10/18/2004 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,October 18,2004 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#04-3063 WJM Properties,Continued) Johnson stated he is confident he can obtain a letter from the insurance agent that would basically say the insurance company would like lighting in the parking lot to preserve the value of the property and to protect the personnel coming in and out. Johnson stated they have submitted information concerning the style and shielding of the type of light being proposed,which was approved with 25' posts two years ago. Johnson stated an analysis of the lighting options was conducted, with a study of the 1000-watt being submitted to Staff. Johnson stated they did not submit the study on the 400-watt lighting but that he does have that information available. Bremer inquired whether any lighting on the building is being proposed. Johnson stated the only lighting on the building that they are proposing is what currently exists on the building, which essentially lights the side of the building and is downcast. Fritzler inquired whether any security people could be brought onto the site. Johnson stated the primary security is the fact that it is a well-lit lot. Johnson stated there would be employees on the site who will also keep on eye on the property. Fritzler noted the front driveway is secure. Johnson stated the front driveway has a gate that closes across the front of the entrance. Fritzler inquired whether there would be employees on site at 2:00 a.m. Johnson stated the potential exists that no one would be on site in the early morning hours and also the potential that truck drivers would be on the lot in the early morning hours. Fritzler stated one option is to have a private security force patrol the property at periodic times. Fritzler inquired whether the whole perimeter of this property would be fenced in. Johnson stated the whole perimeter of the property is not fenced in, with the fence going from the corner of the building on the north side out to the end of the parking lot and down the eastern boundary about 75 or 80 feet. Bremer indicated she has a concern that there is not enough information concerning the lighting before the Planning Commission tonight. Bremer stated she would like to see the letter from the insurance company requesting the additional lighting. Bremer commented Orono has a rural character that they would like to maintain, and one way to do that is by limiting the amount of lighting. Johnson pointed out that this facility is different from a private residence and will contain approximately 250 new cars that are attractive to thieves. PAGE 32