Planning Board - Regular Meeting

the August 19th, 2025 Auburn Main Planning Board meeting. I'll start with agenda item number one. Roll call from my left, Ed Barra, [Music] Bob Hayes, Riley Bersron, Paul Jacques, Bahus,

Darren Finnegan, Tim D. Ro. So, in the absence of Moren and Stacy, I will elevate both Bal and Ed for uh voting members this evening. Agenda item number two, um we have two uh meeting minutes to vote on. Uh the June 18th one, we have a little bit of a hardship here with only three of us that were at the meeting. Um so I I think we're allowed to accept them.

Three of us were at the first part of the meeting and then three of us were at the second part of the meeting. Who are the three who you're looking at? You, me, and Bob were at the first part. Well, Bob, Riley, and me were at the first part, and then you were at the second part. I'm going to go out on a limb and approve those minutes. Make a motion to approve those minutes. If somebody wants to challenge us months down the road, they can do that quickly. So, we won't get Okay. I I do have a potential amendment. the the vote on it said 202 and I I don't know that mean somebody that would mean two people abstained, right?

Correct. And the video only showed Stacy and me. You believe I actually made the motion um to approve. The motion was uh to accept Bob's request. Riley made the motion seconded by Bob and then this was on the abstension not on the second part. The abstension not Yeah, that's looking at extension. So Ed wasn't there yet. Correct. It was Riley and Bob.

So on the video Stacy voted for it. I voted against it. We couldn't see you guys. I think it was 3 to one. Yeah, I voted for it. Well, I'm confused now. Are we talking about the the the abstension part? The extension part before you got there? Yeah, Bob, do you remember if he voted for it or the motion?

I did vote for it. I almost thought that it was recorded correctly because I don't think it was uh it didn't pass. It says 202 on the voting numbers and we were particular about getting that accurate in the in the past. We can if we just amend it to 3 to one. Is that um is that what we think it is? I mean, we can certainly go back and watch the video.

It only showed Stacy and me on the actual vote because it had like a split screen. I can Yeah, I can say I I did vote for the abstension. So, it should be if it shows you both doing it, there should be three votes for it, right? If if Bob voted for it because I voted against it.

I don't think that Bob could vote on his own motion on on his own abstension. I think later on in the minutes we actually did we took it up a second time. Um motion to accept Bob Hayes's request to abstain. Riley Berseron by Riley, second by Stacy. Vote 401. If there's confusion here, let's hold off on adopting them. We can review the minutes, the the video, and just make sure that it it's accurate. Sure. I'd rather do that versus guessing tonight. Okay.

Yeah. I thought it was going to be straightforward, but it's clearly not. So, um, I can review it a little bit more, too. I only looked at that part of the video. Should we make a motion to approve the July 8th funds? Yeah. I move to approve the minutes from the July July 8th planning board meeting. Second.

Two. Have a question for you folks. Um you'll note on the third page of it um the we did not capture who made the motion with respect to Kittyhawk. Um that was the night that Chick-fil-A was here and when Chick-fil-A um unplugged the um their PowerPoint, YouTube froze. So, we don't have who made the motions that night and Tammy and I were trying to look at our notes and I had Moren, but I can't tell you what Moren was um to vote. So, I was curious if anybody remembers that evening who made the motions.

And actually, I don't I think I actually have to resend my uh motion as I wasn't in in attendance for that. And not to jump around, I'm going to check on that, Riley. Understanding that, um, feel as though MMA has told me in the past that board members can vote to approve minutes even if they weren't in attendance because you're not necessarily you're approving the the acceptance of them, so to speak. But I want to check that so next time we have this discussion, it's absolutely clear. Well, Riley and I weren't there and we couldn't watch it cuz it ended

That's right. right at the Chick-fil-A part, the video.

I think I may have made the motion for the Kittyhawk approval, but I'm going by memory only. I I can't can't give you any more than that, but that also explains the blanks on motion to adjurnn in the second as well because the audio was out. Yeah, exactly. I'm not concerned so much about the uh um you know motions to close and everything. We got the one of substance there who the vote motion we we have that with Moren and Bob. Um just the open and closing public comment. It's not the end of the world, but I don't know if people remembered or not.

I I honestly don't remember. I was here but I don't remember. Well, it wouldn't be a problem to opening and closing public comment motions and seconds aren't deal breakers to approve minutes. Correct. Is that the public comment at the end after the presentation when you open it up for public comment and close it for public comment? So that right and to add there was no public comment anyway. That's right. Exactly.

Again, I'm not terribly concerned about it given the way the meeting ran and that there wasn't any comment there. Um so I'm comfortable with you folks approving or making a motion to approve the minutes. Um and we can add a note to this that um due to recording we weren't able to capture the the motions. Okay. So, we did actually have a motion on the first set of minutes that we didn't vote on. So, I'm going to withdraw my motion for the first set of minutes, the July 8 minutes. Is that what you're referring to, Mr. Chair? June 18th. June 18th meeting. Yes. I'll withdraw that.

