12-08-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, December 8, 2014 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 10 of 26 (11. #14-3697 GARY AND JOAN MARQUARDT, 2617 CASCO POINT ROAD – VARIANCES, Continued) Marquardt stated the house was built in the 1960s. They were told if a sunroom was added, they had to remove the deck. Marquardt stated at that time they had only one grandchild and did not anticipate eight grandkids and one who has special needs. Marquardt stated the reason for the deck is to be able to confine them in one area. Marquardt noted they gave up more hardcover than what was gained with the sunroom. Bremer stated she likes the new plan more than the old plan and that she appreciates the applicant’s efforts in reducing the size of the deck. Bremer stated in her view the impact will be minimal and that the applicant has responded to the Council’s concerns. Bremer stated she used to live on that bay and did not have a deck. Bremer indicated she lived there for many years without a deck and only a stoop. Bremer stated the house was 100-years old and the previous owners had enclosed the porch, but that she never requested a deck because she knew how difficult it would be to get it approved. Bremer stated not having a deck was not ideal and that she can understand how circumstances change over time. Marquardt stated he would like to remind everyone that in the Planning Commission session they agreed to never build over the sunroom. Marquardt stated they have a narrow garage that was built in 2001, which seemed like a reasonable accommodation that they could make at the time, but that he is repeatedly banging his car door on the garbage cans. Marquardt stated this is a decision that will impact them for the rest of their lives and that there will not be a next time. Alan Greene, 2645 Casco Point Road, stated in 2011 or 2012, the City Council approved the improvements to Casco Point Road, which are fantastic. Greene stated in that instance the City held a number of meetings for public input and that the improvements have corrected the drainage that used to end up in their basement at no cost to him personally. Greene stated they have a deck but the Marquardt’s do not have a deck. The Marquardt’s have a gorgeous house that will be there probably long after they are gone. Greene stated the house is not going to be torn down and that there will be many families in that home over the next 100 years. Greene stated the house is crying for a deck. Greene stated the deck on their home is probably the second most important room in their house next to the kitchen. Greene indicated they love to entertain, as do the Marquardt’s, and a deck is terribly important. Greene stated he heard it said that there is want and need, that the Marquardt’s want a deck but do not need it. Greene stated the house needs a deck and that the next several families that purchase that house will probably make a decision on whether they want a deck and that a new Council will be faced with the same question of whether a deck should be put on the house. Greene stated following the budget hearing earlier this evening, it became very obvious that the City of Orono has an interest in seeing that property valuations in the community are set appropriately, which makes the community more valuable. Greene stated the houses are a city’s assets and that this house on Casco Point is an asset to the community of Orono, not unlike an asset for a corporation.