04-26-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 12, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 9 of 15 17. LA21-000017 – Joseph & Sara Thull, 480 Big Island, Permit for Dock City on ROW (Bay Place) – Continued Johnson said where the City land was - the neighbors did not want the dock there - so they were able to get an easement through a lakeshore owner’s property to have a dock right. Walsh noted that would exist for Ms. Farnes or anyone else to go and do that same situation. That is always an option, but there must be a party on the other side willing to give an easement through their private property to do that. Ms. Farnes clarified the City would not be willing to give her an easement to use the land that 230 Big Island has had since 1932. Walsh said it sounds like everyone who wants to can apply for that same permit, just like she can; if she has the permit and someone else applies and they get approved, they have the permit now. This is why it would behoove everyone to all have access all the time versus one person one year and another person the next year. As Johnson said, the Council has demonstrated that they want to make sure those with interior lots have access. Ms. Farnes said they have been accessing it for 35 years. Walsh said having the right and having access are two different things. If the Applicant gets the permit for the dock and she does not, she does not have lake access anymore. He is saying, let’s get them all to have lake access. The Council is not going to give her one separately Seals noted they do not want to pit the neighbors against each other. It is a better situation for them to work together and find ways for more of them to get access. If it is really just about getting access to interior lots, if they can have three slips in one location. Ms. Farnes asked if it would be one request for one dock. Walsh replied yes, it would be one dock that everyone can use. Ms. Farnes said it is a marina. Walsh said it sounds like there are three people so there would be three boats. Is that a reasonable piece of ground that could handle three boats being there, and make sure the neighbors are okay, as well. As Johnson said if the property owners cannot work it out, the Council will just come up with a solution. Ms. Farnes asked if the Applicant can drop the application. Walsh said anybody can drop the application.