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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 27, 2009 7:00 o’clock p.m. ______________________________________________________________________________ PAGE 7 (4. #08-3378 MICHAEL AND JULIE WHITTINGTON, 1981 FAGERENESS POINT ROAD, Continued) Murphy stated he has a difficult time with the pergola and that a patio would be better than a pergola since it does not obstruct the neighbors’ views. Bremer asked what Staff would prefer to see as it relates to hardcover. Turner stated based on the topography of the lot, Staff feels the proposed location is the best spot for the residence and that some additional hardcover is required for the driveway. Staff feels the hardcover should be kept to the 25 percent limit plus the additional hardcover the Council deems appropriate for the driveway. Bremer asked if there was one item in particular that Staff is opposed to. Turner indicated there is not. Bremer noted this application has changed since the review by the Planning Commission and asked whether the Planning Commission should review it again. Turner stated in her opinion it is not necessary for the Planning Commission to review it again. Bremer commented it is not the City Council’s job to redesign the house and that she would be okay with the hardcover as proposed at 31.9 percent but that the issue is the pergola. Bremer noted this is a wide lot and that his neighbor has a 100-foot lot but was not given any additional hardcover than what he was allowed even though he had similar topography issues. Bremer stated she would be in favor of allowing the 12-foot driveway. Whittington pointed out that a number of his neighbors have hardcover in excess of 31 percent, with one property owner on Shadywood being granted 38.6 percent, which was just approved three years ago. Whittington indicated he could provide other examples if the Council would like. Whittington indicated he is unsure how the house could be reduced. White recommended the applicant look at possible ways to reduce the size of the house as well as ways to make the house more energy efficient. Franchot stated it comes down to reasonable use of the lot, and that by removing the pool and the neighbors being supportive of the plan, in his view it is a very reasonable house and that the pergola is not egregious. Franchot indicated he would support the house plan as proposed and would also be supportive of the driveway being either 10 feet or 12 feet. Whittington noted the current house consists of 4,300 finished square feet and that the proposed house is at 3,100 square feet. The hardcover is also being reduced by approximately 20 percent from what currently exists. Turner displayed a picture of the proposed residence. White asked what the height of this residence is as compared to the neighbor’s. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 05/11/09 Council Minutes 04/27/09 [Page 7 of 18]