17 lots averaging one acre in size, which would require rezoning of the two -acre zone properties_ The topography of the two -acre zoning properties is not capable of supporting septic systems, and Gaffron indicated Staff feels the property should be sewered in order to be developed. The plan provides for open spaces and undisturbed areas as well as an extension of Wildhurst Trail and potential future connection to West Branch Road. The proposed plan would result in the need for change in the MUSA boundary, rezoning, and amendment of the comprehensive plan. Sewer would probably have to come from Wildhurst Trail. The applicant would ask for sewer only if the property would be considered for rezoning. Jabbour indicated that the applicant would be in a better position if he would make the presentation to the full Council as a 415th majority vote is required for rezoning. Jabbour said he did not feel it was appropriate for the Planning Commission to divert from the City's MUSA policy. Jabbour said he does not favor changing the WT USA boundary, rezoning, or making a precedent by allowing these changes in order to make full use of a property. Jabbour indicated that his opinion is not necessarily in reference to this • application but as a general rule of thumb. He said the City would receive many requests for rezoning and sewering if such a precedent was set. He cited an example of property annexed to another city in order to accomplish desires of an applicant. Jabbour said the City should adhere to the present policy. Jabbour indicated that the Council is planning a work session to discuss the future including sewering but the critical mass needs to be considered. He noted that a development by Lundgren Bros, was denied for higher density housing within the sewered area. Gaffron noted that he had informed Waters of this occurrence when this subdivision was initially proposed. Jabbour said he is concerned that the Planning Commission would consider such policy changes when the other proposed subdivision was denied on a property that did not include steep topography. Goetten informed the applicant that the Council has spent a number of years reviewing the issue of sewering noting the selection of ten hot spots which have received Met Council approval. She indicated that concessions are sometimes required by Met Council of the City when such applications are made and does not want to make any further applications for sewering boundary changes at this time. Goetten said the focus is on proceeding with the selected hot spots first. Goetten also noted that the number of lots for this proposal is excessive for the location. She does not recommend lots under two acres with the topography. Goetten said she is unaware of the opinions of the absent • Council members. 6