01-16-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

�J MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 16, 1996 ( #15 • #2103 Orono Hockey Boosters - Continued) The application proposes a 160'x240' enclosed ice arena located 50' from the west lot line, 50' from the north, and 150'+ from either the south or east lot lines. A 130 stall parking lot is proposed to the south of the arena. The property is in a residential zone. The parking lot will be subject to residential setbacks. It's location 20' from the front line, typical of commercial properties, will require a variance. Height of the building is also an issue. Finished grade heights are proposed at 28' at the west lot line, 41.5' at the east, 35.5' at the south, and 41' to the north. Mabusth clarified these were peak heights and not mean heights, although, a height variance will be required. Another issue with the application is the lack of sewer. The sewer question should, however, be resolved by permit time in April when construction is to begin. Mabusth said the City should be in receipt of Met Council's position by March. Lindquist asked if plans work out as now set forth, a sewer connection should be made. Mabusth said this is unknown at this point. Gaffron said there is a 60 day time frame for a yes or no answer, but it could be extended. Mabusth said the City could know if the land has been approved for sewer within 4 months. A variance for a holding tank is being • requested if the need should arise. When asked by Lindquist if the holding tank would be done, Engebretson said he did not know. Due to the high cost, Engebretson said the start date would probably be delayed. Smith inquired of the cost. Engebretson said in terms of the total cost of the project, it was not major. Mabusth said, according to Gaffron and Weckman, it was impossible to locate septic on the site and additional testing may be required on the school property. It was agreed that the proposed use would not occur without sewer service. • Mabusth inquired about the cost of the facility, it's funding, and lease option, which required a 90% of funds to allow construction to begin. Engebretson said the total budget for the project was slated at 2 -1/2 million dollars, complete, on the school district property, consisting of an Olympic size sheet of ice. The arena would open with a reserve of $100,000. The operating feasibility was considered to be the least of concerns for the Boosters. Engebretson reported that the cost estimate for the ice arena included the parking and paving improvements. Engebretson said the arena could be opened at a cost of 2 million dollars with some interior work needing completion. 22