03-09-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 9, 2015 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 18 of 43 (9. #14-3687 REAL ASSETS II, LLC 3720 – 3730 NORTHERN AVENUE – PLAT OF NORTHERN OAKS, continued) Gaffron stated it needs to be clear in the future whether or not the developer is planning to create new building pads as part of the development improvements as opposed to going lot by lot. Gaffron stated in his view the City is better off approving a development agreement where it is clear that the developer is creating new pads. Gronberg stated sometimes in an effort to save trees, they like to wait until they get an actual plan in before tearing out trees and building the pad. Gaffron stated in this case all the trees were removed but they did not build the pads. McMillan asked if the applicant would like the Council to table the application. Todd Holmers stated they will see if the 8-foot ceilings work and then work with Staff to see if it can be worked out. Holmers stated on the first two homes, they made the garages on the right and that they are trying to switch up the garages a little bit, too. Holmers stated they were concerned because the first couple that purchased a lot was adamant about 9-foot ceilings. Holmers stated he would also like to add that he had those three plans done and into the City well before this development was approved. Holmers stated he was shocked when he found out that they could not get a permit for Lot 3 and that it was a big surprise to them after the fact. Holmers noted they are doing the development in two phases because of the grading, and that they figured as long as the guy was out there excavating, they would have him dig the pond. Holmers stated they went ahead and did both of the retaining ponds but in the beginning it was Phase 1 and Phase 2, with all the dirt being pushed from Lots 1, 2, and 3 to Lots 4, 5, and 6. Holmers stated all three of those plans were submitted before to the work being done. Gaffron asked if they were submitted prior to preliminary plat approval. Holmers stated to his recollection they were. Holmers stated in his view they went above and beyond to get those plans in as well as the color rendering on Phase 1 and that it was a surprise to them that it did not work. Holmers stated they knew those two homes would sit lower but that they were not trying to construct a house with three stories. Walsh suggested they look at the 8-foot ceilings and see if that works. Holmers stated he will do up something that shows an 8-foot ceiling for Lot 4. Holmers noted the plan for Lot 3 was submitted a while ago. Printup moved, Levang seconded, to table Application No. 14-3687, Real Assets II, LLC, 3720-3730 Northern Avenue, Plat of Northern Oaks. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.