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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,May 21,2018 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> 6. LA18-000042 CITY OF ORONO,TEXT AMENDMENT—PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE <br /> DISTANCE AND SUBDIVISION REQUIREMENTS,7:34 P.M.—7:45 P.M.—Continued <br /> Seals asked if there is any expectation for increased processing time. <br /> Oakden stated the notice mailing is provided by the applicant at this time and that there will be some Staff <br /> time to print the additional postcards as well as the postage. <br /> Libby stated considering lot sizes, in his view the 500 feet would be more inclusive. <br /> Thiesse commented he has some difficulty with expanding the notification area and that the City tries <br /> hard to get people involved but that it does not always work. Thiesse stated in his view people in the <br /> neighborhood have an obligation to know what is going on in their neighborhood. Thiesse stated he likes <br /> getting people involved but that he does not like going beyond what the state statute requires. Thiesse <br /> noted the City just backed off of their wetland ordinances for that very reason. <br /> Ressler stated as a variance applicant from two years ago, he had no idea who some of the people were <br /> that were on the list. Ressler stated 350 feet goes a long way when the property is on the lake or in a <br /> smaller lot neighborhood. Ressler noted the applicants are also required to post signs that say they are <br /> applying for a permit. Ressler stated unless there is an epidemic of people saying they have not been <br /> informed,he does not see the need to increase the area. <br /> Landgraver noted there have been instances where people did get the notice but still said they were not <br /> informed about it. Landgraver stated there will always be instances of people asking why someone did <br /> not tell them about it and that he is in agreement with Chair Thiesse that the City should follow the state <br /> guidelines. Landgraver questioned what the return on the investment will be,noting that more people <br /> offering opinions on something, especially when it comes to a small project, might not always be the best. <br /> Lemke stated increasing it to 500 feet is not going to guarantee people will pay attention to the notice. <br /> Landgraver stated the most pushback he remembers for not receiving notice was the Dayton property off <br /> of County Road 6. Landgraver asked whether Staff have the discretion to expand it. <br /> Curtis stated Staff does not expand it because they do not want to make a decision on one project versus <br /> another. Curtis stated on larger projects they will erect a City sign. <br /> Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. <br /> Lemke moved,Ressler seconded,to recommend denial of Application No.LA18-000042,City of <br /> Orono Text Amendment: Notification Distance for Public Hearings.VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0. <br /> Page 12 of 17 <br />