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Mr. Boyce readdressed the Council and reviewed his plans in detail in response to the public comments. He commented on the efforts he made to work with the surrounding neighbors. He indicated this is a special lot and it should be given special consideration. He concluded by urging the City Council to favorably consider his application. There being no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Councilmember Sullivan stated he is not opposed to expansion of homes in the downtown. He stressed the need to be careful on how much the houses are expanded downtown so the character of what exists remains. There is a balancing act that needs to be achieved. He voiced concern with consistency in counting the garage as part of the floor"area ratio. He feels too much is proposed for this lot and cannot make the findings that staff has recommended. He stated his opposition to the three variances, the proposed size of the house and the large garage. He agreed that during the next priority setting for the Council, consideration should be made for the possibility of a task force to look at development guidelines regarding these issues. He concluded by stating he would be willing to deny this application without prejudice. Staff clarified that the applicant could not come back with the same project within the year, but if denied and the project is redesigned, the applicant could come back with the proposal at any time. Council member Throne indicated he met with Mr. Boyce and noted he knows he would like to design a dream house on that lot, however, when you look at the whole project it is inappropriate for this lot. He would be supportive of denying it without prejudice. Councilmember Brozosky agreed that this project is too much for this lot. He voiced concerns with the massiveness of the main house and indicated if there is anyway to bring that down a bit or break it up, it would be better. He voiced concerns with the size of the lot and what has been proposed. He would like to see this move forward to make it work, but as it stands now he cannot support approval. Councilmember McGovern commented on issues of concern noting the house and garage are too large. She indicated she would like to see how they could maximize the use of the garage for living space and reduce the size of the house. She stated the Council needs to start looking at making some conditions and codifying them in the Municipal Code. She added she would like to look at making one definition for how to measure height of a building and also the idea of whether or not to count a garage as part of the FAR. She encouraged Mr. Boyce not to give up and would support denying this without prejudice. She encouraged him to reduce the mass of the large home and continue to work on the proposal. Motion: It was m1s by Sullivan/Hosterman to adopt Resolution No. 06-069 to deny the appeal without prejudice. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Councilmembers Brozosky, McGovern, Sullivan, Thorne, Mayor Hosterman None None City Council Minutes 13 October 17, 2006