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, MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Monday,August 12,2013 <br /> - 7:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (6. #13-3606 LUKE KUJAWA O YOUR BOAT CLUB, 1444 SHORELINE DRIVE— <br /> CONDITIONAL IISEPERMITAMENDMENT, Continued) <br /> Kujawa noted John Woodin, one of the top boat sellers in the country, is out of town but that he did send <br /> a letter of support of the application. <br /> McMillan stated the applicant appears to be making good progress on this site but that she personally <br /> agrees with Staff that this application is somewhat premature. McMillan stated until things are finalized <br /> and some of the ownership issues are resolved, she does not want to expand the use. McMillan indicated <br /> there are still some issues that need to be addressed prior to approval. <br /> Kujawa asked what issues Ms. McMillan is referring to. <br /> McMillan indicated the fuel tank is one of the issues as well as some of the parking. McMillan <br /> commented it was a good idea to bring Classic Parking on board and that she would be interested in <br /> seeing if the whole parking situation will be reconfigured since he now owns the residential lots. <br /> McMillan stated she would rather see steps being made towards structural improvements before <br /> approving the application. <br /> Michael Gellis, EOF Investments, stated he is Mr. Kujawa's business partner and that they have spent <br /> considerable money out of their own pockets to resolve some of these issues. Gellis indicated they are <br /> looking at making a major purchase and that it is tough to resolve the ownership question when they do <br /> not know if they will have a working marina to justify the expense. Gellis commented it is very difficult <br /> as a private business to do that. <br /> Gellis stated in his view they have addressed the concerns to the best of their ability given the fact that <br /> they are a tenant and not an owner. Gellis stated they cannot apply for the fuel permit until they own the <br /> property and they cannot buy the property until they know they can run the boat club. <br /> Gellis noted the parking lot did not reach 65 percent capacity even on the biggest weekend of the year <br /> while it was being actively managed. Gellis noted most cities do not require businesses to have parking <br /> for the busiest day of the year. <br /> Gelis indicated they have a vested interest in working with the City and that they do not want to have an <br /> accident with someone crossing the street to get to one of their boats. Gellis commented it comes down <br /> to a chicken and egg situation. Gellis asked whether Mr. Gaffron, in doing his initial research several <br /> years ago, was able to find any precedence anywhere in the nation for a boat club to have a conditional <br /> use permit to operate. <br /> Gaffron indicated he is not sure whether he can answer that at this time but that he does recall the issue of <br /> excess parking for the boat club being discussed. <br /> Gellis stated he has researched it and that he recalls Mr. Gaffron stating that there is no precedence and <br /> has never been required before. Gellis indicated at the seven other municipalities where they operate, <br /> they are not required to have that. Actively managing the parking is much better than simply operating a <br /> marina where any number of people could show up and park. The parking management company <br /> prevents people from crossing the street unsafely. <br /> Page 13 of 37 <br />