02-25-1991 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 25, 1991 (W HARDCOVER POLICY CONTINUED the most important issues and address only those. I do not want people in the Community to think that we are picking on every single thing that they wish to do. I think the major concerns involve lakeshore property. I would like the policy to be presented in such a way that the residents will understand.the purpose and need for it. I also think we need to address the issue of decks and the potential for such structures to develop into screen porches, three - season porches, and additions. It may be appropriate for the City to enlist some professional assistance with these issues. Gaffron said, "Staff agrees that '-there are a number of sources, such as the Freshwater Biological Institute, the LMCD, etc., that we would like to involve. I would recommend that we first have the Planning Commission review the policy and provide information, and then involve other consultants, hopefully at no cost." Jabbour stated that when the City first adopted its Shoreland Regulations. it was innovative. He said, "Since lakeshore property is becoming scarce, Orono is going to be subjected to high pressure for redevelopment. I think the City needs to do everything possible to prepare itself. I do not believe that we can continue on the policy of calculation to see how much more hardcover a property can have. I also think we need to revisit the issue of eaves. I think Council did itself a disfavor by not addressing this issue when it was last before them." Mayor Peterson asked Gaffron how the City would control the companies that provide lawn fertilizing services. Gaffron replied, "We may need to have some inspection requirements, based on neighbor complaints received by the City. Another method may be to license the lawn fertilizing companies and require them to obtain a permit prior to performing lawn treatments." Jabbour stated that he too was concerned about chemical fertilizers. He said, "I have talked with Staff regarding the advantages and disadvantages of liquid versus pellet fertilizers. It is my understanding that there was a great deal of chemical runoff into Long Lake last year. I was told by a fireman that his department was asked to respond because of a strong kerosene or gasoline odor. I do think we need to address this issue and perhaps establish penalties that would apply to companies that do not meet our standards." Goetten stated that it is also important. to let the residents of Orono know the reasons behind any new policies 5 -