HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-21-1988 Planning MinutesMIHUTBS OF THE PIAMHIHG COMMISSIOM TING NOVEMBER 21, 1988
ATTENDANCE 7:00 P.M.
The Orono Planning Commission met on the above date with the
following members present: Chairman Kelley; Planning Commission
members Bellows, Cohen, Hanson, Brown and Moos. The following
represented the City staff: Building and Zoning Administrator
Mabusth, Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator Gaffron,
Public Works Director Gerhardson, City Engineer Cook and City
Recorder Scheffler. Council Representative, Alan Nettles,
attended, and CounciImember Goetten was also pressent.
CONSENT AGENDA
It was moved by Chairman Kelley, seconded by Planning
Commission member Hanson, to approve the consent agenda. Motion,
Ayes=6, Nays=0, Motion passed.
#1349 LAUREN 4 JOYCE BORN
1420/1432 SHORELINE DRIVE
SUBDIVISION OF A LOT LINE REARRANGEMENT
PUBLIC HEARING 7:00 P.M. - 7:25 P.M.
The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing were
duly noted.
The applicants were present for this matter.
Zoning Administrator Mabusth explained that it was far more
efficient to address the drainage and utility easements together
with the lot line rearrangement. Chairman Kelley summarized that
the purpose of the three Born applications was to acquire more
land and add on to their existing home. Mabusth asked if the
Born's would proceed with lot line rearrangement should the
Planning Commission recommend denial of their variance request?
Mr. Born replied that they would not be able to obtain the
adjacent property if the variance was not approved. Mr. Born
provided a survey showing the areas they were acquiring and
hardcover they were removing. Mabusth stated that the curvature
of the lakeshore created the necessity for an additional 17*
setback from the lakeshore. The existing front line of the house
is 45'.
Kelley inquired as to whether there was any concern that the
lot line rearrangement created a substandard lot. The Helper
property would be reduced to 1.88 acres dry. Planning Commission
member Hanson inquired as to the soils located within the 1.88
acre. Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator Gaffron
responded that clay soils were predominant throughout that entire
area. However, that would not have any effects on the septic as
there is a primary and alternate septic site location on the
Halper property.
There were no comments from the public regarding this matter
and the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Planning Commission member Hanson, seconded
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Z0NIH6 FILE #1349 - BORN CONTINOBD
by Planning Commission member Bellows, to recommend approval of
this application, per staff recommendations. Motion, Ayes*5,
Brown, Nay, based on the creation of the substandard lot. Motion
passed.
#1349 lAUREN 8 JOYCE BORM
1420/1432 SHORELINE DRIVE
VACATION OF EASEMENTS
PUBLIC HEARING 7s00 P.N. - 7:25 P.M.
The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing were
duly noted.
The applicants were present for this matter.
There were no comments from the public regarding this matter
and the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Planning Commission member Hanson, seconded
by Planning Commission member Bellows, to recommend approval of
this application, per staff recommendations. Motion, Ayes«5,
Brown, Nay, based on the creation of the substandard lot. Motion
passed.
#1350 LAUREN 8 JOYCE BORN
1420/1432 SHORELINE DRIVE
VARIANCES
PUBLIC HEARING 7:00 P.M. - 7:25 P.M.
The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing were
duly noted.
The applicants were present for this matter.
Zoning Administrator Mabusth indicated on a sketch where the
new driveway would be installed and what the Borns were proposing
to remove. She added that the crushed rock landscape area with
plastic underlining could remain as there was no excessive
hardcover within the 75'-250' setback area. She asked the
Planning Commission for their input as to the 17' setback from
the 929.4 elevation and the 24.8' side setback from the newly
created lot line.
Planning Commission member Hanson expressed his concerns
regarding the 17' lakeshore setback. He suggested that the Borns
redesign the addition to gain a further setback. Mabusth asked
for a minimum setback figure to give the Borns some direction.
Zoning Administrator Mabusth asked the Planning Commission
as to whether it was appropriate to grant the Borns the side
setback variance at the time a lot line rearrangement is under
consideration by the City? Chairman Kelley suggested
gerrymandering the lot line.
