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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, August 19 2013 <br />6:30 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />Page 7 of 28  <br />  <br /> <br />Schoenzeit asked if the lack of handicap accessibility would adversely affect this application. <br /> <br />Gaffron indicated Staff would need to speak with the building inspector to determine if it would be <br />possible to have that area available for special events. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit asked when that review would be done. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated in his view it would need to occur prior to final action on the conditional use permit. <br /> <br />Thiesse pointed out developing a commercial space without handicap accessibility will be rather difficult. <br /> <br />McGrann stated anything done to the outside of the building will be an improvement, but if there is <br />outside dining at 10:00, 11:00 at night, there may be issues with the neighbors regarding noise and <br />lighting. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit commented lighting at that time of the day would be a potential issue but noted the outdoor <br />dining season is rather limited in Minnesota. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated the only information he has concerning the lighting is that the applicant is proposing <br />downcast lighting but there has been no discussion regarding the hours for the outdoor dining area. <br />Gaffron stated the view of the neighbors of the eating area is probably not an issue and in his view the <br />noise generated from the outdoor dining area will also not be an issue. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit asked whether the neighbors on Lyric Avenue were notified of this application. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated every property owner within 350 feet were given notice of the hearing and that potentially <br />there are no houses located within that area. Gaffron noted according to Exhibit M, there were a handful <br />of residences that were notified of the hearing. <br /> <br />Landgraver asked whether Commissioner Schoenzeit is proposing that the notice area be widened. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit stated if the use is being expanded, it would be nice to have additional public feedback. <br /> <br />Landgraver noted the last application generated a considerable amount of interest from the surrounding <br />neighbors and tonight there has been none. <br /> <br />Landgraver asked whether the Planning Commission can request the notice area be widened. <br /> <br />Gaffron noted it is not required and that he would like the City Attorney to weigh in on the issue. <br />Landgraver commented it is a worthy point but that it may not be the role of the Planning Commission to <br />require that. <br /> <br />Landgraver stated according to his list, there needs to be a lighting plan, a signage plan, clarity on the <br />hours of operation, and more detailed plans for the dining area. <br /> <br />Schwingler stated as it relates to Point No. 3, the increase in structural coverage from 38.6 to 39.1 percent <br />is a non-event given the improvements being made to the site. <br />Item #01 - PC Agenda - 09/16/2013 <br />Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 08/19/2013 [Page 7 of 28]