Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,April 16,2018 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Nicole Speck, Orono, noted The Woofington is for small dogs only and that there is a need for a large dog <br /> space in Orono. As part of this proposal the dogs will be fenced in and will be supervised. Speck stated <br /> their clients bring their dogs to them so the dogs can learn to be well behaved and that they want to <br /> provide that service in a way that is productive for everyone. Speck stated they are open to feedback from <br /> the neighbors, noting that the dogs will not be permitted to bark constantly. If there are dogs that are not <br /> able to be helped,they will be let go. <br /> Speck indicated she has worked in the dog industry for 20 years and that the goal is to create great canine <br /> assistance for the community. Speck stated in her view the way they have structured it achieves that goal. <br /> Hasse stated because the ordinance does not necessarily contemplate this type of use as it relates to <br /> parking,theoretically by ordinance they will exceed the parking requirements for the proposed business <br /> use. The second building will just be used for dogs and one staff member. Hasse indicated people will <br /> drive in at the front,drop off their animal, and leave. Hasse stated in their view the parking is adequate, <br /> but that they do have a 35 percent hardcover limit so they have the ability to add parking if necessary. <br /> As it relates to the second driveway, Hasse stated that is an old, unmaintained driveway that they would <br /> be happy to remove since they do not plan on using it. <br /> Speck commented their kennel is unique and that they will not be kenneling dogs in the traditional sense. <br /> The facility will be a cage-free boarding facility and the dogs will be treated like they are in their own <br /> home. Speck noted they will only be kenneling a very small percentage of dogs by reservation only and <br /> those dogs will be with a staff member. <br /> Hasse stated offering boarding to their existing daycare clientele is the goal and that this will not be the <br /> traditional boarding kennel where people can just bring their dog in. Hasse indicated they will be catering <br /> to a higher clientele so their dogs can have an at-home experience. <br /> Thiesse asked on average how many dogs there will be at the facility. <br /> Hasse stated the smaller structure will handle 15 dogs at capacity but that it is not likely all those dogs <br /> will be there at the same time. The bigger structure will have around 35 to 40 animals at capacity. Hasse <br /> stated in the summertime there might be a greater capacity by using the outdoor area but that they are <br /> looking to create a quality experience for the dogs. <br /> Speck stated they are primarily a daycare for the dogs during the day and that nighttime boarding of dogs <br /> will be very limited. The overnight capacity will probably be ten dogs. The business will primarily be a <br /> Monday through Saturday daycare and that they will only be taking the best of the dogs to be kenneled <br /> overnight. Speck indicated there will not be high volume on the weekends. <br /> Thiesse asked how many dogs there would be per staff person. <br /> Speck indicated they are looking at 1 to 15 or 1 to 12. <br /> Hasse stated that is considerably better than industry average,which is 1 to 30 is acceptable. <br /> Lemke asked what the hours will be. <br /> Page 10 of 21 <br />