05-08-2017 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday,May 8,2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 16. #17-3922 CITY OF ORONO,TEXT AMENDMENT: WETLANDS REGULATIONS— ORDINANCE NO. 196,Third Series.—continued Walsh stated that number was for discussion at the Planning Commission but is not contained within the proposed ordinance. Jones encouraged the City Council to look at this issue carefully and to consider some of the unintended consequences that might arise if the setbacks are changed. Jones stated the variance process would allow the City to make case-by-case decisions rather than having a broad, sweeping change of the ordinance. Walsh stated he is glad to see all the participation by the residents on this issue. Walsh noted the variance process is not a give and take and it requires the property owner to prove a hardship. Jamie Lowe, 105 Orono Orchard Road, stated he agrees with the previous speaker's comments and that it seems like this is being fast forwarded somewhat since it is early in the year and this was listed as five or six on the Council's priority list. Walsh stated the Council has probably gone through 1 through 10 already and that they are working their way through the top 20 prioritized items. Overall the Council identified 60 total priorities. Walsh stated the City is conducting a review of their ordinances to see what is relevant and what is not. Walsh indicated this issue was brought up because there was a desire to revisit the delineation issue and setbacks since it was causing some delays and other issues. Walsh stated the discussion allows ideas to come about on how to deal with things. Lowe asked how people were selected for the Code Review Committee. Walsh indicated it is composed of people who expressed an interest in it and that the City will take anyone who expressed an interest in being on the committee. Lowe asked if there is a requirement to reside in the City to serve on a committee. Walsh stated he is not aware of any hard and fast rule to that effect and to his knowledge the members on the committee reside in Orono. Walsh stated there are some people on the Big Island committee that are not Orono residents since it is more of a regional asset. Lowe stated the vigorous,onerous processes that are in place are things that the residents have lived and abided by and help to make Orono a special city. Lowe commented he does not want to be governed by a body that does not have a direct interest in the City and that he would challenge the Council to leave the regulations as is. Printup stated he has heard a number of rumors as well and that he heard tonight that this change could result in higher density,which he is not in favor o£ Printup stated in his view debating a 10-foot wetland buffer will not impact density. Lowe stated he had heard that some members of that committee were not Orono residents and that in his view it would not be fair to have outside residents dictating Orono policy. Dankey commented that is not the case. Page 28 of 34