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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, September 16, 2016 <br />6:30 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />Page 12 of 34  <br />  <br />Kavanaugh noted the lift station is in rough condition and asked whether it is scheduled to be replaced at <br />some point in the future. Kavanaugh asked how difficult it would be to move the lift station in order for <br />them to gain access. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated in his view it would be difficult to move given the 30-foot depth of the lift station and that <br />it would likely cost tens of thousands of dollars to relocate. <br /> <br />Kavanaugh stated that obviously the big issue tonight is the Special Lot Combination Agreement and that <br />Staff has brought up some points relating to the sewer line, the lift station, the encroachment, and the fact <br />that the property has never been assessed a unit and footage charge. Kavanaugh stated those items can be <br />resolved and that they would like some feedback on the Special Lot Combination Agreement. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated in his view the only reason those reasons were raised is in deference to the fact that the <br />property owners have put a lot of effort into some of the details of site planning. Gaffron stated he <br />understands the issues that surround the attempts to obtain easements from the neighbors, but given the <br />fact that the lift station is in that location, it is an issue, and in order to gain access to the property, it is <br />imperative that they obtain those easements. Gaffron stated those factors, however, really have nothing to <br />do with the fact that there is a Special Lot Combination Agreement in effect that combines these two <br />parcels as one for zoning purposes. <br /> <br />Lemke asked if Staff is aware of other similar Special Lot Combination Agreements in effect. <br /> <br />Gaffron indicated the City has Special Lot Combination Agreements that are typically directly across <br />rather than offset by 100 feet plus. This situation is unique but it is not unique in that the City has Special <br />Lot Combination Agreements that tie non-lakeshore parcels directly across from the lake. Cherry Avenue <br />is one example where there is a wetland situation and an undeveloped right-of-way by the Hennepin <br />County boat launch at County Road 19 and North Shore Drive. In that situation there is land located <br />across from a wetland that is considered to be a separate parcel. Gaffron stated to his recollection the City <br />has completed approximately a dozen of those agreements over the years. <br /> <br />Lemke asked if any of those Special Lot Combination Agreements have been terminated. <br /> <br />Gaffron indicated they have not and that this situation is unique. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit asked if there is any lakeside combination that is as large as this one. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated he does not believe so, which again makes this situation unique. <br /> <br />Kavanaugh indicated they did speak to the prior owner of the property and she confirmed that the only <br />reason she entered into the agreement was to preserve her dock. The intent was not to forever bar <br />development on this lot. If the Planning Commission looks again at Paragraph 7, it does not say that to <br />terminate this agreement the lot must conform to the dimensional requirements of the code. It states if the <br />agreement is terminated, it must be done so in accordance with the City’s platting code, which specifies <br />the process of applying for a subdivision and the variance standards. Kavanaugh stated the intent of the <br />parties to this agreement was not to prohibit development on the lot. <br /> <br />Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 7:38 p.m. <br /> <br />Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/21/2013 <br />Approval of PC Minutes 09/16/2013 [Page 12 of 34]