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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 16, 1987 PAGE 3 than what was already granted. They would like the basement elevation at 891.0. The drainfield would remain at the previously approved 894.0. Michael Thompson, Charles Cudd Co., was present to request the variance for lot size, basement elevation and drainfield elevation for Lot 8 in Eden Park 2nd Application. Bohrer pointed out that the difference in this application is primarily the basement elevation. The elevation that is requested is 891.0. On Downs Lake, the 100 year flood elevation as calculated by the VBWD is 894.0. Our Shoreland Ordinance states that the minimum building elevation shall be 3 feet above the 100 year flood, which would make it 897.0. The 100 year flood level has been re-evaluated in Eden Park with new information as being 894.0. Bohrer stated he would be concerned with a basement elevation of 891.0 because Downs Lake has reached 891.0 or above even this past year. The lake has been up to 894.0 and stayed there for a while. Therefore, there are concerns for property damage to the basement in the form of seepage and even though living quarters are not planned now for the basement, there is nothing to prevent a homeowner from finishing the basement later. Margorie Williams, Vice -Chair of the Planning Commission, voiced concern on the amount of water flowing into the pond on Peter Durand's property which flows into the pond beyond Legion Pond and perhaps goes into Downs Lake. The amount of water flowing through Eden Park was brought up when the Planning Commission was discussing another preliminary plat by Eden Parks residents who had water problems. Mr. Thompson stated that their engineers determined the main level of the two homes adjacent to the site and they are within two -tenths of a foot or a couple of inches of each other. Having to drop this home in order to keep it in the ground that is there would put it about 2 1/2 feet lower than the homes on either side and still 6 1/2 feet above the street in front. They are attemtping to try to esthetically have a home fit into the neighborhood. Mayor Christ closed the public hearing at 8:02 p.m. Mayor Christ stated that the Council would be doing the City a great injustice if they granted a variance that would be 3 feet below the high water mark that exists today and he would strongly oppose this request. Councilman Chuck Graves agreed with Mayor Christ and could not see any hardship demonstrated that would require that they grant a variance. They would be opening themselves and the potential future owners to potential problems. Councilwoman Armstrong hated to see someone move into a new home and be in trouble immediately with unusable septic systems. Councilman Johnson would be opposed to the elevation requested because of the chance it would be flooded.