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information at this meeting to make an informed decision. He noted that the Commission has asked for story poles in the past, and the applicant is the party refusing mediation. He stated that from his perspective, it appears to him that the applicant has already made a decision. He indicated that on one hand, the Commission may think after the story poles are installed that the additions are too overbearing; but alternately, the Commissioners could see that they over-reacted and find that the impact is less than it thought; or the Commission may also stay in the middle. Commissioner Narum stated that more importantly, the appellants may learn that it might not be as bad as they thought or that only minor adjustments might need to be made. Commissioner O’Connor noted that based on the testimony, it appears that there will not be a lot of compromise. He stated that he believes the applicants are looking for a decision so they can move on. He added that the applicants have spent a lot of time making modifications and compromises, and he feels the Commission has seen many of these types of proposals where it can envision what the second story will look like. Commissioner O’Connor continued that the fact that the proposal meets all of the Codes and that there are some extenuating circumstances with the way the lot is laid out and the way the original house is built gives the Commission enough information to make a decision. He indicated that he believes the Commission’s decision will be appealed either way but that the Commission owes it to the applicants to give them a decision. He noted that the applicants have chosen not to compromise or go to mediation or spend any more money. He added that the applicants have already invested a lot of money in the project and that even if another compromise were reached, more money would be involved. Chair Olson stated that he came to the meeting wanting to find a compromise, and he thought he had one in what the appellants had written. He noted that it appears to him that the appellants are willing to sit down and talk, but the applicant has refused to do so. He stated that he could make a decision at this point. Commissioner Pentin indicated that his impression of both sides is that the appellants have said they were not willing to compromise until tonight, and the applicants have th been told over and over that the appellants are willing to take this to the n degree. He stated that he feels the applicants are asking for an answer, whether the Commission denies or approves the proposal, because they are ready to move forward. Commissioner Pearce agreed and stated that she was not willing to concur with a motion that forces the applicants to do something they do not want to do. She added that she does not think the money issue is relevant, but she believes the applicants feel mediation or the story poles will not get them anywhere. She indicated that she thinks everyone is ready for a decision. She noted that the level of the vitriol she saw in the Zoning Administrator hearing minutes was nothing she has seen in a long time, and PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, August 25, 2010 Page 21 of 38