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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> • Monday,May 16,2005 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#05-3098 City of Orono,Zoning Code Amendment, Continued) <br /> Gaffron stated things that have been approved in the past should be documented in the file,and <br /> questioned whether language should be included in the amendment that allows projects that have been <br /> approved in the past to be exempt under the amendment. Gaffron suggested the City Attorney be <br /> consulted on whether additional language should be included. <br /> Whitman inquired whether the property owner would be held responsible for any vegetation that is <br /> removed by someone who does not have the property owner's permission to remove the vegetation. <br /> Gaffron stated there are some existing regulations dealing with that type of situation and that the City <br /> would likely continue following those same regulations,which takes into consideration a trespass <br /> situation. <br /> Steve Wilson, 325 South Brown Road, stated Long Lake Creek runs through their property and they are <br /> supportive of protecting the creek, which they have done in the past and will continue to do. Wilson <br /> stated in his view the amendment is intrusive to the property owners and as far as Item A is concerned, <br /> there should be some type of appeal process available to the property owner. <br /> Wilson pointed out the pruning and trimming of trees is necessary for other reasons besides providing a <br /> view to the lake,noting that pruning is necessary for disease control and proper growth of trees. Wilson <br /> stated the invasive species language is counterproductive to require a property owner to obtain a permit <br /> for every single species that they would like to remove and places a burden on the property owner. <br /> (Leslie leaves the meeting at 6:18 p.m.) <br /> Wilson stated the violation provision assumes the worse case scenario and does not allow for minor <br /> situations. Wilson stated in his view this amendment has not been well thought out and should be given <br /> more consideration. <br /> Sheila Smith,445 South Brown Road, indicated she is in agreement with Wilson,and inquired whether <br /> this ordinance or a similar ordinance exists elsewhere within the state. <br /> Rahn stated the City has been enforcing this same language around the lake for a number of years. <br /> Smith indicated she has resided in this area all her life and that she has seen numerous people remove <br /> trees and natural vegetation along the shoreline. Smith inquired whether permits have been obtained in <br /> those instances. <br /> Smith stated she owns horses and that some trees and vegetation need to be removed because they are <br /> harmful to livestock. Smith encouraged the city to put further thought into this ordinance. <br /> Smith indicated there have been a number of instances where trees have been cut down and have been left <br /> near the creek and have jammed her culvert. Smith stated she has contacted a number of governmental <br /> PAGE 3 <br />