MINUTBS OF THr. PLAmillG COMMISSION 1\A :•TING NOVEMBER 21, 1988
ZONING FILE #1350~BORN CONTINUED
Planning Commission member Bellows inquired as to the square
footage of the existing house. Mr. Born replied that it was 709
s.f. total. Bellows observed that because of this application
being unique» there would be little or no possibility of
precedent setting. Kelley concurred. Bellows went on to say
that she would not see a problem with approving the side setback,
but in terms of the 17' setback, she agreed with Hanson. She
suggested pushing the addition back another 8'. Mr. Born stated
that moving the addition 8' more from the lake would create a
problem because of the need to expand existing rooms on the first
floor. To move the addition 8 feet would prohibit the desired
expansion. Mabusth pointed out the fact that moving the house
forward would create the need for a street setback variance. The
house is only 53* from the roadway. Kelley stated that he would
rather have the house adhere to the street setback, than the
lakeshore setback because of the safety factor as no one knows
the future expansion plans of the County. Bellows agreed with
Kelley, adding that she would withdraw her objections to the
lakeshore setback variance and noted for the record the major
reduction of hardcover within the 0-75' setback area.
There were no comments from the public regarding this matter
and the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Chairman Kelley, seconded by Planning
Commission member Moos, to recommend approval of this
application. The hardships involved in this matter are the small
lot, maintaining the 50* setback from County Road 15, and the
curvature of the lakeshore. Kelley commended the Borns for
acquiring additional property and working with the hardcover on
the property. Planning Commission member Brown stated that he
objected to the side yard setback variance due to the fact that
the subdivision was new. Kelley stated that the lot line could be
gerrymandered to address that concern. Mabusth interjected that
filing the division at the County may cause problems when dealing
with a metes and bounds division. Kelley said that the proposed
24* was an improvement over the existing 12* from the house to
the lot line. Hanson stated that the Borns had done everything
possible, with the exception of buying the entire neighboring
parcel, to work with the City and add on to his house. Motion,
Ayes=6, Nays=0, Motion passed.
#1352 CHARLES SCHOEN
2430/2460 NORTH SHORE DRIVE
SUBDIVISION OF A LOT LINE REARRANGEMENT
PUBLIC HEARING 8:05 P.M. - 8:07 P.M.
The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing were
duly noted.
The applicant was present for this matter.
Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator Gaffron
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ij:hiZOMING PILE #1352-SCHOEIi COHTIIH
explained that Mr. Jacobs was purchasing 1.39 acres of land, of
which 98% is dry.
There were no conunents from the public regarding this matter
and the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Chairman Kelley, seconded by Planning
Commission member Hanson, to recommend approval of this
application. Motion, Ayes®6, Nay*0, Motion passed.
#1354 ROBERT MERKOff & JOHN CBARLTOM
2340/2380 ABIH6D0M NAT
SUBDIVISIOE OF A LOT LIRE REARRAaGEMEBT
PUBLIC HEARIHG 8:08 P.M. ~ 8:09 P.M.
The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing were
duly noted.
The applicant was present for this matter.
Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator Gaffron stated
that the purpose of the lot line rearrangement was to expand the
Merkow's front yard and allow their driveway to be located
further west.
There were no comments from the public regarding this matter
and the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Planninr Commission member Cohen, seconded
by Planning Commission member Brown, to approve this application,
per staff recommendation. Motion, Ayes«6, Nays=0, Motion passed.
#1351 ALFRED HARRISOH
1410 SHORBLIHE DRIVE
VACATION OF BASBNEIIT
PUBLIC BEARING 8:25 P.M. - 8:27 P.M.
Mr. Harrison was not present for this matter.
Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator Gaffron
explained that the applicants were requesting to vacate a portion
of a drainage easement that was no longer needed due to pond
reconstruction in 1985. The drainage easement was granted in
1982, based upon a pre-existing pond. Since that time, regrading
of the pond occurred, and the drainage easement is no longer
necessary.
Chairman Kelley asked when the Harrison's would be moving
into the house? Gaffron replied that he knew of no specific
date, but work on the house had been going on for the last 6
months.
