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) Mark Engebretson said his perspective on the process is different. He feels the agreement set up with the school district would determine the success of the project operation and sees the conditional use permit as a separate issue. Engebretson said he hopes that there is not the perception that the association is getting ahead of itself. Grabek said he saw each step as getting one step further to an agreement with concessions. He said he sees nothing wrong with discussing the concept and looking at the regulations before amending the code. Grabek does not believe the first step should be taken without seeing the entire picture. Schroeder said he was not suggesting an approval but was looking at it as a step in the process, adding that was why he was asking what the specific concerns were for the project. Grabek listed several concerns voiced by the neighbors, such as lighting, building facade, noise, hours of operation, and air filters. He commented that the neighbors were willing to be open about the issues. Schroeder noted that a sketch plan review and the information meeting have been held so far in the process. Mabusth remarked on a comment made by Grabek at the neighborhood meeting. Grabek had said that the City should review the lease agreement with the school district, and • specifically asked who would be responsible if the association should default. Engebretson agreed that the school would retain ownership, if such default should occur, and would be part of the lease agreement with the landlord. Mabusth said there was a question about the accessory use to the school if the land was sold to the non - profit organization but noted that the school in this case would retain ownership of the land. Schroeder noted that the ownership of the land could only be under the school. Mabusth said the reason for the code amendment is that the school is not building or operating the facility. She noted that early in the process the City Attorney said the code would have to be amended to allow a non -profit group to erect the ice arena on school property. Mabusth then asked for specifics on either additions or amendment to the suggested code amendment. • Lindquist asked if any other use should be included under the school heading. It was determined by the Commission that only the ice arena should be included under the subheading of accessory uses to the high school. Schroeder said he would like to know what did occur at the neighbor meeting before any further discussion of the amendment. Engebretson said the project addresses other issues than just the hockey issue noting the use by the girls teams. 14