03-24-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 24, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 18 of 24 (6. #14-3648 BEN GOODWIN – 565 LEAF STREET AND 550 OXFORD ROAD – VARIANCE – RESOLUTION NO. 6376 & RESOLUTION NO. 6377, Continued) Levang stated she would like to mention a couple of items but that she would first like the City Council to allow the McCall’s to speak. Jeff McCall, 3920 Hillcrest Way of Deep Haven indicated he is the pastor of the church located at 525 Leaf Street as well as the Woods Chapel. McCall stated he would like to thank the City Council for the opportunity to speak tonight. McCall stated to the best of his knowledge, they acquired the property in 2006, and that the original church on this property was constructed in 1882. The church has held services for area residents and visitors continuously since that time, providing a sanctuary for worship and fellowship. As is generally the case, the neighborhood has grown up around the church over the past 130 years. The current church building was constructed around 1970 and replaced the previous stone church that existed on the site. McCall stated the property is heavily wooded with maples and gardens and contains a natural outdoor chapel. McCall stated Woods Chapel has been a standout wedding location in Orono for approximately 50 years, which provides a lot of commerce from the people who visit the area. Church services are held every Sunday at 11 am, in the church building. Other weekly activities consist of prayer meetings and bible studies. McCall stated typically a wedding ceremony will be held on a Friday or a Sunday and one to two weddings are held on Saturday from the middle of May through October. Some weddings are held inside the church from November through April. McCall indicated the summer weddings are also sometimes held inside the church. McCall indicated the bridal party may take some pictures on the patios located about 50 feet from the Goodwin property and any outdoor ceremonies are held in the outdoor chapel located approximately 250 feet from the Goodwin property. McCall stated the church has always been cognizant of its location and respectful of the neighborhood. McCall stated to his knowledge and experience, the church has had a good relationship with the neighbors and the community. The building and the grounds are alcohol and smoke free due to the risk of elevated behavior and impact to the neighborhood. Occasionally there are funerals or celebration of life services held at the church. All wedding parties are informed of policies regarding neighboring properties. In addition, there is no off-site parking allowed and no loud music or abusive language is allowed. McCall indicated these rules are strictly enforced by staff members at every wedding. McCall stated he and his wife do not object to the Goodwin’s erecting the fence, but noted the property contained a substantial amount of trees and vegetation that for a long time provided a natural barrier which was cut down last summer by the Goodwin’s. McCall stated they have had a mutual benefitting relationship with the previous neighbor and that they would like to continue to build relationships with the neighbors and the community. McCall stated True Victory Christian Fellowship does not want to be held financially responsible for construction repairs or regular maintenance of the Goodwin’s fence and that their intent is to continue to increase the trees and plantings to assist with the natural screening between the properties.