Thank you. Now, can are we ready to vote on the July 8th one? We have a motion already, right? I made it. Would anybody else like to make a motion? I make a motion to approve the July 8th meeting minutes, including the omission of specifics regarding the public comment motions and seconds. Second.

All those in favor? Is that five? Okay. and opposed. Okay. And I'm abstaining and I assume Riley is too. Yep.

Thank you. Okay. Okay. Item three is a public hearing for a site plan review and special exception for a UPS temporary overflow parking lot at 45 Flight Line Drive. So, I'll hand it over to staff first and then we'll have the applicant. So, this proposal includes the construction of a 36,293 square foot temporary gravel parking lot on property owned by Auburn Lewon Municipal Airport. The lot is intended to serve as overflow parking for u UPS, which operates on an adjacent parcel. Um, the applicant seeks a two-year temporary use of this parking frame to parking area. This time frame will allow UPS to investigate, engineer, and design permanent improvements to the facility located across the street. Right now, they're um using overflow parking adjacent to this site, which is um going to be under construction for the tea hangers that you folks approved last year. Um so, they won't have an overflow parking space anymore. They most certainly need it because they park all over the road out there otherwise. And at the same time, they're looking to make um site improvements to their actual operations site so they can get off the airport site and have all their operations on the UPS site. Uh the proposed use of the off- streetet parking is accessory to a permitted use whether or not located on the same lot is permitted as a special exception. Um so that's why you folks are seeing that otherwise we might have been able to approve this in house. So, it's a site plan review and it's a special exception

criteria that they need to meet. Um, proposed site will be on an undeveloped fill area. It's been used um as a a layown yard in the past for construction associated with the airport out there. Due to the temporary nature of the proposal out there, certain paving, curbing, landscaping requirements typically require a permanent parking facilities pursuant to section 60-60717 um are not being completed with this. That includes paved surface, painted delineation. Um so the planning board may want to consider waving or relaxing those requirements based upon the limited duration and function of this parking lot out there. Again, the applicants noted that there's no striping, curb stops, or paved travel lanes proposed given the temporary nature of this site. Um, so again, if you folks do relax that, um, you'll see in the recommended motions that there's should be reference to that specific section of code that allows the board to relax those standards. Um not to confuse matters um related to the use of this site, the airport has requested that once UPS no longer uses this site um and it has been used as a material layown yard and material storage area in the past, they would like to continue to do that. So staff has advised the airport that use of this area by the airport for construction material layown, material storage area and contract or parking area accessory to the airport is allowed pursuant to the code as an accessory use without planning board approval or special exception. So it seems odd, right? The airport can use this site as accessory to their own as a matter of right. But if it's UPS, it's across the street, they need a special exception permit. That's why they're coming to see you. So, we recommended as a condition in here that should the airport want to use this, um, we just the board include

that in their motion. That way, it's absolutely clear going forward that they can't permanently use this. If they wanted to airport to make this parking, I don't know, of some permanent nature in the in the future, they would potentially need to come back and see you folks. Otherwise, if they just want to use it to lay down yard while they're constructing the tea hangers next door or some other future improvement involving the airport, they could as they have in the past. Now, Dave, what you're speaking of, would that be item five in your recommended uh conditions of approval? Just for clarification.

Correct. Uh public services and engineering have been working with the applicant regarding some storm water related improvements. Um you folks, I emailed you folks an email today and you have hard copies of it too. Um an email from uh Steve Govini, the engineer who's been working on this project. Um I would suggest at some point you make a motion to accept those um that email as part of the record. Um both him and engineering have been working and they've basically come to a conclusion with respect to the storm order out there as far as the design and what needs to be done out there. At the end of the day, it's a rather insignificant increase um and impervious and it's all sheath flowing into a large wooded buffer area out there. So, um both the applicant and uh engineering are now on the same page with respect to storm water. You'll see that there was a condition in there if we hadn't got there that um we look to resolve that, but I at this point it has been resolved. And that email you're referring to is the email we received before the meeting from Wentworth Partners and Associates.

Correct. Yep.

Um again, waiverss on some of the parking lot design requirements. This project is subject to a site law project. Site law permit. Um we've approved a number of sight law permits out there. Again, most recently the t the hangar projects out there. I didn't realize you folks approved two hanger projects like I think in the same night. um those are delegated review projects. This also will be a delegated review project as well. So we'll be sending that information up to D just for their purposes of um notification. All other departments have um reviewed and don't have any concerns at this point. Um so again, staff's recommending that approval of this project. We have a number of conditions there um for your consideration. I would say when you're looking at them, I don't know that you need to consider um number three, the recommended condition regarding permits and activity um until storm water management shall be revol resolved to the city satisfaction. Uh this email and conversations with engineering that's since been resolved. So if you folks do move forward with the conditions as recommended, you don't necessarily need to include number three. Steve Jovini is here on behalf of UPS and the applicant.