There were no comments from the public regarding this matter
and the public hearing was closed.
NIiniTBS OF THE PLAHNIHG CONMISSIOH TIMG EOFBMBRR 21, 1988
II > IZ0HIH6 PILE #1351-HARR1S0N COirrilll
It was moved by Planning Commission member Brown, seconded
by Planning Commission member Cohen, to recommend approval of
this application. Motion, Ayes=6, Nays=0, Motion passed.
#1357 O. LEERY LEE
VACATIOH OF PORTIOHS OF GARDEN LANE
AND HIGHVIBif LANE
POELIC HEARING
Zoning Administrator Mabusth explained that Mr. Krautkremer
was unable to attend the meeting. There were concerned parties
present and Mabusth briefly explained the location of the alley.
Mr. Kost was asked by the City to vacate the alley, because the
City only wanted a 50*, rather than a 60* right-of-way. She
further informed them that there would be a meeting, Tuesday,
November 22, at 7:00 p.m. that would specifically deal with this
subdivision. There would be no action taken at that meeting, it
would be a question and answer session.
It was moved by Planning Commission member Cohen, seconded
by Chairman Kelley, to table this item. Motion, Ayes*6, Nays=0,
Motion passed.
#1358 TED FEIG t TIM JOHNSON
627/629 NORTH FERNDALE ROAD
RENEWAL OF SUBDIVISION OP A LOT LINE REARRANGEMENT
PUBLIC HEARING 8:45 P.M. - 8:46 P.M.
The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing were
duly noted.
The applicants were*not present for this matter.
Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator Gaffron
explained that this application involved a renewal and revision
of the subdivision of a lot line rearrangement approved
originally in 1987, but which was never filed . The parties
revised the lot line so as to better conform with the existing
driveway and backyard areas.
There were no comments from the public regarding this matter
and the public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Planning Commission member Cohen, seconded
by Chairman Kelley, to recommend approval of this application.
Motion, Ayes=:6, Nays*0, Motion passed.
#1302 CITY OF OROHO
CRYSTAL BAY ROAD
CONDITIONAL USB PERMIT
THIRD REVIEW
City Engineer Cook indicated that following a meeting of the
City and Crystal Bay Road residents, there were still areas of
disagreement. He reported that there were two options for
MI1I0¥BS OP TOE PIAJIWIirc COMMISSIOM MEBTIM6 IKJVEMBBR 21, 1988
ZOVIHG FILE 11302-CITY OP OROHO CONTIRl
repairing the bank:
Option 1 would involve replacing only damaged
areas where the bank slid. This would be done by
building a retaining wall and backfilling from the wall
to the top of the road. The only way that sloping
could be achieved would be to place fabric or other
material to keep the soil from eroding away. The
property owners would have to be involved with this
option by taking responsibility for the repairs to the
bank. The City would install posts and sheathing and
backfill with sand. Minimal excavation of the road
would be done, along with patching the edge of the
road.
Chairman Kelley asked why the City could not pay for the fill
needed for the bank? Cook said that was another option, but the
City may not wish to do so. Planning Commission member Bellows
asked how much of the property in question was owned by the City?
Public Works Director Gerhardson replied that the City’s
prescriptive easement would only be over the actual road and
gravel ditch area. Cook added that there was additional language
that stated the City owned the road to whatever point was
necessary to maintain drainage.
Option 2 would allow for a portion of retaining
wall to be exposed and would be located approximately 3
feet into the private property lines. In the other
areas, there would be bushes and other vegetation, so a
wall would be Installed as in option 1, but would only
exist for the purpose of retaining the bank. However,
there are cracks in the road which could allow water to
seep in and cause the bank to shift.
Chairman Kelley asked Engineer Cook as to which option would be
best? Cook responded that either option would sufficiently
remedy the problem. Kelley then asked which option the residents
of Crystal Bay Road would prefer?
Mr. Schibilla expressed the desire of the residents to
proceed with option 2. Mr. Bill Wolfe stated that he had no
problem with option 2, and commended Public Works Director
Gerhardson and City Engineer Cook for their efforts. He added
that the residents had just reviewed option 2 that evening. They
wanted time to discuss and receive input from a landscape
architect to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing effect as
possible. Chairman Kelley inquired as to when the City would
begin work. Gerhardson replied it would be in the Spring.
