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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,July 17,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Dennis Libby, 1000 Heritage Lane,stated he spent a lot of time reviewing this application and that he is <br /> delighted to see the architectural design work on this project. Libby stated the good aspect is the fact that <br /> it looks architecturally acceptable and is complementary to the neighborhood. <br /> Libby noted he is a real estate agent and has dealt with septic systems. Libby stated he has a concern <br /> about the installation and use of a subsurface septic system. Libby noted 17 years ago the residents in his <br /> neighborhood were required to abate those systems once they hooked up to city sewer. Libby stated two <br /> and a half weeks ago a state of the art pressurized high pressure sewer system was installed to service <br /> Tanager Estates and at that time he asked the contractor if the capacity of that line was really going to be <br /> adequate for the three large-scale homes. Libby indicated the contractor assured him that the line is <br /> adequate and could,in fact,service more homes. Libby stated from a common sense standpoint,he is <br /> wondering why the City is talking about putting in a subsurface system in an environmentally sensitive <br /> area with large levels of habitat and on a lot that is almost directly adjacent to wetland. Libby stated in <br /> his view the subsurface system is antiquated and the City should look at connecting to this high capacity <br /> sewer system that was just installed. <br /> Thiesse stated in his view it is a system that works and that this property should have adequate room for <br /> it,which will be verified by the City. Thiesse stated his biggest concern with throwing it into a force <br /> main is that they are sending their problems elsewhere and that a well-maintained system should do what <br /> it is supposed to do. <br /> Libby stated the modern systems versus the old systems are much more efficient. Libby stated the system <br /> that is there,according to the City Engineer,has the capacity to service more than the three houses that <br /> were just approved. Libby stated in his view a subsurface system is regressive, old-fashioned,and taking <br /> a step backwards. Libby stated given the wetlands and the wildlife,it is a real concern. <br /> Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. <br /> Thiesse stated he does believe there is a requirement for that system to accommodate this property and <br /> that the ordinances allow a subsurface system. Thiesse stated if they do not work,the whole City of <br /> Orono is in trouble. <br /> Landgraver stated it is a broader issue and that he would hate to make one applicant do something that <br /> other property owners have not been required to do. <br /> Leskinen stated she cannot deny this application based on the septic system since it is an acceptable <br /> system and allowed by code. <br /> Schwingler noted that issue is not in front of the Planning Commission tonight and that he does not have <br /> any concerns with the average lakeshore setback variance. <br /> Leskinen moved,Landgraver seconded,to recommend approval of Application No. 17-3950, <br /> NOR-SON on behalf of Michael and Meredith Kuhlman, 1760 Shoreline Drive,granting of an <br /> average lakeshore setback variance and a lot width variance. VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0. <br /> 4. 17-3951 STONEWOOD,LLC,ON BEHALF OF FORREST BURKE, 1020 TONKAWA <br /> ROAD,VARIANCE,7:46 P.M.—7:52 P.M. <br /> Sven Gustafson, Stonewood,LLC,and Peter Euschke,was present. <br /> Page 9 of 20 <br />