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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, May 19, 2003 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#3 #03-2869 DR. ROBERT GUMNIT, Continued) <br /> Bremer was cautious whether the Commission should treat this area as a wetland versus <br /> shoreland, since this could then be a precedent setting case. <br /> Although Rahn believed that the applicants should be allowed to access their island, he had <br /> difficulty finding a hardship to allow the horses to be kept there. He believed that there was <br /> more than ample suitable space elsewhere on the property to keep the horses. <br /> Bremer concurred. <br /> Zugschwert indicated that, if viewed as shoreland, she agreed, if viewed as wetland she <br /> could not. <br /> Hawn indicated that she was sympathetic to the applicants and wished to see the woods <br /> preserved. Although she did not want to see the applicants return asking for a variance to <br /> build a shelter on the island for the horses, she felt this to be the best location. <br /> Graham maintained that she would be allowed to construct a temporary shelter without <br /> permission. She questioned the residents' opposition in February, since those individuals <br /> could not even see her property from their locations, and emphasized her immediate <br /> neighbors backing. <br /> Hawn reiterated that she would like to support their being allowed to keep horses on the <br /> island,but would not support a building being constructed to house them. <br /> Hannaford stated that he would be inclined to support their application with periodic visits. <br /> Chair Smith suggested they limit the number of horses, for instance three, during certain <br /> months of the year. She felt that by putting restrictions on the property, the site would be <br /> protected for perpetuity. While she wished to see the woods maintained, she also felt that <br /> limitations should be set to detensify the use of the island. <br /> Graham stated that she had no idea how the restrictions would effect their use, adding that <br /> winter use might be possible. She indicated that, over the past 15 years, they have tried to <br /> obtain additional property to do a bigger project with,but failed. Since the horses were <br /> housed elsewhere, she ensured the Commission that they would visit on an intermittent <br /> basis and did not want to be too restricted by further regulations. <br /> Chair Smith asked for staff recommendations. <br /> Gaffron felt that allowing access through the wetland on an improved path would not be <br /> precedent setting; however, he questioned how the Commission wished to define the <br /> PAGE 7 of 39 <br />