Good evening, Mr. Chair and uh members of the board. Uh so my name is Steve Gavone uh with Wentworth Partners and Associates out of Scagen Maine. Uh David just really took my thunder here. Uh there's not really much else I can say, you know, other than uh probably just answer questions at this point. Uh as he said, we're we have a parking uh so what you see on the board here is this is the existing conditions. Uh presently there is an overflow parking lot that is being uh used by uh UPS during um heavy package movement uh periods. Uh Christmas is a good example. Uh we have a uh land that was filled as part of a pre this is all filled that's in here. And then below that land uh this lowly area this is all vegetated uh it's a vegetated buffer basically all the way down to um how was the name of this road?

Kittyhawk.

Yes. Kittyhawk. Thank you. So you know this this if I was giving the scale here which is in this perspective uh you know Kittyhawk is now way and this is all buffered and then so basically this all chases itself and eventually becomes a stream that goes under kitty as a an actual um uh intermittent stream at this point. Uh this um so this area here again it's it's already fill it's already flat and it's been used uh collectively this whole area has been used um as a layown yard. Uh we had you know photos going all the way back to uh 1997 with that uh and uh you know is and other photos after even after this uh was put in photos back in 2007 where this was this area here was used as a lay down yard. There is uh as you saw from the uh um the hydraology there this this area is vegetated uh it's uh low lowly vegetation uh and then there's this perimeter basically goes around in this respect here that um it's what we call dead sand. So there's actually no growth uh in this area here. When I did the calculations for the existing conditions, I actually considered the whole thing as being um vegetated with low uh low vegetation which would slow water down. So I took a very conservative approach to how I uh looked at the existing conditions and then as we moved into the proposed conditions um I went the opposite direction uh for u the stone dust that we're we're requesting out here. I could use a number uh it's called the C value um which is a coefficient for resistance flow resistance really uh I use I had the you know the books give me a choice

of using anywhere from 79 to 89 being so 79 being the low side 89 being the high side I use I used 89 so I was conservative in the opposite direction and even even with the the difference in in going from a vegetated site at 37 7 to uh basically a a non-pervious site at 89. Uh we were only moving less than one.1 cubic feet per second across in a 25-year storm event. So that the sheet flow really is uh is in insignificant um it's an insignificant change for the amount of area that we're actually uh looking to develop. Um, I have a couple questions for staff, but I have one for for the applicant. It it the application materials include only um um meeting minutes of the airport um authority authorizing its director to negotiate a lease with you. That's that's not sufficient right title and interest. Do we have a lease in place now?

Uh technically there's a lease in place for for the existing parking lot which is on the same lot. So the answer is technically yes. There's a lease in place, but it does it's when they they're going to be taking this lot for the development of the the new tea hanger. Um I imagine you you were on the board when that that was approved. Yeah. So the new T tea hanger they're hoping to start this fall and that tea hanger comes all the way down into this area. So this is all going to be paved. Uh let's see if I can I didn't I didn't detail it on our sheets, but yeah, this is this is all the development of the the tea hanger area. And then this is the building uh the actual hanger itself. from Elvis's non-pervious paved uh area. So again, that lease, they're just transferring and that's really what that's really what that uh the minutes reflect uh from the uh uh airport board.

I don't think that's what the minutes reflect. And I I'm not going to stand on this, but I think it would be it would be poor form if we made it a habit to accept minutes that simply say that the board authorizes the airport director to to negotiate and execute a lease agreement with UPS for interim parking. Mhm. On airport property. I mean, this contemplates that there will be a different lease, if there is one in existence now, that there will be a different one.

Yeah. Um, I'm not sure that there is one in place right now with UPS for anything on that side of the road. Um, so I'm I'm I'm I guess my simple question is, is there a lease pursuant to these March 12 minutes? Or if not, when will there be?

Uh, so the lease will go in place once we're permitted. That's that's my understanding. Anyone else?

I guess I do have one followup if I could then. Not about the lease. Um, when do you envision it's been discussed that there would be a 2-year limit on this permit? Is that 2 years from tonight, two years from when you first start using it, two years from when you pull the permit to do the ground work? What are you contemplating? Yeah, that would be two years from uh two years from it going into service. So whatever whenever um the code enforcement comes out and says this is this is done and you may now use it for its intended purpose. Uh that would be it would be two years from that date. and either for you or staff. What happens if after two years uh UPS wants to continue to use this for whatever reasons? So then technically they would need to come back to you folks um make a case that it's going to be used for something longer than um temporary use and potentially at that point the board would have to consider whether or not there should be any relaxation of those standards because the relaxing is relaxation of those standards is in part because it's temporary. They're not looking to put a ton of money into this, right? it's going to be two years. Um, if this turns out to be something that they really like, they want to use it more permanently, then yeah, they should probably improve the surface with something more permanent like pavement out there. Don't think it's necessarily going to change the storm water out there, but that would be something that we'd have to look at at that point. Then maybe it's a point of putting curb stops in or better striping or something to that effect. If it continued to be used and it was after those two years, then technically it becomes an enforcement issue at that point if they didn't come back to you folks and it was still brought to our attention that UPS was using it.

