10/15/2012 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, October 15, 2012 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 13 Gronberg noted there are no plans currently to construct a trail. Lein stated he has to sell these lots and that a possible future trail is a detriment. Shoenzeit commented the house would be located quite a ways from any trail and that he would recommend the trail be concurrent with the utility easements. Levang moved, Walsh seconded, to recommend approval of Application #12-3579, John Lein, 2700 Sixth Avenue North, preliminary plat approval, subject to Staff and the City Engineer’s recommendations, with the recommendation that Option 3 be utilized for the conservation design, and to recommend a trail easement be granted. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS 5. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2012, AND OCTOBER 8, 2012 Schoenzeit stated at the September 24 City Council meeting a majority of the items were placed on the Consent Agenda. As it relates to the deputy chief position, a study shown that the pay rates were close to other similar sized cities. Levang stated there was also a concern raised by the City Council about what would happen to that position if the contract was not renewed. Schoenzeit asked what action the City Council took on the rooster matter. Gaffron stated the property owner who owns the roosters was charged with three counts of disturbing peace and quiet, which is a petty misdemeanor. The judge dismissed two counts and found her guilty on one count. There was a $300 fine and stayed $200 of it. There was also a condition placed on the property owner for one year stating that she cannot have same or similar violations. The lady has told the prosecuting attorney that she is probably going to be moving since the house is in foreclosure, so the problem may be resolved at some point. Gaffron stated the fine may not be enough to persuade someone to get rid of their roosters. If there are more violations or another conviction within a year, the fines get stiffer. At this point Staff is waiting to see if the situation changes. Leskinen reported on the October 8th City Council meeting, noting that two of the five planning applications were placed on the Consent Agenda. The application dealing with Willow Drive South was removed from the Consent Agenda to address the dedication of the private road to the City. The road would be built to city standards and the City voted to waive the dedication to the City. Leskinen stated the Gail Gustafson application, 1430 Cherry Place, was also removed from the Consent Agenda due to a question about a variance being required for a stairway in the 0-75 foot area. Following a brief discussion, the City Council approved the application. There was a lengthy discussion regarding the application for 4156 Highwood Road with regard to the deck encroaching on the fire lane. Curtis noted the City Council denied the encroachment of the deck.