05-28-1985 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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( MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD MAY 28, 1985. PAGE 6 #903 FERRELL Zoning Administrator Mabusth noted that in 1967 the standards changed when the zoning code was revised effecting the applicant. Acting Mayor Frahm explained that it is hard for the City to honor a verbal opinion that was made in 1967 . Frahm felt to be fair to the applicant that he would consider two building sites, but certainly not three building sites . Councilmember T. Adams stated that before deciding the Council should see all relevant background information. Councilmember L. Adams symphathized with this type of problem when the owner purchases property and keeps it with the intent in the future to build on the property only to have the zoning code standards change. Adams stated that he cannot see installing three septic tank systems on three small lots since the septic tanks will be the permanent system installed there. Adams noted conceptually that he would consider two building sites only because of the problem that the applicant owned the property with the intent to build in the future only to have the zoning code standards change. Adams noted that if it weren't for that reason he would not even consider two building sites. Adams stated that when the septic systems are placed too close together on small lots such as these, there are potential problems with ground water con�amination when these systems fail. Acting Mayor Frahm expressed his concern that if the City approved three lots that the City would create a density pocket similar to the Crystal Bay neighborhood in which the City would have to go back in the future to correct the problem by sewering the area. Ward Ferrell stated that his septic system is 28 years old and has never had a problem with leakage. Ferrell pointed out that he has paid taxes on the property as if they were buildable lots since 1948 and now he cannot use the property. Ferrell stated that up until two years ago they paid taxes on the two vacant lots as if there were separate building sites . Ferrell noted that two years ago the taxes were lowered from $11,000 to $5,500. Ferrell explained that he has already told his daughter that she can have the lot and he is not going back on his word. Ferrell asked if the City was going to honor what Herb Ross told him years ago. Acting Mayor Frahm stated, in his opinion, no. Mrs. Ferrell asked if the City was going to refund their taxes that they have paid for buildable lots all these years. City Administrator Bernhardsonstated thatshould a variance be applied for that in the review it should be considered what position the applicant would have been in if he had not subdivided the property.