05-23-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 23, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 6. 16-3832 CITY OF ORONO, VARIANCE, PUBLIC HEARING (continued) Walsh asked if the residents in the audience would be willing to have the City Council hold the public hearing tonight. McMillan stated a waiver of the review by the Planning Commission does not necessarily mean that the variance will be approved tonight and that the City Council is voting to waive the review by the Planning Commission. Mattick stated there is no statutory requirement regarding a public hearing on variances, but under the Orono City Code, it says that normally the Planning Commission will hold the public hearings. Mattick stated in this situation the City has said they are still going to hold the public hearing but not at the Planning Commission level. Mattick noted the Planning Commission serves as an advisory body to the City Council and that the public hearing will be held directly before the City Council tonight. Following that public hearing, the Council will still have to vote on the variance. The City Council will not be waiving the public hearing and the City Council will get to hear the public comments directly. Printup stated he would like to hear from the public regardless if it is a formal public hearing or not. Levang stated the City Council will still need to decide whether to have the Planning Commission review the application even if the public hearing is held. Levang stated she would prefer to get started on the application as soon as possible. Cornick seconded the motion. Levang asked if the City Council could table the application and send it back to the Planning Commission if the Council decides they cannot make a decision tonight. Barnhart indicated that is correct. McMillan stated she would like to get some public comment and then perhaps send it back to the Planning Commission. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 1, Walsh opposed. Mattick noted a unanimous vote of the Council is necessary in order to waive review by the Planning Commission. McMillan stated this application will need to be sent to the Planning Commission. Barnhart stated he will provide a short presentation for the public on what is being planned for the park. Barnhart indicated the blue line on the overhead represents the fence. The parking lot is proposed to be expanded, with the City Council approving that two weeks ago. Also planned are the addition of some benches and picnic tables. The fencing requires a variance on the east and west side. Page 10 of 23