08-25-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 25,1997 ( #12 - Variance for David and Jodi Rahn - Continued) • Gappa indicated that the two additional courses of block were added after the stop work order was issued. He said the stop work order was issued because the construction was not occurring according to what was permitted under the building permit. Jabbour inquired about a problem that arose with the fireplace. David Rahn said a tree fell on the fireplace during the July 14 storm and showed the resulting pictures. Rahn said he attended the meeting to hear the discussion regarding the issue. He questioned the stop work order. He indicated that the concrete company did not see the stop work order posted. Jabbour informed him that this issue was with the Building Department and not the Council. The Council can only discuss the house, its location, and its size. Rahn explained that the two courses of block was only added where it went into the porch as the floor joists were only inches away from the ground. He received a recommendation to elevate it two courses to obtain a separation from the grade. He said this recommendation came from his engineer. Rahn said the letter from his engineer, dated 8/7/97, showed two courses of block were being added. The engineer had made the point that, in order for the existing foundation to be in conformance, core fill would have to be added. Jabbour said he saw the issues as being the existing residence is located in the 0.75' • setback and the other land on the property being in the flood plain. The two considerations were the location and what exists. Jabbour indicated that based on the major rehabilitation taking place, it would be difficult to save any portion of the residence. He considered the residence as being new construction. Bruce Vang said Staff did not feel Rahn was intending to deceive the City but there was nothing worth saving on the residence. Jabbour said Rahn should not attempt to save a few pieces of wood for the sake of trying to preserve what the City sees as use of existing structure. Jabbour informed Rahn that the Building Inspector feels there is no house left. Rahn said he disagreed but would work with the Building Department. He said he thought what remained of the residence was what was to remain but would do all that was necessary to allow the project to continue. Goetten noted that she did not vote for the project initially and thought problems would occur. Goetten said the occurrences result in a major change to the application and should be reviewed again by the Planning Commission. 12