Yeah. Their their intended goal is really on their own properties across the street, but that um that's a lot more complex than this. and their anticipation um actually through consultation myself and another engineering firm is that that's going to take about 2 years for analysis design permitting um because the permitting at that stage is back to site law so there will be D permit and uh so it's um everything on their side is a lot is a uh a lot more intense than this in terms of design and that's stuff that have to come in front of the planning board as No more questions.

Yeah, that's fine. Yeah,

David, you you mentioned the um delegated authority that the planning department has for site law applications and it's discussed on the bottom of page four of your memo that per I just don't understand the last sentence that begins staff it says staff have confirmed that an amended site law permit is necessary and that the city can continue to review this project under its delegated review authority recognizing the airport exceeds delegated threshold.

So communities have delegated authority up to 10 acres of structure or impervious area. Uh the airport has like 62 acres of imperous area out there. So, I reached out to them knowing that um it appeared that we had done this in the past with the hanger projects and whatnot. DP, are you good with us doing this given that you know it's only 36,000 square feet in the whole scheme of a 62 acres out there? And they confirmed, yeah, it's not a problem. You folks have reviewed projects already out there. So, you can continue to use that recognizing it exceeds, you know, 10 acres of impervious or structure out there. [Music] So, are they working to change that? Because that's I I don't I don't think so. I think they do it um I think two things. I think they value communities that have capacity at various levels to review projects on their behalf. Um I also think they're incredibly short staffed up there and that um anytime they can defer to a de delegation to a community, they will. I don't think they're going to change the rules to allow all municipalities to review 67 acre sites. I mean, this has been an airport since I don't know, World War II out there. So, I mean, this impervious um much of it has existed a long time.

Okay, everybody's good. Okay. So, we'll open it up uh seek a motion to open up public comment then. So moved. Second. All those in favor? Go ahead. Anybody wish to speak? You have five minutes. Tell us where you live.

Excuse me. Steven Beal. Uh various residential addresses. 93A Shepley Street is one. uh in view of the discussion by Mr. Hediger, by the applicant and by Mr. Beer that this uh project appears to have a scope of two years under the lease if there is in fact a lease or is about to be one. It would seem that your approval, if you are to grant it, should be limited to a two-year period as well from the effective date of that lease because otherwise your approval would run for some much more extended period than the contemplated documentation covers. Thank you.

My name is Mark BL. I actually am a contractor for UPS and also on the airport board. Um both of which had problems and we tried to bring them both together to solve the problem. Um part of the problem with UPS and their own property is that they've had a lot of engineers retiring and that's um finding replacements and getting that process going is why there's such a delay in their own parking lot. That's why they're looking for this, you know, temporary two-year uh parking lot so they can get back into their system and and get things moving. With big corporations like that, you know, it takes a lot of time to get things moving. Um but I know they've been in talks with engineers to uh get their own project going. So, this is just a very temporary uh situation. Now, um once this is approved and permitted, it still has to go through their whole corporate process um to get funds approved to to get contractors lined up. Um that alone could take months and that would be coming off the uh lease terms. Um that really will only give them 18 months of parking. um if we don't do it for the time that it opens rather than the time that um you know you you decide to do it. So there's lag time. You know big corporations like I said it takes time to allocate funds and and get engineers and get everything ready. So just um hopefully it works out for for both the airport and and the uh UPS. Seeing that nobody else wants to speak, I'll seek a motion to close public comment.

So move. Second. All those in favor. Thank you. 7. Um, thank you, gentlemen. Thank you, Mr. Bear. Thank you, David. Okay. Uh, okay. So, this is where we get to talk to uh each other and ask any more clarifying questions, any deliberations.

The um I think staff also in in the material suggested what Mr. reveal did that there be a condition about the two years as one of the uh one of the parts of the motion is that is that do everyone feel the same way on that can you say that again do you does everyone agree that there because I don't see it as part as one as one of this in the suggested motion I don't see the two-year thing the two-year limit as part of the as part of the conditions, but Mr. Beal brought it up and actually staff says it in the materials

on page seven. Yeah. So, I was asking if the board whoever make the motion or if the board agreed that that should be one of the conditions of approval. Yeah. Do you want it to be when the lease is signed or like which would have to be after they're permitted to use it? Correct.

I would suggest to to uh Mr. Bla's point um UPS isn't moving as quick as everybody else might like to. So, um, for the benefit of them, if it's tied to, um, a 2-year period upon, um, completion and, um, trying to think how to word that necessarily, occupants are built built in compliance with the planning board's approval or something like that to that effect, you know, where inspection is made by staff in that the clock starts then.

Could it be is there a way to phrase it as like the start of use? Um, we could do that. Yeah. Start of use. So, you call it an o occupancy permit when it's a building, right? It would be if there was a structure out there, right? We would be tying it to a certificate of occupancy. Um, technically there should be an inspection of this when it's completed anyway to confirm that it's built to the right dimensions and that they have taken appropriate erosion control measures and whatnot out there. So, an inspection would need to occur. Um, I think I heard service. Does that language work for you?