Planning Commission member Bellows expressed her concern over the
residents who chose not to replace the fill. Mr. Lee Erger
explained that he owned the property where the most wall exposure
would be; he would have difficulty attaining a 2:1 slope. He
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IJZONING PILE #1302-CITT OP ORONO CONTIN1
proposed to leave the wall exposed and plant vegetation on the
other side to provide screening.
Planning Commission member Bellows stated that there should
not be any controversy with this matter. The simple fact is that
the City has a duty to repair a dangerous situation. She further
stated that since the City did not own the property beyond the
road and proposed retaining wallsr and the City did not cause the
problem but was attempting to correct it, that the property
owners, individually, should be responsible for restoration of
their property.
Chairman Kelley inquired as to whether there would be a 1:1
slope on Mr. Erger's property. City Engineer Cook confirmed
that, and added that the only way to do that would be to put
fabric or some type of wall. Kelley asked how much wall would be
exposed if there was a 3:1 slope? Cook replied 5* to 6*. Kelley
asked what supported the bank before it was washed away? Cook
answered that natural vegetation held it. Planning Commission
member Brown inquired about the workability of a 2:1 slope. Cook
said that wculd work and would reduce the wall by a couple of
feet.
Ms. Connie Schibilla stated that despite the several
meetings with City, she had nothing on paper indicating what
exactly was being proposed.
Chairman Kelley stated that he would have no problem
recommending the 2:1 slope. Planning Commission member Cohen
concurred. Bellows stated that easements necessary for
construction of the wall was a technical issue that still needed
to be addressed. She said that the Planning Commission should
set a guideline as to how much wall can be exposed. The Planning
Commission concurred that 5' maximum would be allowed. Mr. Erger
then asked how much of a shoulder would be required from the road
so that a guardrail would not be necessary. The residents
concurred that they did not want a guardrail. Kelley asked what
was needed to make the area safe? Cook said that there was no
set guideline, but in a normal situation, a guardrail would be
required. Anything over 30” would require a guardrail. Cohen
explained to the residents the City's problem with liability
should someone fall over the edge. Rich Anderson interjected
that that was the controversey. Bellows said it was a matter of
a guardrail or keeping the drop-off below 30”. She said that
legally the City could install a guardrail into the pavement
because of the drop-off currently being more than 30”. Cohen
concurred. Mr. Erger suggested placing the posts 1' or 2' off of
the shoulder so that they could prevent anything from going off
of the edge. The Planning Commission as a whole agreed that
would not meet the City's safety standards.
Mr. Wolfe asked how the City could place a guardrail on
milUTB8 OP THE PIAimiliG CQMMISSIOll MBETIHG 80VBMBBR 21, 1988
•J :i *Z0MIH6 FILE #1302~ClTy OP ORONO CONTINl
private property without due compensation? Chairman Kelley
advised the residents that they would have to deal with the City
Council and City Attorney on those issues. Mr. Schupp said that
he did not see how the City could interfere with his access to
the lake. Kelley reiterated his position that the Planning
Commission could not resolve that issue. He added that as far as
the City's health, safety and welfare was concerned, the Planning
Commission would recommend installation of a guardrail. The
issue of any compensation to the property owners would have to be
addressed by the City. Mr. Schupp asked what the height
requirement was for a guardrail. Kelley informed him that any
drop of 30" required a guardrail. Kelley reiterated his
suggestion of taking the guardrail issue to the City Council,
because the Planning Commission did not have the authority to
resolve that issue. Planning Commission member Hanson
interjected that for 18 months this public road has existed in an
unsafe state. Kelley continued to say that the Planning
Commission can only act on the City Ordinances. The residents
were asking for a variance to the ordinance requiring a railing
for a 5' drop. Kelley avowed himself to be a volunteer to his
community and said that he could not consciously allow that kind
of a drop-off without a guardrail.
