04-23-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, April 23, 2001 (Public Comments, Continued) Hollander requested the City address the high speeds on County Road 6 by better enforcement. Mayor Peterson indicated City Staff should be able to address all of Hollander's concerns. Gary Welsh, 1214 Wildhurst Trail, indicated he is appearing at tonight's meeting in order to address the statements by the Lines. Welsh stated the character of the neighborhood has changed very little since the Lines have moved to this area and that in his view it is merely a matter of personal taste. Welsh commented if the Lines are not satisfied with the appearance of the neighborhood, they could have purchased property elsewhere. Welsh noted the Lines' statements that they follow the City's Ordinances is not totally accurate. Welsh noted the City did grant some variances to the Lines in order for them to construct their residence. The neighborhood did not contest these variances and welcomed the Lines to the neighborhood. Welsh stated in his opinion the Lines are complaining about normal lifestyles and activities that are found throughout this diverse community. Welsh commented the residents have experienced loud noise from some of the various gatherings put on the Lines, which they have tolerated without complaint. Welsh stated in his opinion the taking of numerous photographs of the various • residences in the neighborhood and displaying of them in a public forum is a violation of their privacy. Welsh stated the Lines could have undertaken some due diligence prior to purchasing their property in order to better ascertain what the character of the neighborhood was. Welsh commented in his view Orono is a diverse community where people of all kinds should be able to get along. Sansevere commented in his view it sounds like this issue may be more of a neighborhood conflict and that really should be worked out between the local residents. Sansevere stated if there is a violation of an ordinance, the City can become involved. Sansevere commented he is unsure what involvement Welsh would like the Council to have in this matter. Welsh stated in his view the Lines are attempting to get the Council involved in this matter. Welsh stated it is his understanding none of the neighbors have been before the Council to complain about the noise generated from the numerous parties put on by the Lines and the number of cars. Welsh stated they are attempting to be good neighbors. Rick Meyers, 2195 Bayview Place, indicated he was present at the Council meeting when the Lines addressed the City Council. Meyers stated in his view both sides have some issues that should be addressed, and that everyone needs to follow the City's ordinances. Meyers stated it is the City's duty to enforce the ordinances and it is the responsibility of the property owners to see that their properties are properly maintained. A resident of Wildhurst indicated she was on the Lines' list of people who have been cited as being • in violation of the City's Ordinances. The resident stated for the past year she has been in compliance with the City's Ordinances but apparently does not meet the standards of the Lines. The Page 7