Um, it's fine for me as long as everybody I I understand what it means. I think it's important for the applicant to understand what it means and and and we have it, you know, phrased appropriately so it's in an approval letter so everybody knows and there's no questions later. How would you know when it's placed in service but for the applicant telling you? That's right. So placed into service by the city's code enforcement or I mean the planning staff or

it's going to be between really the applicant should be notifying the the city of upon when they want to put it into service out there so we can do an inspection agree upon it and the clock starts. Is there any more deliberation or questions? You working that out, Tim? Yeah, I I think I might have something usable.

Okay, I'm ready for a motion if somebody's ready to make one.

All right. I make a motion that the proposal meets requirements of section 60-1277 and 60-1336 and approve the site plan by Wentworth Partners and Associates on behalf of the United Parcel Service for construction of a temporary gravel overflow parking lot and associated site improvements at 45 Flight Line Drive. Parcel ID 131-00007 as off- streetet parking accessory to permitted use whether or not located on the same lot pursuant to section 60-578. The proposed project has met the standards pursuant to chapter 60 article 16 division 2 site plan review and division 3 special exception with the following conditions. One, no development activity until any bonding or inspection fees are determined by the Auburn Engineering Department. Two, blasting permit in advance of blasting from the city of Auburn Planning, permitting, and code department. Three, given the temporary use of this site as off- streetet parking accessory to a permitted use pursuant to 60-578, the planning board acknowledges the relaxation of off- streetet parking and loading requirements of chapter 60 article 5 pursuant to 60-60717. Four, the use of this area by the airport for construction material layown, material storage, area access, and contractor parking area accessory to airport operations is allowed pursuant to section 60-578 of code of ordinances as an accessory use. Any storm water associated improvements will be required to be maintained by the airport. and a permanent use such as future buildings

and airport in support of the airport master plan. A non-aironautical commercial use or permanent parking would need to be permitted through the prescribed process through the FAA and then through state and city regulation. Five, email dated 8:1425 from Wentworth Partners and Associates regarding storm water sheet flow be put into permanent record. Six, the special exception will begin its 2-year time frame beginning at the placed in service date as deemed by city staff. Second. Any discussion? I I did want to make a comment on the and I forgot to do this earlier, but the the waving some of the pave paving and off- streetet parking requirements I think is actually beneficial to both the environment and inherent with the uh temporary status of this. It's makes it easier to make changes to the property in the future. Um just one of those conditions that we wanted to make sure we were thorough on. Um so no more discussion. Okay. All those in favor? Opposed? So motion carries six to one. And we were making note in the past of who voted which way. That kind of thing. Just

whenever there's a whoever opposes or abstains, we'll make sure that's noted. Thank you. Okay. And so that was item 3A. Now we have item 3B. uh public hearing for a site plan review and special exception for Honeybee Healing Hive Yoga at 170 Main Street. And again, staff, could you tell us a little bit more about this?

Sure. So, Melissa with Honeybee Hive has submitted an application for a special special exception use to operate a yoga studio at 170 Main Street. Uh it's in the downtown traditional center T51. Um, this proposed use is categorized as a hall, private club, indoor amusement. Uh, private club is defined as any building or rooms that serve a place for incorporated or unincorporated associate, civic, social, cultural, religious, literary, political, recreational, similar activities and not open for the general public. Um, because it's a special exception. That's why it's before you folks. No departments have any comments with this. There's no concerns. And I made reference in the comments that um we struggled a little bit as to whether or not to even bring this to the planning board. We kind of aired on the conservative side though. Um while we think it fits the definition of a hall and private club, um personal service would have made things a lot easier, but the definition of personal service doesn't necessarily provide the details that staff was comfortable with to possibly consider it as a personal service. Um and a lot of times definitions will have examples. So it could say personal service including fitness, recreational, instructional uses or indoor amusement and recreation. that would have made this much more cleaner. We could have avoided having this before you folks because quite frankly she's taking over a space that was occupied by uh a chocolate store um and just putting a yoga studio there. There really isn't much to review on this at all. Um parking isn't required and even if parking is necessary, which clearly parking will be needed for our clients, there's a municipal lot right across the street from this capacity. Um, so with that, staff is recommending approval of this special exception

without any conditions. Um, I will note I emailed you folks a copy of her lease agreement. Um, given the format, it was difficult to read. Um, I do have some copies. Melissa has some copies, too, if you folks need to see that for any reason. And she's here on behalf of her project. Hello, everyone. Go ahead. Yeah. My name is Melissa St. Pierre. I'm the owner of Honeybee Healing Hive and David really covered it. This space was already run as commercial. It was a chocolate shop and I just hope to make it a yoga studio right across the street. So, you all should come and I'm happy to answer any questions you all have.

I have a quick question. Is this open to the public or is it going to be membershipbased? Because if it's membership based, that will actually kind of help the definition too. So, um, most yoga studios do drop in classes and then also there'll be opportunities to buy things like, um, five class passes, 10 class passes, but not like a membership to like a standard gym like Planet Fitness or something like that.

