03-19-2018 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MONDAY,MARCH 19,2018 6:30 o'clock p.m. Curtis indicated there is not. George Stickney,Applicant, stated they are attempting to preserve what has existed for 100-plus years and takes 20.5 acres and only creates one new lot. Stickney stated the lot is more than conforming at 5.7 acres. The roadway on Outlot A will act as a driveway and has been there for over 107 years. The entry monuments are within that outlot as well. Stickney stated in response to some of the comments received today,he would note that the existing entry monument in the front is 43-plus feet away from the right-of-way. The main structure starts at 40 feet and then horseshoes toward Old Crystal Bay Road,which results in it being approximately 30 feet from the right-of-way. Stickney stated currently the distance is 420 feet wide,with Hennepin County suggesting 660 feet of width for safe passage. Stickney noted there are three to four driveways across the street,and as it relates to the line of sight,he is able to see more than a half a mile to the north and then past Fox Street and all the way down to Carpenter Road before there is a sightline issue. Stickney indicated he has compacted ground to work with on the driveway since it has been used for 107 years and that they will make it better by increasing the width to 15 feet wide. In addition,the area next to the road will be landscaped. There will also be covenants covering the north boundary consisting of a 10-foot tree preservation area where no trees can be cut,which will further buffer the homeowners on the north side of the property. There is also a 10-foot tree preservation agreement between the two lots. Stickney commented this is a unique development because there will only be one septic site. As it relates to sewer, Stickney noted the outlot runs almost 1,000 feet and then they would have to add another 500 feet of sewer line to the new house,which is exorbitant for two homes on 20-plus acres. Stickney stated they would also have to incur a lot more costs with a lift station and grinder pumps as well as having to remove additional trees. Stickney indicated this proposal has one septic site in excess of 340 feet from the lake with numerous alternate sites being available. Stickney stated the only time a septic site will fail is when the installer inadvertently compacts the ground. Stickney stated they are taking a very conservative approach to the development and that by connecting the horseshoe to the new driveway will let the property owner reach the guest house and barn. Stickney stated in his view it is a better proposal for fire trucks and other vehicles. The apron near the home is for extra parking and safety. Stickney stated the development will be very private and secluded and the neighbors will not know anything has changed. Page 3 of 23