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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,April 16,2012 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Dan Devord stated he helped the applicant construct the building and that the structure is a stand-alone <br /> structure. <br /> Margaret Peltola stated if the deck is on the other side, it will not be a safe place to live anymore since <br /> people would be able to look through her entire house from the deck. <br /> Devord indicated no nails were used in the construction and that they utilized nuts,bolts, and screws for <br /> the structure.The footings were cemented in four and a half feet down. <br /> Peltola stated they did obtain a permit for the deck and this structure was constructed exactly in the same <br /> manner as the deck. <br /> Devord indicated he has known the applicant for the past 15 years and that she has had to retire early due <br /> to health issues. For the last 10 years,her health has been deteriorating and she has expressed fear of the <br /> future. This structure will accommodate a wheelchair. <br /> Peltola pointed out this is also the flattest and lowest part of the property. The deck is four feet on one <br /> side and seven feet on the other side and it would be very costly to construct a ramp on that side. <br /> Devord stated he knows the American Disability Act requires reasonable accommodates be made for the <br /> handicap in public buildings and that this structure is not unreasonable. <br /> Leskinen asked why a permit was not pulled to construct this structure since the applicant clearly <br /> understood a permit was required. <br /> Peltola stated she did not pull a permit because she knew it would be costly and another survey would be <br /> required. Peltola indicated she has already spent$5,000 on the structure. <br /> Devord indicated social security disability is her only source of income. <br /> Leskinen commented that not pulling a permit ultimately is more costly. Leskinen asked why the <br /> applicant could not just construct a covered porch with a ramp. <br /> Peltola stated if you open the front door,a blast of cold air comes in,and when it is windy,the door slams <br /> against furniture. Peltola indicated her living room is very long and narrow and that she could not use the <br /> doorway in the wintertime due to the cold air coming in. <br /> Leskinen asked what the need is for the additional deck. <br /> Peltola stated the house does not eaves, so when there is snow on the roof, it falls on someone's head. <br /> Peltola indicated she would like to have a covered porch due to the weather. <br /> Chair Schoenzeit opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Chair Schoenzeit closed the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. <br /> Page 8 <br />