03-18-1991 Planning Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

i;cf ■V- PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD liARCH 18. 1991 ($14)PLANNING COM^MISSION ROLE CONTINUED entiroly too much tiiiie doing Planning Commission work.” Kelloy stated that parhap® Orono exists as it does today, because of the Ordinances the City has established to control development and protect natural resources. He said. ’’The City of Orono is not a commercial entity, and does not focus its planning on revenue dollars. I believe that is unique, and that it provides a corresponding benefit in that v;a have a high credit rating. Because of the fact that we do not focus on development for revenue dollars, v/e have developed a very strong financial position. That is a very unique position for a metropolitan, suburban community." Hanson agreed with Kelley, but stated that the City has had to pay in other areas because of that position. Kelley said, "That is true, it has been at some cost. T’r.at is what caught us a little off guard with the Highway ]2 and LMCD issues." Goetten commented that the Planning Commission was caught off guard because they were not given the option to be involved. She said, "It is not the fact the Planning Commission would not have betin more involved wii:h those issues, it is that you were not asked to do that. The Council would like to see that, and a number of other changes, occur. I, personally, would like to see the role of the Planning Commission expanded. Hen/ever• Council felt that we first needed ho get your reaction to see if you agreed to an expanded role." Kelley stated that he appreciated the opportunity to meet with the other Planning Commission membe.rs in a \;ork session atmosphere to discuss the Highway 1.2 issue. Bellov/s agreed that the process for the Planning Commission to discuss and consider Highway 1 ;> hts been very successful. Hanson stated that the Planning Commission is a well working group of people. He said. "I’ve not seen a volunteer group of seven people work this \/ell together." Goetten said, "I think I see a consensus of a Council that will support some kind of expansiv")n and involvement." Bellows said. "It is my opinion that there is far too much duplication in our existing process. Jeanne and Hike go through each application we go through it, the Council goes through it. That is an incredible waste of time and talent. Sovae kind of system has t ■> be put in p.lace that will a.Mow only a certain amount of repetitiveness. I would like very much for the - 25 - 1 t