05-23-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 23, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 6. 16-3832 CITY OF ORONO, VARIANCE, PUBLIC HEARING (continued) The property has not been surveyed and Staff is assuming that the property line is the edge of the wetland and the edge of the lake, based on aerial photography and on site inspection. The fence would need to be 35 feet back from the wetland and 150 feet back from the lake, which would put the fence well into the park. On the west side, the wetland extends like a finger into the park property. The fence is proposed to be located almost adjacent to the wetland. The intent behind locating the fencing this way is to accommodate the trails throughout the park as well as minimize visual impact of the park from the lake and wetland. The fence is proposed to be located along the north and south property lines. Those two sections of the fence do not require a variance. The fence is proposed to contain the usable portion of the park for the park user while also maintaining the goal of the ordinance, which is to preserve views into the property from the wetlands and from the lake. Another goal is to maintain the existing vegetation. Barnhart stated two variances are necessary. One variance is required for the lake yard setback and the other variance is from the setback to the wetland. The proposed fence is a woven wire, 47 -inches in height. The fence is intended to blend into the environment so it is not highly visible. Levang stated she would also like to have Chair Meyers provide any comments he feels appropriate. Rick Meyers, Park Chair, stated the Park Commission has been talking about this dog park for months and that this is the plan that has been developed because it utilizes the land the best way for a dog park. Meyers stated dog parks are a beneficial thing and that the Lurton family approached the City and requested it become a dog park because they wanted to see more use of that park. Meyers indicated the City is attempting to accommodate the Lurton family's wishes. Meyers indicated the Park Commission held some meetings with the family and they requested the City go forward with the dog park. The dog park has also been discussed at the Park Commission meetings as well as at the City Council level. Meyers stated there either appears to be some objection against the whole idea of a dog park or else regarding the location of the fence. Meyers stated the City Council will hear the residents' comments and go from there. Meyers stated this item can go to the Planning Commission and the residents can have the discussion with them and then it will come back to the City Council. Meyers noted the Park Commission is also an advisory board, and that as a Park Commission, they decided there was a need for a dog park. Meyers commented this is a great piece of property and that having a park by someone's house raises the adjoining properties' value by $5,000 apiece. Meyers stated dog parks are very popular and are an amenity that many surrounding communities are currently doing. The Park Commission felt it was a good idea, the right property, and the right time to move forward. Meyers stated the City Council concurred with the need for a dog park and are ready to move forward with it. Page 11 of 23