11-24-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 24,1997 • ( #7 - Hardcover Policy Resolution- Continued) Flint expressed his appreciation of the background work provided by staff. Flint said he has concluded, however, that the whole issue should be restated rather than in a piece- meal fashion as has occurred in the past. Flint said he appreciated the discussion of other issues as well, citing leaving the natural vegetation buffer adjacent to the lakeshore. Flint said he is concerned with focusing on hardcover and becoming blind to the big picture. He asked that the rules be restated. Jabbour indicated having attended recent Planning Commission meetings, and he believes the Commission is doing an excellent job of reviewing the issues. He believes the increasing hardcover percentages and eliminating variances would not be a good solution. Jabbour felt if hardcover limits were increased, it would not eliminate variances but people will want to keep adding more and pushing the limit. He indicated problems with hardcover percentages found in other communities, and he remains satisfied with the 25% hardcover allowed in Orono. Jabbour indicated the importance of determining the reasoning and findings behind resolutions that have been adopted in the past. He suggested this policy be adopted for use as a guideline and amended in the future to reflect changes that become necessary. Jabbour said he is attempting that this be resolved at the Council level since the final decisions are made by Council. Peterson expressed appreciation of the work performed by Gaffron on this issue. She asked how the public will be informed of the policies. Gaffron said he would include the resolution in all application packets. He said the resolution will formalize and clarify what has been the policy and what has been administered over the last 22 years. Gaffron said the information can also be passed on through a newsletter or newspaper article. Flint asked about holding a series of work sessions to discuss the broader issues. Jabbour agreed with the idea of holding work sessions and using a committee as part of the update of the Comprehensive Plan. He felt a sub - committee should be established to begin the discussions. Flint suggested this policy be adopted and work begun on the Comprehensive Plan. Jabbour indicated that changes in staff have resulted in less background being known by staff. This policy will be a good instrument to assist in facilitating applications. There were no public comments. •