08-20-2018 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, July 16, 2018 6:30 o'clock p.m. Johnson stated the roadside fence is depicted in the left corner of the picture and that it is six feet tall. Johnson stated in his view a 6 -foot high fence is very reasonable since the parking activity occurs into the evening as well. Johnson noted the City allows this property owner and their customers to park on the grass ahead of their assigned parking. The site does have a parking plan but for one reason or another the City allows them to park on the grass, which results in cars being parked right next to his property on the lakeward side. Johnson indicated that was part of the reason for extending the fence to the existing post. The existing post was probably for a 4 -foot high fence. Johnson stated at some point in time there was permanent screening consisting of lilacs and buckthorn but that has since been removed. Johnson stated in his view there is some history showing that there has always been a fence there. Olson asked whose trees those are. Johnson stated to his knowledge the deck is on the property line and the majority of the shrubbery is on his property. Olson asked if he will be leaving that. Johnson stated that is a good question. Johnson noted the abutting property owner did come forward and offer to pay half of the fence because they see the benefit to it. Johnson indicated he would like to keep as much of the shrubbery as he can but that he would like to remove as much of the buckthorn as possible. Johnson stated he would leave that up to the contractor who is going to do the work. Erickson asked if the property line has been surveyed. Johnson indicated it has and that the survey has been done within the last month. Johnson stated they had the surveyor put some additional stakes up so the fence will be located totally on his property. Libby noted these are both privately owned lakeshore access points. Libby asked if he has ever had any problems with people intruding onto his property from the lakeshore side. Johnson indicated he does not, but that he does get boats within inches from his dock. Libby asked if the noise and traffic abatement are the primary reasons for the fence. Johnson stated that as well as the parking issues. Johnson indicated he does hear people coming in from the lake. Ressler stated the majority of the vegetation in this situation appears to be scrub bushes. Ressler noted one reason why there is a restriction on the height of the fence is to protect the view for people using their side yard but that the applicant does have the support of the adjacent neighbor. Ressler stated he appreciates the applicant trying to make it easier on the Planning Commission by proposing a 6 -foot fence rather than an 8 -foot fence. Libby stated a person should be able to have quiet enjoyment and use of their property and that the fence will lessen the visual distractions. Libby stated the reason for his question about the intrusion is that Page 7 of 13