Mr. Erger said that he would not object to the "curb" going
up if it was located at the very edge of the lot line, or even
extending 3* or 4' if the City could determine how much slope
would be involved. Kelley suggested that the City could protect
itself and take more private property and have more road on the
other side. Mr. Wolfe reiterated his desire to consult with a
landscape architect.
Mr. Erger asked if the City would allow the bank to be 1:1?
City Engineer Cook said that it could be 1:1, but that may be
very costly. A better solution may be to keep the bank at 30" or
less. Mr. Schupp asked if proceeding with option 1 would
alleviate the need for a guardrail? City Engineer Cook said that
may or may not be the case. Rich Anderson suggested putting the
bank back as it was so that a guardrail would not be necessary.
Kelley and Cohen explained that it would be the property owner's
financial obligation if they proceeded in that manner. Rich
Anderson wanted the City to finance the project. Kelley again
suggested taking these various proposals to the City Council.
Mr. Erger asked about having 2' of shoulder from the blacktop to
the guardrail and screening the guardrail from the front^with
plantings. Bellows and Kelley pointed out the fact that snow
plows may destroy the shrubs.
It was moved by Chairman Kelley, seconded by Planning
Commission member Cohen, to table this matter. Kelley suggested
that the property owners keep the City apprised of how they would
like to proceed. Mr. Greg Long asked for a definition of
guardrail. Kelley said that the City would provide the residents
8
MINUTES OF THE PUOIMING COMMISSION , IH:TING NOVEMBER 21, 1988
ZONING PILE il302-CITT OP ORONO CONTINUED
with that information. Once the residents have the guardrail
information, it would be their responsibility to contact the
City. Motion, Ayes*6, Nays=0, Motion passed.
#1337 ROBERT PAIGE
3493 CRYSTAL PLACE
VARIANCES
SECOND REVIEW
Mr. Paige was present for this second review.
Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator Gaffron provided
a brief history of this application. Mr. Paige had previously
received direction from the Planning Commission to revise the
location of the proposed garage. Mr. Paige was now planning on
replacing the existing garage structure with a larger garage and
would require a 5' side yard setback variance. Gaffron explained
that if the garage is moved back, as Mr. Paige agreed to do, then
there would not be a need for a variance to the 30* street
setback requirement for garage doors facing the street.
Planning Commission member Hanson asked how Mr. Paige would
access the proposed garage. Mr. Paige responded that he would
access off of Navarre Avenue. Planning Commission member asked
how'far from Navarre Avenue the new garage would be located. Mr.
Paige indicated that it would be 30*.
It was moved by Planning Commission member Brown, seconded
by Planning Commission member Brown, to recommend approval of
this application, provided that the garage be located at least
30* from the west lot line and 5* from the south lot line. Mr.
Paige inquired as to whether the 30* was from the foundation or
roof? Gaffron clarified that it would be from the foundation and
that the overhang could be a maximum of 1-1/2 feet. Motion,
Ayes«6, Nays-0, Motion passed.
#1346 EINAR HAGBERG
740 NORTH ARM DRIVE
VARIANCE
Mr. Hagberg was present for this matter.
As explained by Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator
Gatffron, this matter was referred back to the Planning Commission
from the City Council. The Council was concerned about the
discovery of a sewer line that would be located 5* from the
proposed storage garage. Public Works Director C»rhardson had
indicated that the line would just be used for flushing
downstream systems so the 5* setback would be sufficient. Mr.
Hagberg had provided a list of items that required storage.
Gaffron suggested that the lack of storage and the need for
storage might be construed as a hardship. Mr. Hagberg*s present
garage is located in such a way that adding to it would not be
practical due to the topography of his land.
HimiTBS OF THE PUUmiNG COMMISSION : IA:ITING HOVBMBER 21, 1988
ZONING PILE #1346-HEGBBRG CONTINUED
Chairman Kelley asked if hardships were required, in light
of the fact that Mr. Hagberg was reducing the hardcover? Gaffron
explained that the Council was concerned about the lack of a
hardship. Planning Commission member Brown inquired about the
amount of hardcover. Gaffron replied that without removals,
there would be an increase in the 75* to 250* zone, as well as a
slight increase in the 250* to 500* zone. Mr. Hagberg had
indicated that he would remove a tin shed that is 101 s.f and
remove 120 s.f. and 473 s.f. of rockbeds and plastic. Hardcover
within the 0-75* zone would reduce from 18.6% to 17.7%. There
would also be a significant reduction in hardcover within the 75-
250* zone. Kelley inquired as to the need to indicate hardships
when hardcover is being reduced. Saffron reiterated that the
Planning Commission had not provided any recommendation to the
Council that hardcover be reduced.
