09-12-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 12, 2011 7:00 o'clock p.m. (5. RYAN COMPANIES US, INC., 450 AND 550 OLD CRYSTAL BAYROAD NORTH, Continued) McMillan noted she did meet with Casey Hankinson last week to discuss this item and that she suggested he bring forward some proposals to the Council. McMillan noted the Council works hard in creating these ordinances but that in her view at times the government can be flexible, especially in difficult economic times. McMillan stated she does not feel it will negatively impact the City by allowing the building to remain for an extended period of time. Franchot asked what the rationale was for requiring removal of the building in the first place. If the building is still serviceable, Franchot stated he also feels there could be some flexibility. Franchot suggested that if the building is' empty for a year, that could trigger removal of the building. Curtis indicated at the time of the development agreement, the building was connected to Building 1 and they were creating a lot line between the two buildings. The intention of the development was to build out the entire site. Casey Hankinson stated their original plans for the site have changed due to the poor economy and that they were originally agreeable to removing the building in order to improve the appearance of the site. Bremer commented she is fine with the proposal by Ryan Companies. The lot line issue was something that was in the forefront at the time of the original agreement but that it has not caused any problems. Bremer indicated she is fine with extending it to 2020 or demolishing the building if it sits empty for a year. Curtis noted she suggested a couple of options in Staff's report, such as adding restrictions on building permit issuance on maintenance items if the building is to remain past the initial recommended removal date of 2015 and a restriction on the use due to the parking limitations. McMillan stated she would like to make sure the applicant is able to continue to make some improvements to the site. Curtis indicated she does not know the logistics of the building and what changes might be required or desired. Hankinson stated the spirit of the agreement is to allow them to conduct maintenance repairs and/or improvements to the appearance. I Franchot stated in his view the applicant would like the flexibility to make minor interior changes to accommodate a tenant. Hankinson stated he would ask that if it does become vacant for a year, that they be given the flexibility to demolish it in the summer or fall rather than winter. Hankinson stated he is fine with the proposal that if the building is vacant for 24 months, that by July 1" of the following year it would have to be demolished. Mattick indicated Staff can put together an amendment to the development agreement. • Page 6 of 28