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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLAN*N1NG COMMISSION WORK SESSION <br />ON DOMESTIC ABUSE SHELTERS HELD ON JANUARY 6, 1995 <br />Schroedcr questioned whether there is a mandate that cities provide funding for shelters. <br />Webber replied no, but their experience has been that the cities served typically contribute from <br />a few hundred to a few thousand dollars each on a % early basis. <br />Schroeder asked whether it was possible for a shelter to "fair, i.e. run out of money. Webber <br />noted that yes. shelters are non-profit business, and businesses can fail. However, she indicated <br />ihat her e.sperience has been that if an operation that is providing a service fails, then other <br />organizations who wish to see that serv ice continued will step in. Schroeder asked what is the <br />biJoest risk facing Westonka Iniervention with this project. Webber suggested that balanced <br />sta'ffmg is critical, especially in this size an operation. She noted that the Executive Director <br />is typicallv the highest paid staff person, who is hired by the Board. The Executive Director <br />hires staffing as budgeted by the Board, and the exact level of staftmg for the proposed shelter <br />has not been finalized yet. <br />Schroeder suggested this was probably a good place to stop for today and reconvene at a later <br />date. <br />John Ericson, adjacent propert>- owner, commented that while he has no specific objections to <br />the shelter use and understands what is proposed, he would object to a rezomng of the property <br />to commercial, which would open the door for commercial uses should the shelter become <br />defunct. He noted that the church existed as a conditional use in this residenual zone for many <br />years, and he would object to the property being rezoned commercial. <br />Rick Meyers commented that rezoning to allow commercial uses might result in a lucrative <br />financial situation for the shelter should it fail and sell to a commercial user. Schroeder replied <br />that that is a valid issue and will be the subject of future discussions. <br />Judge Davidson provided a video tape to staff for review regarding domestic abuse. <br />The next work session on this topic was set for Friday, January 20, 7:45 a.m. in the Council <br />Chambers. <br />The meeting was adjourned at 9:47 a.m. <br />Charles J. Schroeder, Chairman