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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,November 19,2007 <br /> 6:00 dclock p.m. <br /> (#07-3324 Ann Maxfield, Continued) <br /> variance, Staff would recommend the conditions outlined in the Planner's Report be made a condition <br /> of approval. <br /> Maxfield stated the maj ority of her property is located below the grade of the road and the actual <br /> height of the fence from the road is closer to 4 feet, 9 inches,with the exception of a few feet of the <br /> fence that is located on a slight hill. Maxfield indicated people can look down on her property and that <br /> she was unaware there was a fence height restriction at the time the fence was erected. <br /> Maxfield indicated she did have the corners of the property marked on September 19`�'and she has also <br /> notified Mr.Vang of the markers. Maxfield stated the markers are clearly visible. <br /> Kempf inquired whether a surveyor did the work. <br /> Maxfield stated they measured from an iron stake that was erected from the original survey of the <br /> property. As it relates to the right-of-way,Maxfield stated the county has indicated they do not have <br /> right-of-way restrictions along Highway 19. Maxfield indicated she does have signatures from some <br /> of the neighbors stating they do not have any issues with the fence. When Excel Energy trimmed the <br /> trees along the power lines on North Shore Drive, she was left with very little screening,which <br /> prompted the desire for a fence. Maxfield stated in her opinion her fence opposes no risk to the <br /> general public and actually enhances her property. <br /> Chair Kempf opened the public hearing at 6:18 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Chair Kempf closed the public hearing at 6:18 p.m. <br /> Kempf indicated he did visit this property and that he can understand the desire to have the fence <br /> along the county road but that the City of Orono only allows a fence six-foot in height along lakeshore <br /> lots that abut a county road. Kempf expressed a concern that the other neighbors in this area would <br /> also erect similar fences if this fence were allowed. Kempf stated he would not be able to support the <br /> variance and encouraged the applicant to plant some screening in that area. <br /> Winer commented she understands how the applicant felt when the trees were removed and <br /> encouraged the applicant to consider constructing a berm and/or planting arborvitae. Winer asked <br /> whether the fence could be reduced to 42 inches in height. <br /> Turner stated the fence could be 42 inches in height. <br /> Kroeger indicated in his opinion the fence does stick out somewhat and that the applicant could plant <br /> some landscaping in that area for privacy. <br /> Turner stated it is possible the fence is in the right-of-way,which would mean that the fence would <br /> need to be relocated. <br /> PAGE 3 <br />