08-12-2019 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday,August 12,2019 7:00 o'clock p.m. The Comprehensive Plan does contemplate the expansion of the MUSA boundary and contains six priorities that should be considered whenever expansion is being considered. The subject parcel appears to satisfy the first priority, as the island is completely surrounded by the lake. Expanding the MUSA to include the subject parcel does not suggest or imply an expansion or an increase in density. No changes to the land use or zoning are proposed with this application. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the application. Scott Gates, Kruckeberg Real Estate Holdings. Walsh asked who the individual is that owns Kruckeberg Real Estate Holdings and whether this property is going to be homesteaded. Gates indicated Craig is the owner of this parcel as well as the adjacent property and that it will not be homesteaded. Gates stated to his understanding the intent is to make it more of a family compound and that it is likely at some point in the future they will build a larger residence there instead of the existing cabin. Walsh asked whether there is any intent to rent out the island. Gates stated there could be some special events on the island, such as weddings and private parties, but there is no intent to do overnight rentals. Seals asked if any helicopters will be bringing people in. Gates stated not if they have anything to do with it. Walsh commented the City Council has received some interesting calls about the island and that it would be nice to speak with Craig. Gates indicated he did speak with Police Chief Farniok and that they will be having further discussions to make sure things are done properly in the future. Gates noted this was a last-minute situation by an individual that had done a birthday party ten years ago. The staff at his company was planning the event and Kruckeberg became aware at the last minute of that and has since jumped in to make sure sound levels and everything were being addressed. Gates stated to his knowledge there were not any sound issues and that they will be developing a checklist for any future events that may occur in the future so there will be a process in place to deal with them. Gates indicated he personally visited a number of the neighbors on the lake and he was surprised that the comments on Facebook were generally pretty positive by people. Crosby asked what his relationship is to the property owner. Gates indicated he represents them and that he is a developer. Walsh stated he would like to see some more definite plans for the island prior to approving things, and given what has happened, this application is off to a poor start and took a lot of people by surprise in a couple different cities. Page 3 of 8