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