02-02-1994 Planning Work Session

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r MINUTES OF THE ORONO PUVNNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION WTDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1994 Scliroeder asked tor input regarding snowmobiles. Steve Brown suggested as a neighbor he has no problems with snowmobiles coming and going from a marina. He said that snowmobiles are not something new being introduced to the lake, and they are not an unknown. Rowlette noted that since most of the mannas bubble, there is a problem of safe access to the lake. Schroeder noted that marinas have historically been associated with open water uses, and there is no inherent reason that snowmobiles should be sold at marinas since snowmobiles can be used anywhere, not just on the lake. Richie Anderson noted that, to the contrary, going back in history both Paul’s Landing and North Star Marina sold snowmobiles as a significant pan of their business. DeSantis argued that eliminating all winter uses will not solve any problems, and for instance, his slip customers might well like to come out, rent cross country skis and head out onto the lake. Rowlene suggested that sales and service t,but not rental) ot snowmobiles in her mind is the perfect fit as a w'inter complement to boaLs. DeSantis agreed, and reiterated that each marina business and site are different and what may not be appropriate tor one site may be perfect for another. After discussion. Planning Commission agreed it would be appropriate to leave cross country skiing sales/rental on the list. Schroeder then asked the neighbors’ opinions regarding snowmobile operation. Steve Brown commented that within reasonable hours of operation, snowmobiles w ere not a problem for him. Don Peterson suggested that he would rather see the marinas have winter uses that would require well kept parking spaces than seeing dozens of boats stored all winter. Schroeder questioned as to whether Peterson felt it was a reasonable trade-off to get rid of the winter-stored boats and allow three Maxwell Bay marinas to have winter snowmobile operations with machines coming and going until say 9:00 p.ra. Peterson suggested that the volume of snowmobile traffic is not likely to be high! and he feels that the trade-off would be nicely landscaped parking and elimination of boat storage. Peterson also argued that selling, renting and repairing snowmobiles is not significantly different than selling, renting or repairing boats. Rowlette concluded that neither cross country skiing nor snowmobile sales/rental/service should be totally eliminated from the list at this time. Schroeder observed that the neighbors have indicated no universal objection to sales, service and rental os snowmobiles. Mike Hilbelink commented that by limiting the uses of marina propenies. you may be taking away funire value from those propenies. He indicated that not all marinas would have the facilities to operate a snowmobile business. Schroeder countered that sales, rental and repair of snowmobiles currently is not in the code so if anything the City is considering adding uses that might add to the value of marinas rather than take away value. Bev Blomberg noted that she would be concerned about snowmobiles lax at night and those trespassing on private yards. concurred, noting that boats stay in the lake, but snowmobiles can go virtually anvwhere. She would be more apt to allow sales and service, but not rental. She also noted that snowmobiles today are much quieter and those that pass by her house near the lake have not been a problem lately. She also suggested that because snowmobiles are becoming so expensive, rental mav be a more viable outlet for their use.