03-17-2003 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday. February 19. 2003 6:30 o’clock p.m. (#03-2869 DR. ROBERT Cl’MMT, Continued) \\1iilc there uas no question that some deer do bed down on the hill. Dr. Gumnit explained that the deer more often use the perimeter of the island as their routine path He pointed out that the fence would not be turned on all the time either. With regard to small game. Dr. Gummt indicated that they would be able to walk under the fence lines, as only the top line is electrified. Chair Smith asked about the presence of trumpeter swans. Dr. Gumnit maintained that little nesting occurs on the hill, and that most of»' .• birds fly over the hill to the French Creek area Berg questioned what the applicant ’s hardship was to support the application Dr. Gumnit explained that they have always used the land, have had their horses out there in the past, and now due to the level of deterioration of the path it is difficult to use the land the w ay they are used to. The path is in such disrepair that it is dangerous to the horses, nor can they maintain the property siiKe they cannot bnng out any equipment to do Chair Smith questioned the opportunity to place a structure elsewhere on the property. Dr. Gumnit maintained th.it in order to keep the horses chsewherc. they would have to destroy much of the wooded area on the property to put up a fence Bremer asked if there were any neighbors who had voiced support. Dr. Gumnit stated that, the Coldwell's. his immediate neighbors, had voiced their support knowing our low for nature and that we are responsible horse owners. He indicated that, had he known the other neighbors had such strong opposition to the apph'ation prior to this evening, he would have gladly discussed his plans with them as well Chair Smith questioned whether the applicant could do as he proposes in this district. Gaffron pointed out that the City 1992 imposed new restnetion on properties in this RR-1B zoning district by adopting Shoreland regulations, which put this parcel in the Shorcland Overlay District. The new rules do not allow the fence or horses as near Ihc shoreline as he proposes He noted that, unforlunately, the neighbors were not present to hear from Dr. Gumnit as he describes his intended use. . Chair Smith questioned how the City position’s itself with the MCWD. PAGE 20 of 26