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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> August 20,2001 <br /> (Boat Storage,Continued) <br /> Smith stated if there are complaints regarding boat storage,there needs to be some mechanism in place <br /> to deal with those complaints. Smith commented it would be absurd to expect City Staff to police the <br /> community in an effort to determine who is in compliance and who isn't. <br /> Lindquist stated if the new ordinance is adopted, it should be understood it would be enforced only on a <br /> complaint basis. <br /> Smith stated in her view the ordinance adopted back in 1967 needs to be reviewed and updated. <br /> Hawn noted there have been complaints raised regarding boats that have been left indefinitely on a <br /> person's property without being moved. <br /> Welsh commented the Planning Commission routinely looks at after-the-fact variances, hardcover <br /> variances, and wetland issues. Welsh stated in his opinion those are the types of applications that <br /> should be the primary focus of the City since they will determine the quality of life in this area for years <br /> to come. Welsh stated in his opinion the issues relating to boat storage is a very low priority and is in <br /> effect asking the people to comply with even more regulations. <br /> Hawn recommended the Planning Commission give some direction to City Staff on how to proceed <br /> with this ordinance. <br /> Mabusth suggested the Planning Commission review the proposed ordinance and make suggestions on <br /> items they would like to see redrafted. <br /> Gaffron stated Item A requires that all boats stored outside on a residential property be licensed to the <br /> property owner or occupant of the property and be in operable condition,with operable having been <br /> defined as being able to float. <br /> It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that all boats stored outside on a residential property <br /> should be licensed to the property owner or occupant of the property and be in operable condition. <br /> Welsh stated in his view the amount of time the boat may be stored on the property should be <br /> eliminated. Welsh noted the boat could be inoperable if the boat is under restoration,which could take a <br /> couple of years. Welsh gave the example that a person could suffer a heart attack and be physically <br /> unable to take his boat out on the lake. <br /> Kluth suggested the last sentence in Item A be removed or have the language be amended to say, " <br /> the maximum period a boat may be stored outside on a property is nine months per calendar year,unless <br /> under active restoration. <br /> Smith stated in her view there needs to be some type of time limit on it or there will be faced with the <br /> situation where boats are stored on a person's property for years without being moved. <br /> Welsh stated unfortunately the people who have drafted the ordinance do not have a lot of experience <br /> with boats, and that it is very realistic to expect that restoration of a boat could take up to two years. <br /> PAGE 21 <br />