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Planning Commission Regular.Meeting Minutes August 19, 1997 Page 5 1 Mr. Kripentra stated it is hardship when heavy rains are received. 2 Commissioner Franzese stated-she can reconcile the hardship requirement because of the way the 3 property is configured on three sides. She pointed out that with water draining on the south side 4 and removing the barn, it will create a holding pond and alleviate the drainage problem. She 5 noted there is no other location to build because of the topography of the property. 6 Commissioner Franzese stated she clearly sees a hardship. 7 Commissioner Gondorchin asked how this addition alleviates the water problem. Mr. Lorenz 8 explained that in July, when heavy rains were received, it created a stream through his back yard. 9 He thought perhaps the pipe was plugged but it was not and was taking as much water as it 10 could. 11 Commissioner Gondorchin asked if an engineer has made the finding about alleviating the 12 drainage problem. 13 Mr. Lorenz stated he has not had an engineer study the drainage. 14 Commissioner Gondorchin stated he is having difficulty in finding a hardship and believes it is 15 more of a convenience than relieving a hardship. He stated he believes there is also an economic 16 benefit either now or when the units are sold. Commissioner Gondorchin stated the property is 17 set as it is unless the applicant changes its configuration. In addition, he would like expert 18 testimony that this addition will alleviate the drainage problem. 19 Mr. Kripentra stated the storage building is currently acting like a dam in not allowing water to 20 drain properly. 21 Mr. Lorenz stated if the storage building is removed, he needs a place to store his equipment. 22 Commissioner Horst stated he understands that when the storage shed is removed, another 23 location is needed for storage and the applicant has indicated it will also eliminate the drainage 24 problem, and the hardship. 25 Commissioner Franzese stated the goal is to build a living quarters for the owner to occupy. 26 Commissioner Gondorchin stated it does not matter who occupies this unit, the owner or a 27 tenant. 28 Commissioner Franzese stated there is no other location where Mr. Lorenz can build due to the 29 topography of the lot and water drainage to the south. This is the only place on the property that 30 is buildable. Commissioner Franzese reviewed a comment made at a meeting with the City's 31 residents about the recent flooding where the engineers indicated there is really no guarantee that 32 it will not flood again. She inquired whether the applicant can be asked if they are sure it would 33 not flood again since,just recently, the City's engineers indicated there is no guarantee to 34 absolutely prevent flooding in the future.