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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> August 20,2001 <br /> (Boat Storage,Continued) <br /> Hawn stated it appears the City has elected to enforce this ordinance only when the neighbors have not <br /> been able to work things out among themselves. Hawn stated in those situations where there is a <br /> problem due to the boat being stored too close to the property line,the boat being stored year-round,or <br /> not being in good repair,the citizen can turn to the City for assistance in resolving the situation. Hawn <br /> stated the complaints received by the City are the reason for the ordinance being in place and protects <br /> the rights of those people whose rights are being abused. <br /> Jewett indicated he is able to store his boat indoors at a boat storage facility and winterize it at a cost of <br /> approximately$400. Jewett stated he takes pride in his property and in his neighborhood, and in his <br /> opinion boats stored on residential properties are not attractive and are an eyesore. Jewett stated he pays <br /> a large amount of money in taxes and is entitled to live in a nice looking neighborhood. <br /> Tim Line, 4415 Forest Lake Landing, indicated he is one of the residents who have complained about <br /> the storage of boats on residential properties and raised the issue of the selective enforcement of the <br /> City's ordinances. Line stated he is in agreement with Hawn's statement for the reason why the City <br /> has adopted ordinances. Line commented he is proud to live in Orono and have seen property values in <br /> this area increase 30 to 40 percent over the past four to five years. Line stated the issue comes down to <br /> the beauty of the neighborhood,with boating being an expensive venture to get into. Line stated in his <br /> view the Planning Commission does not need to get hung up on the size of the boat but needs to be <br /> included prohibiting boat storage in the 0-75 foot setback. <br /> Smith stated the City works very hard to protect the 0-75 foot setback, and now all of a sudden it is okay <br /> to haul a big vehicle in and out of that 0-75 foot area. Smith stated in her view that would affect the <br /> lakeshore. <br /> Lindquist establish a procedure for residents to follow in the event there is a conflict among the <br /> neighbors. <br /> Dotzenroth pointed out the property values for Orono residents have not been depreciated because of the <br /> storage of boats. Dotzenroth stated if the City is going to take steps to regulate how a neighborhood <br /> should look as far as boats,there are other issues such as the color of houses and gravel driveways that <br /> are not attractive. <br /> Hawn indicated the storage of boats also relates to hardcover and the impact that has on the lake as well <br /> as the appearance. <br /> Ken Dotzenroth stated in his view it merely is an issue of aesthetics. Dotzenroth concurred that a <br /> conflict resolution board might be appropriate to help deal with these issues. <br /> Hawn noted the ordinance regulating the storage of boats, although not strictly enforced, is not a new <br /> ordinance, and that the Planning Commission is considering revising the ordinance in an effort to <br /> establish some guidelines for when there are conflicts between neighbors. <br /> John Ericson commented hardcover really is not an issue since the boats are stored over the winter and <br /> the ground is frozen. Ericson inquired what penalty or fine would be imposed if the property owner is <br /> unable to comply with the ordinance. <br /> PAGE 16 <br />