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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 /> Gaffron explained that the DNR won't take any action until spring, and the MCWD won't <br /> take any action until the DNR does, any approval that the City makes in support of this <br /> application should be contingent upon the other two agencies. <br /> Mabusth felt the City should also wait until spring before deciding whether to allow <br /> someone to do this kind of work in a protected area. <br /> Fritzler opposed the application, stating that he could foresee this application being <br /> developed into something more than what is being proposed here today. He asked how <br /> wide the path had to be to allow someone to walk a horse out to the island. <br /> Dr. Gumnit reiterated that the driveway was needed to allow for maintenance of the island. <br /> Fritzler agreed that, while the area would be nice to use, it could easily get stretched into <br /> more intensive use. <br /> Dr. Gumnit pointed out that he was making no attempt to mislead the Commission. He <br /> admitted that the horses would likely remain on site over long weekends etc. <br /> Fritzler maintained that, in his view, the horses should be kept on the larger portion of the <br /> land and not on the island supported by a unpermitted roadway. <br /> Rahn concurred, stating that his reservations centered on this proposal being part one of a <br /> potential three-part plan. <br /> While she had no problem with the applicant using his horses all across his property, <br /> Mabusth stated that she had difficulty supporting the need for a roadway. <br /> Berg agreed with Fritzler's comments. <br /> Dr. Gumnit indicated that he was offended by the City's justification which allowed <br /> roadways to cross wetlands when they lead to homes, whereas, he cannot repair an existing <br /> roadway for his rural use. <br /> Rahn stated that, it seemed to him, there was little hardship to support this site, when there <br /> were other suitable locations on the property, which would be compliant. <br /> Dr. Gumnit asked Gaffron to reread the Code, indicating that he was frustrated, by what he <br /> viewed as an unreasonable restriction, on his use of the land. <br /> Berg stated that the applicant was not being denied use of his land for riding. She added <br /> that what the Commission did find difficult, was the fence and roadway use. <br /> PAGE 21 of 26 <br />