05-15-2017 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,April 17,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Gaffron stated the City Attorney has advised that the city cannot issue a permit since it is state land and that Orono does not have permitting authority over state land. Gaffron indicated the City can enforce certain performance standards on the operation such as times of operation,but that it is difficult to regulate the operatio since it will occur on state land. Engleman stated in his view there are things that can be done but they cannot be done immediately. Gaffron stated he understands Mr. Engleman had a conversation with the City Administrator today who has told him basically the same thing. Engleman asked how the state can move in if it is zoned 2-acre residential. Gaffron stated the state trumps city zoning. Engleman stated in regards to the letter from the Dumases,they will have a bigger problem now than with Lake West since the equipment will be closer to them. Thiesse stated unfortunately the City's hands are tied. Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. Leskinen stated in concept an interim use permit can be a tool for the City. Leskinen noted when the Planning Commission discussed this a long time ago and to her recollection there were some cautionary tales. Leskinen stated the City would have to be very diligent about it and that she is concerned there are uses that can either be inappropriate and hard to get rid of or may do irreparable damage to the site. Leskinen indicated she is open to the idea but that she does have some reservations. Landgraver indicated he is in favor of it since it is another tool in the City's toolbox. Currently the only tool the City has is a conditional use permit,which goes with the land and is permanent, and the interim use permit only goes for a certain time period. Landgraver stated it would force the City to be disciplined and make sure all the T's are crossed. Page 17 of 72