05-29-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 29, 2001 is ( #01 -2676 Baywind Christian Church, Continued) Sansevere questioned why churches were not included in the B -4 District originally. Gaffron stated he has not researched that, noting that schools and municipal buildings are the only uses on that list which are permitted in residential areas. Gaffron stated it may be difficult to come up with a reason why churches were excluded from the B -4 District, and that this district was created in the early 1970s. Gaffron stated churches are allowed in residential districts, with his guess being that the Council looked at that fact and decided that they did not need to be included in commercial districts as well. Gaffron indicated the City presently does not have any churches in their commercial districts. Sansevere stated he probably would be in favor of allowing churches in the B -4 District since there does not appear to be a very strong reason for excluding them. Flint noted they need a 4/5s vote to add churches to the B -4 District. Flint questioned why schools were allowed in a commercial district. Gaffron stated he does not have the answer to that. Sansevere commented that it might be in the best interests of the church to have the Planning Commission fully review their application. • Heckel indicated they are currently located in Excelsior and need to move back into this area where the majority of their parishioners are located. Heckel stated the 98 percent of property that is available to them is very expensive and that this structure does meet their needs. Heckel stated they would like to use this building on a temporary basis and then resell it to generate enough revenue to relocate into an area that is more appropriate. Gaffron stated early on at the Planning Commission meeting there was a concern expressed about putting churches in the B -4 District. Gaffron stated with the property being vacant next door and a house next door, that leaves the possibility of having the entire B -4 District taken over by churches as opposed to only having it within the B -4 District for a short period of time. Mayor Peterson inquired how they could accomplish that. Gaffron stated they would need to work with the Planning Commission in order to set some restrictions on the property and still allow them the use that they presently have. Mayor Peterson requested Staff speak with each Planning Commission member and put their comments down in writing for review by the Council prior to June 11`h. Gaffron noted the building would need to be remodeled in order to meet their needs. Wells stated they would have to do some basic changes within the building. Heckel noted they have submitted a plan for the inside of the building to the City. f PAGE 15