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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 27, 2010 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 9 (PUBLIC COMMENTS, Continued) During the meetings regarding 3500 Watertown Road, the City has had long discussions regarding view corridors. This property contains one of several view corridors in the City. In all of those conversations, they were led to believe that preserving a view corridor meant preserving what exists. Demele indicated he has shared some photographs with Mr. Gaffron and that he will let the Council also look at the pictures to determine what is going on at this site. Demele stated from their point of view, the contractor has obliterated the view corridor and they have a concern with that. The adjoining property owners are also constructing a retention pond along the property line. The contractor’s behavior has gotten them nervous about what is going to happen next. Demele indicated he has planted trees in that area and that he feels there is a lack of consideration on the part of the contractor. Demele requested Mr. Gaffron and Mr. Kellogg pay attention to the location of the property line while construction is occurring. Demele stated he hopes his trees do not get knocked down. White asked how the property line is delineated given the wetlands. Demele indicated they have exchanged e-mails with Bonestroo, who is supervising the onsite work, and that he was told the property line would be delineated. The contractor started laying pipe over the weekend before the property line was delineated. Demele stated he was told the property line would be delineated and that he would like that done. Demele stated he would appreciate the City paying a little more attention than normal to the work that is being done near the property line and on this property in general. Demele stated they also have an issue with the noise. He has been provided with a copy of the City’s noise ordinance, which basically allows work to occur seven days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the week and from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. His wife has an office in the house and is tired of the noise. Demele stated he would encourage the City to review their noise ordinance. The City Council is welcome to spend a week with them to experience first-hand the noise. Demele stated in his view the noise ordinance is fine for little projects but that this is a major project with a substantial amount of noise. Murphy stated as of 45 minutes ago, he was informed that over the weekend a bunch more trees were knocked down. Over the Labor Day weekend he also received a call from Gary’s spouse regarding the noise and the tree removal. Murphy noted he did ask Don with Public Works to review the situation following the call over Labor Day. Murphy commented he had the understanding things were resolved with the contractor at that point and that Don felt the contractor knew about the City’s tree trimming policy. Murphy stated he also had the understanding that Don would be reviewing the situation periodically. Apparently the contractor has the feeling that the more controversial work can be done on the weekends. Demele stated on Thursday, before he left to go out of town, the work was going according to plan. He then left and came back on Sunday to find that the property was totally obliterated. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 10/11/2010 Approve Council Minutes 09/27/2010 [Page 3 of 9]