It was moved by Planning Commission member Cohen, seconded
by Planning Commission member Brown, to recommend approval of
this application based upon the removal of hardcover as
indicated. The hardships in this application are the lack of
storage, and the topography of Mr. Hagberg*s lot. In addition,
Mr. Hagberg will reduce the amount of hardcover on his property.
Motion, Ayes«6, Nays»=0, Motion passed.
§1353 JOHN L. FIEBELKORN
2730 SHADTWOOD ROAD
AFTER-THE-FACT VARIANCES
PUBLIC HEARING 7:35 P.M. - 8:05 P.N.
Mr. and Mrs. Fiebelkorn were present, as was Mr. Larry Berg,
an Attorney for the Fiebelkorns. In addition, Pat Anderson, a
Landscape Architect, and Ken Adolph, an Engineer with Schoell &
Madson, Inc . t^ere present.
Mr. Berg began by admitting that there were serious problems
involved with this application, but assured the Planning
Commission that the Fiebelkorns did not intentionally disregard
Orono*s ordinances. He said that the Fiebelkorns were new
lakeshore homeowners and unaware of the required setbacks. A
vinyl pool kit was purchased and installed primarily by Mr.
Fiebelkorn. The pool was installed without permits and entirely
withing the 0-75* lakeshore setback zone. They are now
requesting after-the-fact variances to allow it to remain.
Mr. Berg stated that a plan had been developed that he
believed would solve pre-existing drainage problems and reduce
hardcover. Mr. Berg explained that a portion of the
Fiebelkorn*s property was dredged, creating a lagoon. Planning
Commission member Bellows asked when this dredging occurred- Mr.
Berg replied that it occurred in the 1950*s. It was his belief
that this land alteration was the hardship in this case. He
reported that a neighboring property owner had a boathouse on the
shoreline that was more obtrusive than the Fiebelkorn*s pool. Mr.
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ZONING FILE «1353-FIEBELKORN CONTINUED
Berg stated that the Fiebelkorns had spent $30,000.00 on the pool
alone and would be willing to do whatever it would take so the
pool could remain.
Planning Commission member Hanson asked Mr. Piebelkorn who
he hired to install the pool. Mr. Piebelkorn explained that he
subcontracted for the installation of the pool. Bellows asked at
what point the landscape architect was hired. Mr. Anderson
replied that it was after the pool had been installed. Mr.
Piebelkorn stated that a co-worker had sold him the pool kit and
had hired someone unknown to Mr. Piebelkorn to dig the hole.
Planning Commission member Cohen expressed that in his opinion it
was inconceivable that the Piebelkorns were unaware of the need
for a permit to install the pool. Mrs. Piebelkorn commented that
they thought a concrete pool would require a permit, but the type
of pool they had purchased would not,
Mr. Berg reiterated the fact that a plan had been devised
that would maybe allow the City to take a more positive look at
the pool because of the existing problems it would alleviate.
Chairman Kelley interjected that the pool itself was the only
concern of the Planning Commission. Mr. Berg expressed his
understanding of how the City viewed certain accessory structures
and that lakeshore averaging was often used. Mr. Berg asked that
he be given the opportunity to explain the proposal developed by
Mr. Anderson and Mr. Adolph before the Planning Commission
determined that the pool be removed.
Planning Commission member Bellows voiced her opinion that
there was nothing that could be done to justify the major
excavating and the gross violation of the hardcover and setback
requirements. She added that the dredging that was done in the
1950*s did not constitute a hardship for the Piebelkorns. She
felt that it was the Piebelkorns' responsibility to investigate
the City's ordinances and rules pertaining to building. Cohen
concurred that he would not be able to justify allowing such a
structure to remain in the 0-75' zone. Planning Commission
member Hanson informed Mr. Berg that the Planning Commission was
an advisory body. It would be much more effective to present
their proposals to the City Council. Kelley concurred with
Hanson's suggestion. Mr. Berg was persistent in asking that the
Planning Commission hear their presentation. Kelley conceded,
but asked that the presentation be brief.
