07-22-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 22, 2002 6:30 o'clock p.m. ( #10) #02 -2797 JAMES MURPHYAND SANDRA SMITH, 30 ORONO ORCHARD ROAD NORTH, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT- Continued Jonathon Tomhave, a neighbor at 1200 Orono Orchard Road, stated that the barn has been a pre- existing condition that has housed many horses for nearly half a century. He maintained that every neighbor who moved to this area knew it was there, and in fact, it housed many more than the three proposed horses we're considering today. Mr. Tomhave indicated that odor has never been an issue and that he believed the presence of the horses added to the value and charm of his neighborhood. He used an example from 9/11/01 in which the fundamental change felt at ground zero reverberates across the country into an acute sense of community. He added that the Council had a unique opportunity to say they support and understand the need of these residents. Sansevere maintained that Orono was once rich horse country. Although fewer remain today, Orono needs to preserve the flavor of having horse country. Sansevere was in favor of allowing the third horse and questioned the rationale of the 10 -year sunset date. Mayor Peterson stated that she believed the CUP should run with the property owner. • Sansevere felt this was a reasonable assumption. Smith stated that she would like some latitude in keeping two or three horses, since one never knows what the future holds, and she was given the opportunity by her father to take in a third younger horse. Mayor Peterson agreed that it was enjoyable to see horses in Orono, and that she did not want to lose that aspect of the community. Sansevere reiterated that Orono has the unique opportunity to offer both horses and the lake to residents. Smith stated that on many occasions people make a point of asking to see the horses. Murphy stated that one of his neighbors along Watertown, whom he only recently met, has ridden his bike with his son to look at the horses every day over the past seven years. He thanked Murphy for keeping them and said how much he and his son would be missing them as they would be moving soon. Murphy stated that it is not his intention to impose on his neighbors, but he would like to keep the third horse. Sansevere asked if the policy should be reviewed based on this and the Kokesh property. Weinberger stated that each case should be evaluated on an individual basis versus the ordinances. PAGE 29 of 35