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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Tuesday,February 20,2018 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> City Administrator Rief stated the City is aware that this is a problem area and that the City is willing to <br /> fix it but they need assurances that the City can gain access closer to the lift station or possibly a <br /> cul-de-sac to help the turnaround situation. Rief concurred that there is a lot of traffic in the area and that <br /> he would be willing to discuss potential solutions with the neighbors if they would like to at another time. <br /> Jim Theisen asked what the sole purpose of the vacation is and how it will benefit the neighbors. <br /> Thiesse stated the Planning Commission has been asked to look at the vacation request and determine if <br /> there is any benefit to the City or the neighbors if the area is vacated. <br /> Allen Merrill stated he has no intentions of developing the lot behind him and that what he is potentially <br /> looking at is maybe constructing a garage there. Merrill stated the only reason to vacate the strip is so he <br /> can pick up another ten feet so he can have room to possibly build a garage. Merrill agreed that parking <br /> and garage space for everybody is tight and that he is willing to work with the City if they want to figure <br /> out a way to build a cul-de-sac. <br /> Merrill stated when he bought his place, it was newly constructed and that he got the back lot with it. <br /> Merrill noted he tells all the neighbors that they can use his parking area and that he did put some gravel <br /> down so people could park back there. Merrill noted they cannot park in the street since it is a one-way <br /> street and that he can understand what the neighbors are talking about with the traffic. Merrill indicated <br /> he would be supportive of widening out Grand View up to County Road 151 but that he does not want to <br /> pay the additional specials to do it. <br /> Merrill stated when it was first brought up about the genset,he thought it would really make a mess,and <br /> that he talked to the engineers about it blocking the turnaround. Merrill noted he suggested the City <br /> vacate that little strip and that he and Bob Hanna would give them a full easement to maintain the <br /> generator and everything else back there. Merrill stated he did not know that the City decided to move it <br /> towards the east. Merrill reiterated that no new homes will built there if the area is vacated. <br /> Thiesse noted the City said that for 50 years on the other lot and that there is now a house there. <br /> Merrill commented he maybe would consider putting up a garage but never a house. <br /> Jennifer Welsh stated the neighbors are very much interested in working with the City on the road. Welsh <br /> stated after hearing about the garage and the gravel problem, she is even more concerned about the runoff <br /> from County Road 151 and North Arm. If more hardcover is added,there will be more runoff. Welsh <br /> commented she hopes this area is not vacated. <br /> Scott Christianson stated variances are usually for hardships or grandfathered-in property. Christianson <br /> commented it seems like people are doing what they want up front and then get the variance later at the <br /> cost of the neighbors or the City Code. Christianson noted the graveled lot was cleared once maybe five <br /> or six years ago and that now the gravel is back. <br /> Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. <br /> Landgraver noted there was litigation to get that lot built and that the City was opposed to it. <br /> Thiesse pointed out if those lots were to be divided,they would substandard. <br /> Page 8 of 12 <br />