04-12-1999 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 12,1999 ( #11) #2471 Independent School District #278, 685 Old Crystal Bay Road North i Jay Pomeroy, AJA, Inc., Neal Lawson, Assistant Superintendent, and Scott McQueen, Wold Architects, were present. Weinberger presented the staff report. He stated that the Orono School District has applied for a Conditional Use Permit for the construction of a new middle school. They have also applied for a Conditional Use Permit Amendment and Variances in order to allow a parking lot to be located within the front yard setback across the street at the High School. The Conditional Use Permit to construct the new middle school would be to serve 675 students. The site is currently divided into four parcels with an outlot that goes down the center of the property. The Planning Commission and staff recommend that the outlot be vacated as it is part of the school district's property. He said the parking would be located in the front with a drive for picking students up. There is an additional parking area that would be used for bus loading and unloading. He said the parking is sufficient for the size of the school. He said there is an issue with the slope of the parking lot. The School District proposes a 5% slope, but the Public Services Director and the City's landscape architect consultant recommend 4 %. The 5% slope does meet the requirements for parking lots and it meets the requirements of the Americans for Disabilities Act. Weinberger said the City Council needs to review the lighting plan and discuss the height for the lighting standards, the cutoff angle and the amount of illumination measured in foot - candles. He said the School is proposing 35' poles. Shorter poles may not provide the . necessary coverage. Weinberger said the applicant has not provided a signage plan. The height of the school is an issue. He said the zoning code allows a 30' tall structure. The new middle school measures 42' in height, so it would require a variance for building height. Weinberger said there is an issue with pedestrian traffic because the gymnasium will be located in the middle school and students will be crossing Old Crystal Bay Road. Staff and the Planning Commission have recommended the installation of a pedestrian crossing light. Weinberger stated that the site is located within the MUSA. The sewer and water connection charge would be $9,310 per unit with a sewer availability charge of another $1,050 per unit. There would be standard drainage and conservation easements taken over those areas on the property as well as a 20' utility easement near a future water main extension. Weinberger said the City Council will need to discuss the need for a letter of credit at 150% for the site improvements such as utilities, landscaping, and other issues. He stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommend approval of the plan. Jabbour stated he does not feel a letter of credit is appropriate. Kelley said he feels the School District should provide a letter of credit. is Page 19