Mr. Adolph explained that the Piebelkorns would remove
hardcover from the driveway and patio areas. The pool would be
used as a detention basin for the runoff. An absorption system
would be installed to handle the drainage. The pool would be
large enough to handle the 100 year storm capacity. The runoff
would be filtered so that only clean water would run into the
soil and Lake Minnetonka. Mr. Anderson explained that
landscaping would be used to aesthetically enhance the area
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•J H I.ZONING PILE #1353-PIEBELKOEN CONTIN1
surrounding the pool. There would be a need for a sirall
retaining wall on the lakeside edge of the pool patio. The
retaining wall would also be utilized for the plantings. Mr.
Anderson showed pictures of the pool from the lagoon to indicate
that the pool was invisible from that point. Vegetation would
also be used to screen the pool from view in those areas where it
would be easily seen. Mrs. Fiebelkorn added that there was a
possibility that 3/lOths of an acre be acquired from a neighbor.
By so doing, it would alleviate the problem concerning the pool
equipment storage shed.
There were no comments from the public regarding this matter
and the public hearing was closed.
Planning Commission member Hanson asked when the Fiebelkorns
moved to Orono. Mrs. Fiebelkorn replied they had moved to Orono
in 1985. Hanson explained the need to preserve the watershed of
Lake Minnetonka. Mrs. Fiebelkorn commented that their lack of
knowledge has been very embarrassing. She said that the
neighbors had been asking about the outcome of the situation.
Mr, Fiebelkorn stated that he was just attempting to ii^i’rrove his
property.
It was moved by Planning Commission member Bellows, seconded
by Planning Commission member Moos, to recommend denial of this
application because of the lack of hardship. Motion, Ayes«6,
Nays=0, Motion passed.
#1355 KENNETH J. NESSELS
1245 IfOODHILL AVENUE
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
PUBLIC HEARING 8sl0 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing
were duly noted.
The applicant was present for this matter.
Planning Commission member Bellows asked why the point was
made about the antenna being unrelated to the operation of Mr.
Wessels' business. Zoning Administrator Mabusth answered that
distinction was made because commercial transmitting cannot occur
from residential property. She added that there had been a
previous problem with a renter of an adjacent property who used
his radio for business purposes. Orono citizen transmitting from
hir property. Mr. Wessels Informed Bellows that amateur radio
operation was a hobby of his. He would only transmit fcr a
couple of hours on a weekend morning, as well as late in the
evening and very early in the morning on weekdays. He assured
the Planning Commission that the use would be entirely
recreational, not commercial.
Planning Commission member Brown asked for clarification
1^
MimiTBS OF THB PLIOINIIIG COMMISSION :i:-»triNG NOVEMBER 21, 1988
ZONING FILE #1355-WBSSBLS CONTIN1
regarding the problems of the previous radio operator. Mabusth
explained that this person operated a security business from his
home. He caused major interference with the neighbor's
televisions, radios and telephones. Chairman Kelley observed
that the same interference problems could occur with Mr. Wessels.
Mabusth stated that in such cases, the FCC should be contacted.
In addition, after a previous similar application, the City
Council required that the name and number of the contact agency
be given to the same parties that were notified about the
conditional use permit application. The FCC, not the City, would
handle complaints pertaining to interference. Bellows asked
whether the conditional use permit could be revoked after a
period of time if complaints of interference are received?
Mabusth replied that such restrictions were possible, but in
light of Federal regulations, the City could not restrict a
resident from operating a radio transmitter and receiver.
Planning Commission member Hanson asked whether the problem
of interference would actually be within the receiver, not the
transmitter? Mr. Wessels confirmed that if his equipment is
correctly set up, that would be the case. He added that there
would be a possibility of problems due to a receiver, and stated
that the FCC could confirm that. Any problems that may occur
with a receiver could be rectified easily. Mr. Wessels infoimed
the Planning Commission that he transmitted from his previous
home at the Lake of the Isles. That area was very congested, but
in the eight years he resided there, he had no interference
problems.
