02-20-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 20, 1996 •( #2 - Proposed Zoning Amendment - Continued) Zee asked why there would be a need to add more rules when there is an ordinance currently in effect. Schroeder again clarified that the code does not allow such a building to be built and operated by non -profit groups. If the school would like to build an ice arena, a field, etc., they now need to come before the Planning Commission with a CUP under school conditional use permit. Schroeder and Mabusth said if the school would like to build a baseball field, this would require a conditional use permit. Mabusth said a conditional use permit would need to be granted for another school, a field, an athletic structure, etc. Smith said she would like to know the neighbors viewpoint on the issue, whether they were supportive of such uses or not, and if so, what performance standards they would like to see for such buildings. Zee said the neighbors were concerned with such issues as parking, lighting, and noise. Mabusth said these concerns are all addressed when an application comes before the City for a conditional use permit. Zee said he could not understand creating a code amendment for one specific building. Schroeder said that was not quite accurate. Mabusth said the amendment was to allow the school to be able to ask for such facilities and other non- profit groups as long as special standards were created. Zee asked if the school was • requesting such a building. Mabusth informed him they were not but were supportive of the idea. It was again reitereated that the amendment was to allow for other uses that may be operated or built by a non - profit agency. Zee asked why no representative was present for the schools if they had such an interest. The Community Education Director as well as Athletic Director for the schools were present and voiced the support of the school district and superintendent, who asked to be informed of the night's proceedings. Melanie DeLuca, Orono Community Education Director, said she saw the school campus as being a regional campus for the area serving many people, and the arena would add many new dimensions with girls hockey, community needs, summer programs, and expanding for future opportunities. She felt the arena would be a natural addition to the school campus. Schroeder asked how the school could accomplish getting a facility without needing to pay for it. Mark Engebretson said he has spoken with Superintendent Mich and Assistant Superintendent Lawson, who will be making recommendations at the next board meeting for financial support. The contribution amount has now been isolated and will be made public soon. Schroeder received confirmation that school support was necessary. Engebretson noted the uniqueness of being able to place an arena next to a school for the use of the students. He noted that the school is all for it and thus made the land available. • 12