02-23-1994 Planning Work Session

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MIMTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 23, 1994 st>Id Polaris machines. McCharles sold Skidix>s and Wayzata Marine sold snowir'biles. Anderst>n added that Skidix), Yamaha. Polaris and Arctic Cat are the major dealers a>. <souid not put dealerships ch)se together at neighbt>ring marinas. Not all marinas could have sales because there wouldn't be enough dealerships. Peterson questioned this and thought some marina owners would not pursue winter activities such as snowmobile sales because they have enough repair and service business from the boating season to carry' them through the winter. DeSantis felt that history shows marinas and snowmobiles do mi.x. Schroeder explained that the Planning Commissu>n is considering uses that are not currently in the code, and snowmobile sales and rental is not currently allowed. Anderson asked why snowmobiles would not be allowed. Schroeder thought one reason was that the neighbors may object to the noise, particularly rental of snow mobiles. Another rea.son w ould be that bubbling marinas cause a significant safety issue. In addition to the noise, there is potential for snowmobiles to go through neighbors’ yards. Anderson agreed that there ctiuld be a problem with driving through yards, but noted that newer snowmobiles have decibel regulations for noise. Berg stated they are still noisy as she lives on the lake and hears them. She felt noise on the lake carries better in the winter. Anderson stated the LMCD has adopted an ordinance for snowmobiles to operate 300 feet away from shore and felt if they were obeying this law, they would be difficult to hear on shore. DeSantis noted the exhaust system is better but some operators run straight pipes. He pointed out that whether marinas are involved or not, snowmobiles will not be kept off the Lake. Smith noted that snowmobiles cause safety and traffic issues because they cannot be kept on the lake. They do go into yards, along and across streets. Peterson suggested this activity be split into two issues - sales/service and rental. Smith agreed. Anderson reminded members that at the first meeting, there was a Lakeside Marina neighbor who had no problem with snowmobiles. He also noted that at Sailors World there would be no infringement on any neighbors and no reason to go across the street. Peterson asked representatives of Sailors World if they were interested in snowmobile activity in the future even though they have not been involved with snowmobiles in the past. DeSantis stated they did not have the facilities for sales and .service of snowmobiles. However, the boat club that they operate has had members approach them about snow mobile use as part of the club. Sailors World would like the opportunity to fill their niche as each marina has its own characteristics. They would like the option to consider having two or three sleds to extend snowmobile service to their club members in the w inter.