Planning Commission member Bellows asked whether it was Mr.
Weasels intention to raise and lower the antenna? Mr. Wessels
explained that the location of the antenna would be in a heavily
wooded area on his property. He said he could erect a free
standing antenna that would require guy wires. The proposed
tower could be either at a fixed height right above the tree
line, or have a raising/lowering capability.
Mr. Wessels referred to a nationwide FCC regulation, PRDl,
that states that the City could not stop aii amateur radio
operator from erecting a tower.
Mr. Dick Raiche, a neighboring pro^c-ity owner, inquired as
to the proposed location of the towei? Zoning Administrator
Mabusth replied that the structure would have to meet the
height limitations and meet the required setback from the
boundary lines. Mr. Wessels stated that he would be willing to
locate the tower anywhere on the lot. Mr. Raiche stated that he
did not want to see the structure from his property. Mr. Raiche
further commeilted that he had talked with Lake of the Isle
neighbors of Mr. Wessels, most of whoir. did not know Mr. Wessels
had a tower.
MIVUTBS OF THB PUUnilHG USSIOH !TIHG HOVBMB8R 21, 1988
ZOHIHG PILE #1355>NBSSBLS COHTIIH
Ms. Marsha Rokker 180 Orono Orchard Road, informed the
Planning Commission of the circumstances involving Mr. Peterson's
radio operation. She said that it became quite a safety factor
when another resident in the area could not use her phone to call
for a medical emergency. She said that the neighbors had
registered thoir complaints with the FCC. However, the FCC dealt
with Mr. Peterson directly, rather than keeping the residents
apprised of their actions.
Chairman Kelley suggested reviewing the conditional use
permit after 6 months. Kelley also asked if Mr. Wessels had
protection for the tower that would prohibit children from
climbing the tower. Mabusth reported that the City was
recommending "anti-climb" sections be installed for that purpose.
It was moved by Planning Commission member Cohen, seconded
by Planning Commission member Hanson, to recommend approval of
this item subject to a review 6 months from the date the
Certificate of Occupancy is issued, and Mr. Wessels providing the
City with phone numbers so he can be accessible if necessary. In
addition, the City must be satisfied that the tower will not be a
safety hazard. The structure must be placed in the wooded area
within 1C of the location indicated in the application. Motion,
Ayes-6, Nays*0, Motion passed.
fl356 GERALD T. NCCOORTNEY
1055 WEST FERMDALE ROAD
RENBHAL VARIAHCES
PUBLIC BEARING*
It was moved by Chairman Kelley, seconded by Planning
Commission member Hanson, to recommend approval of application
#1356, renewal of variances, for Gerald T. McCourtney. Motion,
Ayes=6, Nays=0, Motion passed.
APPROVAL OF 1989 SCHEDULE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS
It was moved by Chairman Kelley, seconded by Planning
Commission member Bellows, to approve the 1989 Schedule of
Planning Commission Meetings. Motion, Ayes«»6, Nays=0, Motion
passed.
PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 17, 1988 MINUTES*
It was moved by Chairman Kelley, seconded by Planning
Commission member Hanson, to approve the Minutes of the October
17, 1988 Planning Commission Meeting. Motion, Ayes«6, Nays=0,
Motion passed.
CANCELLATION OF DECEMBER 19, 1988 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING*
It was moved by Chairman Kelley, seconded by Planning
Commission member Hanson, to cancel the Planning Commission
Meeting scheduled for December 19, 1988. Motion, Ayes=6, Nays*0,
Motion passed.
MIVUTBS OP TBB PIANIilliG COMNISSIOH TIMG NOVBNBBR 21, 1988
PLMiMlMG CONMISSIOll RSPRBSEBTATIVB
It was agreed that Planning Connission member, Maureen
Bellows, would represent the Planning Commission at the December
12, 1988 City Council Meeting.
ADJOORiMBHT
The November 21, 1988, Planning Commission Meeting adjourned
at 9:30 p.m.