09-13-2010 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 23, 2010 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 18 (5. #10-3483 CITY OF ORONO – AMENDMENT TO RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS TO ALLOW INTERNMENT OF CREMATED REMAINS AS AN ACCESSORY USE TO PLACES OF WORSHIP, Continued) which outlines what is and is not included with this service. That information is available for review by the City. White requested the information be sent to Staff. McMillan stated one of her concerns is the initial burying of the remains but that the perpetuity of the church is also important. McMillan stated it is important the relatives know there is some type of permanency to this type of care and that urns offer more portability should the church relocate. McMillan stated her other concern was the need for a setback and that a 50-foot setback in her view is important since there will be some visitors to the site. Franchot stated his primary concern is the permanency of the church and that there needs to be some consideration given to that. Franchot asked as it relates to McMillan’s support of the 50-foot setback, whether she feels that should apply to both columbaria and gardens. McMillan stated in her view it should apply to any structure either in ground or above ground but not apply to any landscaping. Franchot noted that stance is different from Staff’s recommendation. Franchot stated there should be some type of setback but that he does not see the need for a 50-foot setback. Bremer commented she can understand Council Member McMillan’s concern for a 50-foot setback but that in her view it would depend on the layout of the columbaria and the specific property. Bremer indicated she does not have a definite setback in mind. Bremer commented the memorial garden in Mound is very understated and beautiful with very few visitors. Bremer stated she does not see this as being a high impact type use and that a 50-foot setback may not be necessary. White stated in his view the City Council should proceed forward with the zoning text amendment and that a 50-foot setback is probably not necessary. White recommended the language incorporated in the contracts drafted by the churches be included in the zoning text amendment to address the concerns regarding permanency. White recommended the proposed language be sent back to the Planning Commission for their input as well. Mattick pointed out this could be a stand-alone use and asked whether the Council would like them physically connected to the church. Mattick also pointed out that there is no mechanism to make the columbaria structure be removed should the church relocate. In terms of the gardens where the ashes are sprinkled on the ground, there would be nothing to remove. Franchot stated the main issue is if the church relocates and asked whether there will be a way under a conditional use permit to address the relocation of a church and the columbaria. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 09/13/2010 Approval of Council Minutes 08/23/2010 [Page 5 of 18]