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 9 Leskinen asked whether the grading plan has been deemed adequate. Curtis stated that is one of the things the City Engineer will review and approve. The City Engineer has recommended that some of the trees near the creek bed be preserved. Schoenzeit asked if there are any other septic locations available on the property that abuts Mr. Berman’s property. Gronberg indicated he spoke with the City’s septic inspector when he did the septic testing, and on Lot 2, the house is located slightly to the south to reduce the length of the driveway. There are currently two septic sites on that lot and the primary one would be located approximately 40 feet back from the property line. On Lot 3, there is the existing house and a ravine to the east. Gronberg stated perhaps the septic sites could be moved 10 to 15 feet, but noted those are the flat areas and the best locations for the septic sites. There would be a conservation easement along the north property line and they can look at that to see whether they can preserve any trees in that area to help screen the septic area. Lemke asked if the primary septic site would be A or B. Gronberg indicated it could be either one. It is possible that the existing house on Lot 3 could be torn down at some point in the future and that they would envision they will construct a house a little closer to the bridge. Gronberg indicated there is a pretty natural slope for a walkout. Lemke asked if there is currently a septic system on Lot 3. Lein indicated there is and that it is in the area depicted as septic site A. Gaffron asked if there is an expectation that the existing house will be removed. Lein indicated he is going to sell the property as is and that he is not sure what the new property owners will do. Berman noted there are already utility easements and that the utility company consistently takes trees down. Berman stated the concept that the house will be hidden by trees or a path is disingenuous. Levang asked if he can see the house currently. Berman indicated he cannot but that will change under this proposal. Curtis noted the City would be requiring a conservation easement to preserve those trees. Curtis illustrated the property lines on the drawing. Berman pointed out his lot on the overhead. Gaffron stated to his understanding that is not his lot and that it would be to the right of the pie shaped lot. Thiesse requested Staff point out the existing tree line.