06-23-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 23, 2003 7:00 o'clock p.m. • ( #03 -2869 DR. ROBERT GUMNIT, Continued) Murphy explained that not all neighbors are as good of stewards of the land as the Gumnits propose to be, adding that he would prefer to see the placement of the shed in advance when they are ready to build it. Dr. Gumnit pointed out that, technically, he would have the right to put the loafing shed at the top of the hill without any variances; however, he agreed to approach the City if necessary. Mayor Peterson concurred with Murphy, stating that she would prefer to see the shed placed lower on the hill. Dr. Gumnit was hesitant to make any promises with regard to the shed, indicating that he would place it in a low - visibility location if possible. Sansevere stated that, in reality, based on the amount of land the applicants own they could keep more than four horses. Murphy believed the code would indicate they could keep up to 7 horses; however, he was hesitant to change the Planning Commission's recommendation based on their purposeful deliberation. Gaffron stated that staff would be comfortable with 4, but concerned about it being 7. Whereas future new owners might decide to keep all 7 horses all of the time on the island, Gaffron • encouraged the Council to honor the intermittent and 4 horse limit language in the Resolution. Murphy questioned whether the City was offering them less than what most of their property could truly support. While these owners may prove responsible, Gaffron was hesitant to remove all restrictions on future owners who might have differing views. Moorse stated that it would not be as difficult to monitor the condition of the property on an occasional basis as it would be to monitor whether horses were being kept on the intermittent timelines. Dr. Gumnit stated that they would intend to rotate the horses to other parts of the property, if the Council could support the 26' setback on the mainland as well. Gaffron felt this to be a new twist and asked the Planning Commission representative whether they had considered this. Rather than an entire Ordinance change that would affect other parts of town, Rahn stated that they chose to look at the applications on a case by case basis. Mayor Peterson reminded the Council that the property was zoned rural, where horses are an allowed accessory use, and not lakeshore. • PAGE 6 of 15