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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, September 14, 2015 <br />7:00 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Page 18 of 39 <br /> <br />9. #15-3768 MICHAEL AND LISA LARSON, AMEND B-1 USES TO ALLOW DOG <br />KENNELS/DOG DAY CARE (continued) <br /> <br />Michael Larson, Applicant, stated the intent is to primarily run the business indoors and that they are <br />planning to have 35 suites indoors. Larson stated the 80 number comes from adding the maximum <br />number of overnight guests along with the potential of 35 daycare dogs. Larson indicated they plan to <br />dedicate 1,000 square feet of indoor play space and that the dogs will primarily be indoors. <br /> <br />Larson stated the outdoor play space would be located in the northwest corner of the building so it will be <br />as far from the residential properties as possible. The dogs’ outdoor relief area will also be along the west <br />side of the building. Larson stated they anticipate 10 to 15 dogs outside at any given time and that the <br />outdoor play area would only be used for a few months during the summer weather permitting. <br /> <br />McMillan asked if the outdoor area would be grass. <br /> <br />Larson stated they would be installing a synthetic turf called Canine Grass, which is an artificial turf that <br />is similar to what is seen on a professional sports field, and would have crushed limestone beneath. <br />Larson stated the product is very sanitary. <br /> <br />McMillan stated she thought that would be parking lot and that she is not sure how there is enough space <br />for an outdoor play area. <br />Larson stated the proposed parking will be located in the back of the building and the entrance to the <br />building would be relocated to the Blaine Avenue side. <br /> <br />McMillan asked if he anticipates there being a lot of barking. <br /> <br />Larson stated the building is cinderblock and will be insulated. In addition, the latest in sound mitigation <br />technology will be utilized as well. Larson stated he was in conversation with a veterinarian located two <br />doors down and their building does not have air-conditioning. The veterinarian indicated they have dogs <br />barking all the time and they have never received any complaints. Larson stated they will attempt to keep <br />the dogs indoors as much as possible. <br /> <br />Barnhart noted the definition proposed tonight is for an indoor kennel and that an outdoor kennel would <br />not be allowed. <br /> <br />Cornick asked if cats and other animals would not be allowed. <br /> <br />Barnhart stated the ordinance is basically written for dogs in mind with the exception of pet grooming. <br /> <br />Walsh asked if other cities have been contacted to see whether they have experienced any problems with <br />this type of business. Walsh stated since this is a new concept in Orono, he is worried about unintended <br />consequences. <br /> <br />Barnhart stated the use is new in Orono, which is why Staff felt more comfortable proceeding with a <br />conditional use permit. Barnhart stated he expects this business use will have some negative impacts as <br />most businesses do, such as noise, and the conditional use process would allow the City to address those <br />types of issues.