Well, um, not really because the it will only be open when there are classes open. So unlike a um Planet Fitness where people can go in any time, there would be, you know, a class in the morning people could sign up for and a class in the evening. There are some studios that offer options like pay a monthly rate and you can come to any class, but it is still in those defined hours of when a class is available. Great. Thank you. Like like I said, I was just asking because then that could be defined as a private club if it's members only. That's the reason for my question. Thank you. Well, any member of the public could certainly sign up for a class. So,

uh I just love the location um with that designing that downtown district there with having the residential stuff above and the street level commercial businesses and stuff like that. I think that's really fits well and it's in that same pattern with the rest of the street. So, it's wonderful.

Thank you. I I certainly would vote in favor of this. It's a it's it's a welcome addition. I don't really have any concern about considering this a personal service though. I mean, how is it any different than a barber shop? I mean, or a um I guess I'll I'll leave it at that as as a barber shop, which we've got plenty of on Main Street.

No doubt, Ed. I mean, we we talked about it probably longer than we should have as to how to categorize this. Um, and again, I I think at the end of the day, we just thought other than Melissa's time and your folks time, we had nothing to lose by bringing it here. Um, versus potentially just allowing it to happen. I can't imagine anybody objecting to it if we had just allowed it to happen. But given that there was some gray area from our perspective, this is the route we landed on. And and I do note that in the uh formbbased code section, if a use is not listed as prohibited, but it's deemed by you to be similar, then it would be a permissible use. So,

and it's not prohibited. And for better, for worse, a lot of I shouldn't say a lot, there are um I'm I'm learning that a number of the uses that are listed in the formbbased code, they don't have definitions associated with them. um versus some of the traditional zoning districts do have definitions associated with them. So um I think there's going to be that interpretation there at times where we're trying to fit this, you know, something round in a square hole or something like that. [Music] Public comment.

Sure. Let's do public comment. Make a motion to open public comment. Second. All those in favor? As no one in the public wants to speak on Oh, you do? Oh, cannot believe it. We can make a motion to close public comment. So moved. Second. All those in favor. I'm sorry, who second that? Was it Darren? Oh, Bo. All right.

Okay. If there's no more discussion needed, we can jump straight to the motion. I make a motion that the proposal meets the requirements of sections 60-1277 and 60-1336 and Honeybee Healing High of Yoga for the excuse me for the property located at 170 Main Street. Tax map ID 241-024 within the downtown traditional center the T-5.1 zoning district proposal project. The proposed project has met the standards pursuant to chapter 60 article 16 division 2 site plan review and division 3 special exception.

Seconded. Any discussion? Okay. All those in favor? Motion carries. Good luck with your new business. Thank you all so much. You bet. Thanks. Okay. And I will now open public comment for items that are not on the agenda.

Okay. So, uh, seeing none, public comment is now closed. And staff, are you ready for your miscellaneous items? Sure. Um, proposed revisions to Stson Road Apartments. Do you guys have this or would you like me to pull it up on the screen? I have it.

I So, we met with them uh a couple weeks ago um about some changes and um you'll remember that it was 160 units, 50 residential buildings, 20 duplexes, 30 quadlexes. Now, they want to modify that same number of units except it's going to be 20 duplexes, 26 unit buildings instead. um the impervious area, the street network, it's all going to be the same or potentially less impervious area out there. Um the buildings are going to be shorter. They're going to be two stories. Now, I think they did a nice job in their application showing you, you know, what was previously approved and what they're looking to do. Um I can tell you when they met with staff, we were all kind of like beauties in the eye of the holder, I suppose, but we were like, "Wow, these look really great." Um, and interestingly enough, they actually might be a modular design, too. Actually talking to modular company to see if they can actually do this type of construction in that fashion. Um, the ordinance does allow for staff to basically sign off on this as a dimminimous change, but I mentioned that we were having a planning board meeting and they said and I asked, you know, would you like me to bring it to them just to see if there's any thoughts or comments that the board has to share? So, that's why I'm here before you. um the same conditions of approval would apply. You will remember that um the biggest condition of approval, additional and um beyond staff's um typical ones was they need to do a landscaping along Stson Road there. There was some concerns from um who's across the street. Thank you. Um and they agreed to do some landscaping with that out there as well. um they're going they're going to work with their landscape architect and give us a copy of that plan once it's finalized. So again, just looking uh both staff and the applicant are looking to see if there's any just general thoughts,

comments, feelings about what they're doing. it. I think there's uh just from a marketing perspective that they'll get a more diverse demographic with the some of them are single bedroom and there's one and twobedroom units and there's a different square footage on a lot of them, isn't there? Just going by the floor plan. I didn't look at numbers or anything, but yeah, I think they actually had the square footage. Oh, they they do have it actually.

Aren't some of them onebedroom? Yeah. The first floor. The first floor on the six unit ones. 870 square foot. Yeah. 150 square ft or so. Those are thousand square ft. Yep. A good size for apartment.

