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applicant. She stated that with regard to this (fence) project that the direct <br />• neighbors had been informed in conversation and that she had explained the <br />necessity of fencing for her dog. At this time, a neighbor mentioned the HPC <br />but her fencing contractor had stated that no permit had ever been required. <br />She expressed the presumption that someone had complained and that her direct <br />experiences with others in the neighborhood since the fence was erected were <br />of four individuals who were pleased with its appearance. Mr. Talley expressed <br />that the purpose of the commission was to assist owners and enforce <br />regulations which were developed by the neighborhood, and that he hoped that <br />she would not take these proceedings as someone trying to pick on her. He <br />stated that the commission was in a peculiar position as he felt her property <br />looked quite nice but that the commission was charged with maintaining the <br />established standards for the neighborhood. <br />Mr. Talley asked if there was any documentation regarding the condition of the <br />hedge. Ms. Lackman stated that having been unaware of need, that she had <br />prepared none. She went on to state that both the house and yard had suffered <br />years of neglect prior to her purchase of it. The hedge had been allowed to <br />grow without pruning and therefore would have been bare after shaping to its <br />proper form. Neighbors had complained to her of the appearance of the hedge. <br />She further stated that there had been a concrete paved dog kennel with rusted <br />metal fencing in the rear yard. She is working with Faidley and Custom & Moore <br />to retain the plant specimen in the yard which are of value. Fr. Bullene <br />inquired as to how far forward the hedge had come. Ms. Lackman indicated that <br />it had extended to the sidewalk. He noted that the standards forbid fencing <br />forward of the front of the house but do not address hedge barrier at this <br />• location. He recognized that he could support the motion on the floor. Mrs. <br />Hostetler called this question. The motion passed unanimously. <br />Ms. Lackman added that her fencing contractor had indicated that there was <br />some deviation in height requirements from Mishawaka to South Bend. <br />The chair then entertained a motion regarding the fencing. Jerry Wiener moved <br />that the commission approve the white PVC fencing. Mr. Borkowski seconded this <br />motion. Ms. Lackman noted that the fence enclosing the tennis court across the <br />street extends forward of the setback line. Mr. Talley inquired of counsel as <br />to the advisability of splitting the fence discussion into front and rear <br />parts. Mrs. DeRose indicated that she felt this was advisable in these <br />circumstances and that she felt the discussion would center on the front <br />portion. Mr. Wiener amended his motion restricting approval to the fencing <br />behind the front setback. Mr. Borkowski seconded this amendment. Mr. Wiener <br />then sought to verify that a building permit was required for the fence. Mr. <br />Duvall replied that when he had received a complaint regarding the fence that <br />he had referred it to the Building Department who had proceeded to place a <br />stop work order on the project. Therefore no permit has subsequently been <br />purchased for the fencing as one would not be issued without a COA. Hearing no <br />more questions, the chair called the question. The motion was passed <br />unanimously. <br />Mrs. DeRose suggested that the chair proceed to the remaining conforming <br />issues. So doing, the chair requested a motion regarding the planting beds. <br />Fr. Bullene moved that the commission approve the planting beds in the rear <br />• yard. Mr. Talley seconded the motion. Bearing no discussion, the chair called <br />the question. The motion passed unanimously. <br />The chair then requested a motion regarding the fencing extending along the <br />west property line forward of the front setback. Mr. Talley moved to deny this <br />item from the application. Mr. Wiener seconded the motion. Mrs. Hostetler <br />inquired or Staff what the applicant's course of action would be in the case <br />