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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,June 16,2014 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Goodin stated the question of what caused this and why is it broke was raised earlier. Goodin stated at <br /> the end of the day, they entered into a purchase agreement but that Mr. Anderson was also bidding to <br /> purchase the property. Goodin indicated his understanding is that they outbid Mr. Anderson and that in <br /> his view there is some regret since all of a sudden there is a complaint to the LMCD regarding the docks <br /> that have been in place for 35 years. Goodin noted Mr. Anderson once owned the marina that they are <br /> now operating but that all of a sudden the docks are a problem. Goodin encouraged the Planning <br /> Commission to keep that in perspective. <br /> Goodin stated they are still attempting to figure out what they are doing wrong and that they have only <br /> owned the residential properties technically for nine months. Goodin stated over that time they have <br /> improved the property by painting and installing new docks, landscaping, and lighting. Goodin stated <br /> they also have a very solid customer base that enjoys their marina and that they would like to do more to <br /> improve the property and the neighborhood. <br /> Goodin stated they are looking at a couple of residential homes that are not in good condition and that <br /> they would like to improve the area. Goodin stated it is not the nicest looking piece of property in Orono <br /> and that their plan is to improve the property. Goodin stated the point of this process is to determine <br /> whether this is something the City wants to rezone; and if so,then the City would work with the property <br /> owners through that process. Goodin noted they are asking to take two residential homes, one of which <br /> is a rental home, and change the tax classification to a higher rate, but in return the City will have a <br /> significantly improved piece of property. Goodin stated they are trying to make the situation better and <br /> that they are operating two businesses that employ a number of people. Goodin stated in his view some <br /> of this has been exaggerated and is a result of jealousy, but that at the end of the day, it is still the United <br /> States of America and that they appreciate all the time and effort the City has spent on their application. <br /> Richard Anderson stated the dock situation has nothing to do with the City of Orono and that when he <br /> was pursuing purchase of the property, he asked the LMCD if the docks were conforming and whether a <br /> permit would be approved in the spring. Anderson stated if he believed that he couldnot put those docks <br /> in, he would not have bid on the property and that he bid on what he thought he could generate for income <br /> from the docks. <br /> Anderson stated when the LMCD allows them to operate those docks in a nonconforming manner,that is <br /> not equal justice and that his complaint is with the LMCD. Anderson stated for the City to attempt to <br /> rezone this area to relocate those docks is unheard of. Anderson stated in all the time that he has lived in <br /> Orono has the LMCD or the City of Orono ever done anything to help alleviate the dock situation. <br /> Anderson stated his complaints regarding the activities on this property have nothing to do with his bid on <br /> the property. <br /> Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if there are documented violations of the conditional use permit currently. <br /> Gaffron indicated Staff has been provided with photographs on various occasions depicting cars that are <br /> parked in places where they should not be. Gaffron noted the site was granted different variance <br /> approvals in the early 1980s and that it has not always operated under a conditional use permit. Gaffron <br /> stated Staff will need to review the original approvals see what specific things have not always been <br /> complied with and that part of the problem is that from day to day and hour to hour the situation changes <br /> and that it is impossible to reasonably enforce something like that. Gaffron stated Staff is not able to go <br /> out there on a daily basis but that in his view the applicants will agree that there are times when they are <br /> Page 7 of 18 <br />