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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, September 15, 2014 <br />6:30 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />Page 56 of 59  <br />  <br /> <br />Lemke asked whether Staff has any concern with the length of the one cul-de-sac since it is quite a bit <br />over the 1,000 foot maximum. <br /> <br />Hiller stated although the length is over, the traffic will be rather minimal and that there will only be six <br />homes on that cul-de-sac. Hiller stated to his knowledge there are no safety issues. <br /> <br />Thiesse asked what the intent is for limiting the size of the cul-de-sacs. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated the requirement for a 1,000maximum has been in the code since the early 1980s and one of <br />the reasons for it would be for emergency vehicle access. Gaffron stated if a tornado came through and <br />blocked the road, limiting the length of cul-de-sacs is one way to minimize potential emergency access <br />issues. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated the City has perhaps more than a handful of cul-de-sacs/private roads that exceed 1,000 <br />feet, so it is not unheard of to grant that type of variance. Gaffron stated the City has not had an issue <br />with it in the past and that as long as the road does not get too narrow, it is probably fine. <br /> <br />Grittman indicated another common reason for restricting cul-de-sac length is to limit traffic and the <br />number of lots located on the cul-de-sac since it has a single outlet. Grittman stated given the size of the <br />lots on this cul-de-sac, it is not a major concern since there would likely not be any traffic issues. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated Casco Point Road functionally acts as a cul-de-sac since there are 200-plus homes on it <br />and there is only one access point. <br /> <br />Lemke stated he likes the evolution of the plan and the park concept. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit stated he also likes the park concept, and if the City can contribute towards that, it would be a <br />good investment. Schoenzeit stated it appears like the project is working and that there has been good <br />cooperation with the neighbors. Schoenzeit stated as the development expands outside the area, how it <br />impacts the surrounding neighborhood and the City should be positive. <br /> <br />Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/20/2014 <br />Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 09/15/2014 <br />[Page 56 of 59]