02-25-2008 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 25, 2008 7:00 o'clock p.m. (S. #08 -3344 CITY OF ORONO, BIG ISLAND PARK PROPERTY, Continued) than being completed all at one time. Jabbour noted the docks have to be handicapped accessible and the City is committed to that. Jabbour noted the Planning Commission's role in this application was to review the hardcover and the floodplain issues and that it was not within their purview to be reviewing the number of docks. Under LMCD regulations, 400 boats would be allowed to be docked on Big Island without the need for a variance. Jabbour stated the City has saved the citizens hundreds of thousands of dollars by obtaining donated services for the work and that the improvements will increase the value of the lots on Big Island. The Big Island Committee will be requesting permission to construct four docks. Jabbour expressed concern that there are mixed messages being sent by the Planning Commission that differ from the direction of the City Council and have caused some confusion. Jabbour stated Staff should have explained to the Planning Commission the scope of their review and that it did not include a review of the number of docks. Jabbour indicated he will be asking the LMCD for permission to construct four docks at their next meeting. Jabbour stated if the City Council does not want to obtain permission to construct four docks on Big Island, they will need to say so. • White noted the City has gone on record asking the County for four docks and that it was not the purview of the Planning Commission to limit the number of docks to two. White stated the City would • like to obtain approval for four docks up front to avoid the need to have to go through this process again and that it is possible all four docks would not be constructed. White noted it has been the long -range plan of the City that they would request permission to construct four docks on Big Island and that it was unfortunate the Planning Commission was not aware of that plan. Murphy commented he would like to see a dock constructed on Big Island and that a committee was specifically established to provide input on improvements to Big Island from a number of different quadrants that represent a wide range of interests. Murphy indicated to his understanding the committee has reviewed the proposal quite extensively. Bremer noted a representative from the Planning Commission unfortunately was not on the committee. Murphy stated since the Big Island park land has been purchased, there has been an underlying theme among some groups that the City has big plans for the island other than cleaning it up and making a few improvements. Murphy stated he routinely receives comments on how people would like to see access to Big Island as well as the improvements, and that it is unfortunate the Planning Commission was not fully apprised of the recommendations of the committee. A number of rotary clubs have indicated interest in getting the trail set up for handicap access, and there is a master plan that needs to be communicated to everyone. Murphy noted under Staff's recommendations no formal approved action is requested at this time. Given the time constraints that the work needs to be completed in, Murphy recommended the City Council approve the application tonight. • PAGE 6 of 12