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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 26, 2007 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ PAGE 9 (Kennel License – Runkle, Continued) operate any kennel for business or commercial purposes, including sale, boarding, breeding, grooming, training or medical care without a valid commercial kennel license. Murphy stated in his opinion the Runkles are not in the commercial business of raising and selling dogs but that this may require a commercial kennel license, which is not allowed in a residential area. Murphy stated it appears the Runkles are boarding, breeding, and grooming the dogs on the property but are not selling them. White noted a residential kennel license is required for one to two dogs. McMillan stated a commercial kennel license is required when there are more than three dogs. Mrs. Runkle stated there are other people within the City who have more than two dogs. City Attorney Brokl stated there is a separate section in the City’s Code, Section 62-183, Residential Kennel License Standards and Requirements, which states that a kennel license can be issued in a residential area for two or more animals. Brokl stated a commercial kennel license would deal more with the keeping and boarding of other people’s dogs and that a residential kennel license would apply more in this case since the dogs are all owned by the same person. Murphy inquired whether a commercial kennel license would then be for the boarding of someone else’s dogs. Brokl stated that is part of it, and that the language for a commercial kennel license also says, containing kennel structures, enclosed buildings sufficient to operate the business, whereas the residential license says that it should not adversely affect neighboring persons or property. Brokl stated the nature of the kennel is more residential or rural in nature in this situation. McMillan stated the last sentence states, nothing in this chapter shall preclude the breeding of licensed dogs kept at a residential kennel or the sale of offspring, the occasional sale of licensed dogs or private grooming or training. Murphy stated he has a concern that a complaint letter to the City is not allowed to be made public and that the people who are being complained about are at a disadvantage. Murphy stated it appears the people who have complained are not in attendance at tonight’s meeting. Bremer noted she also resides on Casco Point and that she currently owns two dogs. Bremer stated one of the reasons she did relocate is because her previous neighbor did not like dogs. Bremer stated from the complaining neighbor’s perspective, it probably is bothersome, but that she has personally gone past the Runkles’ property numerous times and that she does not see the Runkels as being irresponsible dog owners. Bremer stated in her mind the win/win situation is a maximum of seven dogs on this property with the current structure. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 03-12-07 Approval of Council Minutes 02-26-07 [Page 9 of 11]