Yeah. And I think the single bedroom on the first floor is important for different demographics for Yes.

Absolutely, Steve. First build proposal came for Um, you folks will know better than I because I wasn't necessarily here yet. Um, I'm aware of there was a situation with respect to setbacks and I think it was like 30 feet or something like that. Yep.

So to to Steve's point about around the curve and I am aware that there was a reduction in the units but I'm not sure um to to Steve's point I don't remember if the reduction was from 160 to something less or it was something more to 160. It it was less because they had to space the buildings out a little bit more. They were within 30 ft the first time and then it was 160 and it was reduced to something. I don't remember the exact number but yes it was reduced. I actually think it was I think it was higher than 160 and it went down to 160.

The the plan shows um original the original plan was 50 individual buildings consisting of 20 duplexes and 30 quads. Their modification still has 20 duplexes, but they've reduced down to 26 units. SIX 20 each sixunit buildings. So there's 10 fewer buildings on site. And I think that's probably what's giving them the space.

I think the first one had a lot more than 160 units. It was way higher. That's Yeah, this is the second draft that we actually approved. I I remembered it being a lot higher, but we had a bunch of things on the agenda that night, too, with like 300 units going through.

I can certainly confirm um January, right? I took the applicant's word for it not having looked, but I can certain I I do know that there was a reduction in number of units, whether it was a reduction to 160 or was from 160 to something else. I can certainly I can I can let everybody know

that rings a bell with what Paul said and it I I remember that clearly now. Okay. I'm just looking it up. So it came to us in January, then it came back in February. Yeah, they started with 56 residential buildings with 22 duplexes and 34 quadlexes. That's a lot. What' you say? 22 duplexes and what?

Then 34 quad plexes. Yeah. So it was quite a bit higher. Then they reduced the number of buildings. Um so the February one is where we would have approved it with the the other buildings. So again, same number of buildings as Tim mentioned. It's just going from quads really to six unit buildings out there at this point and changing the appearance of the buildings as well. Isn't the the other point the number of units it's not increasing as a result of this proposed change?

Correct. It's the same number of dwelling out there. Yeah. Correct. So yeah, there's no motion necessarily. It was just to share with you folks, give you an update. Um, in the event that they start something out there and it doesn't look like what you remember, it'll be slightly different.

No, I guess I agree with Paul. I think actually the character that's going to be in this new design is more coming to this area. I guess what is lost is really some uh garage space. So, it seems like it's going to be all parking. And I guess I'm not sure if there's actually parking off street that's actually provided or is it going to be on street? It's all it's it's it's so it's a private road out there and the duplex buildings they'll have parking. I mean kind of if you look at the this page here. Um you'll see there's a it appears to be a lot of on street parking there because it's right in front of the buildings. The two unit buildings will have kind of their own driveways instead. More dedicated type parking space.

Yeah. Bob, it's on the second page. Yes. Yes. Thank you. I can see now there's designated parking except for the hour loop, right?

Yeah, they made a lot of changes to this. It it actually came back in March um to they wanted to maintain the open space. So instead of spreading the buildings out, they were trying to cluster them together and um and a lot of connectivity with the current roads that are getting all redone, North River Road and Stson Road and um with the sidewalks that they're putting in which helps the whole area a lot with getting down to North River Road and up to Center Street. Anyone else? Thank you for bringing this back to us though. I think it's I like to this is this is a huge development for Auburn. So knowing what's going on I think is important to and what's in the market. for us and the public. The only other thing I um wanted to we don't have to make any decisions this evening um but I'd like you guys to think about how do you want to receive planning board packets. Do you like it when me and other staff show up at your house on a Thursday or Friday or is there another way?

Oh, that's not the answer I want to hear. [Music] Well, for me, the most important part is getting this stuff and looking at this on a computer screen or trying to print it out on your home computer. No, I I realize that. I mean, I'm a paper guy, too. When it comes to reviewing these, I like to see it in front of me. Um, I was just, you know, we were talking about if there's other ways to get this in your hands,

and we can certainly still make deliveries. One thought was if we somehow found a spot here at city hall and I don't even know if this works. Like the police department is open, you know, and like you could go there theoretically at any hour and retrieve something assuming somebody is down there. Um I'm sure they want that. I'm sure they do too, you know, because they have better things to do, right? Why Why don't we have the police deliver them and they might come to West Auburn every now and then? Oh, I'm I'm bet. at least once a month. They may prefer to have that downstairs instead, you know. Yeah. And catch my dog off leash and all that.

