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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />November 10, 2014 <br />7:00 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />  Page 14 of 31  <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />(5. #14-3690 FRED JOHNSON (C/D PURCHASER), PATRICIA PFEFFER (SELLER), 1565 <br />ORCHARD BEACH PLACE – VARIANCES AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, Continued) <br /> <br />Haugan stated in his view their grading plan can be accomplished without adversely affecting the <br />neighbors. Haugan stated he is impressed with the idea that small lots similar to this lot have tax values <br />that are 390, 429, 338, and 375. <br /> <br />McMillan stated the property would need to be declared buildable. McMillan asked if he has given any <br />thought about downsizing the house. <br /> <br />Haugan stated he is not a builder but that in his view 10’ x 40’ does not sound big enough. Haugan stated <br />to his understanding the 10-foot depth is the problem. Haugan stated in his view the drainage can be <br />handled, they will not remove too many trees, and that the grading will be fine. Haugan stated he is <br />hearing that the main issue is the street setback and the rear setback but that they may be inclined to <br />granting the other variances, which he is appreciates. Haugan stated the problem they have is the <br />proposed building envelope of 10’ x 40’, which makes it difficult to construct a house. Haugan stated it <br />would be better if the house was squarer but those are discussions that he would need to have with the <br />builder. <br /> <br />Levang asked if he would like the application tabled so he could speak with the builder about what <br />dimension would be acceptable. <br /> <br />Haugan indicated he would be willing to do that and he has had one brief conversation with him already. <br />Haugan noted the builder is currently in Florida and his ability to communicate with him is not ideal. <br />Haugan stated the builder did indicate he was pleased to see there was possibly some chilling of the ice <br />with respect to the building envelope but that 10’ x 40’ would not work. <br /> <br />McMillan stated the other concern is the average lakeshore setback and the height of the structure. <br />McMillan stated she cannot say what the right height would be but that perhaps something could be <br />worked out that the neighbors could see over the structure. McMillan stated that would be another <br />restriction that will need to be received. <br /> <br />Haugan noted the trees are high already and that this lot is 19 feet lower than the adjacent lot, but he <br />understands that is an issue. <br /> <br />McMillan commented that most times the trees will die as a result of the construction even though there is <br />a good intent to preserve them. McMillan stated she considers the structure to be more permanent than <br />the trees and that it is something to think about. <br /> <br />Levang asked if the fill will be in excess of ten cubic yards. <br /> <br />Haugan indicated it probably would be. <br /> <br />Levang asked how much dirt that would be. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated ten cubic yards would be one standard dump truck but that Staff has not attempted to <br />calculate exactly how much.