Um that that's fine. I wanted to entertain. I I I asked Eric. Eric mentioned that I don't know how recently ago, but some time ago there was discussion about um potentially getting planning board members tablets so they could look at plans and whatnot, which is maybe helpful, but to your point, Tim, it's still or Paul too. It's something to be said for having something in front of you. So that's fine. I I won't feed a dead horse if that's Well, I totally get it. I mean, most of this is fine to read on a screen. Yeah, that's stuff is probably fine, but it's the it's the blueprints that are so much more helpful on paper. These are small, too. You know what I mean? It's

No, that's fine. And and my intent, too, is when we if we're doing like ordinances and it's only a few pages or something. And when I say a few, it's probably like 10 or less. My inclination is not necessarily to be printing out stuff and delivering it to you at that point, unless somebody specifically wants it. you know, when it's a big packet, yeah, we'll still make it because, you know, I don't expect planning board members to go through a cartridge of ink just for a Tuesday night meeting. So, no, I certainly appreciate the packet. Uh, but certainly don't mind coming to city hall, whether it be through police or wherever. So, but I do truly appreciate the the paper copy. So Bob's offering to deliver them is what I heard. [Music]

So it sounds like we just need to go to your house and then from there it's you know okay that's what I'm I don't want to make this too haphazard for you either. But I'm I don't work so I'm happy to come in and pick up. I've got time. I I can come get my own if you just want to make I can come get my own too.

Just need I'd like to know when. Yeah. So, that factors into us as well too because I think my impression is we've gotten things out on like Thursdays and Fridays and if we get it out on a Friday, um that only leaves you a few hours potentially to come to city hall before the place locks at 4 and then it's Monday and I know some of you want take more time than others to go through the packets. So, I'm not you know, our thought is always like at least you got the weekend and the day to look at. Um, so that's good to know that some of you are willing to um come here knowing that the building's only open 8:30 to 4 at Yeah, it is challenging for

me with school. I have a fixed schedule. So getting here while you're in Augusta or something like that, right? You know, so um all right. I'll again I wasn't looking for a decision to be made tonight. I just wanted to get a sense from you folks as to um clearly it's not unanimous. So there goes that idea. Well well if it can be some of us is that better like uh it doesn't hurt some people volunteered to come get it and I'll I'll I'll think about it.

Seems that this shouldn't just be a planning department issue there. There ought to be a entry level employee who has a job that would accommodate this sort of thing. It doesn't have to be the city planner delivering these. Probably not. But that's okay, you know. On that note, uh I have nothing else for you folks. Okay. And you still have a job opening? I assume

I do. If any of you are interested in becoming a plan coordinator, um provide your application to uh HR. That would be appreciated. Okay, I move to adjourn. Second. All those in favor? You got something to say?

With the comprehensive planning process going on where we have two uh planning board members that go to those committees. You know, I guess I'd like, you know, some feedback as to how the two of you have kind of uh felt the process is going. There've been some things that have surprised you or some of the things that are particularly interesting that the public from your perspective. Uh

I can go a little bit on that and I know I've been at a lot of the public events and you you could probably comment on that too. There was a lot of participation at some some it was kind of a preaching to the choir kind of you know talking to the same people that either staff or committee members or something like that. Um, it's really the meetings henceforth because we have all the information that I mean we're getting more all the time, but we have a lot of information now and now it's time to get down into the nuts and bolts of um making some decisions as to policy and for for the future. Um, that's my read on it. our next meetings the next couple meetings is is coming up with the uh vision statement and that was that's going to I think it's next two meetings we're doing that and but that was it is going to be based on all the the information that the consultant was able to get through the the online surveys and the meetings in a box and the other methods we've been the public input we got at the the the open houses and things like that. So, uh, yeah, like like Paul said, a lot of the actual work is going to be starting up because the to a lot of the stuff was being done online and by Barry Dunn and not us. So, I think there's going to be longer meetings going forward. Um, and I I won't be able to go to the next meeting because I'm at I have a school event that I can't go to, but it they are open to the public. They're also on YouTube like these meetings are. Um, and they certainly would like as much input as possible from the because there's a public comment section and stuff. I don't know if somebody can go in mystead because I'm a planning board rep. Um,

but No, you're you're appointed necessarily, right?

Um, I'm glad you brought it up, Bob. I probably should have said something as well just as far as you know updating the process but um both you folks have have have nailed it. Um we're at the visioning section at this point and that it was all inventory prior to that. So I mean it's just a lot of data gathering right um which is very time consuming but it's division and then the land use planning that goes with it that I think will be a more um difficult conversation for the committee and the public right because that's talking about where do you want to see growth is growth appropriate where should this occur what does it look like that type of thing um I think we've done a really good job of trying to get people engaged involved in the process. To to Paul's point, at sometimes it's it is the the usual suspects that are showing up at these meetings. Um because there's only so many people that are truly interested in zoning and land use. Um but we're also learning a lot of people don't know what it's about. Um, some of the comments that we've heard from the groups is that it's, you know, an older demographic of a certain income is seems to be participating and, uh, Lauren Cafe, our long-range planner, she's made a, um, real effort to try to get out to other groups to at least inform them of the comprehensive plan, let alone provide comments about what is a comprehensive plan. She went to the uh, backpack pickup the other day. She spent a day down at the um new resource center that the city has down at um on Mill Street. So, we're really trying to tap into not the usual suspects to at least get some of their thoughts and comments. Um there is a meeting on the 26th as Paul mentioned. I I won't be able to make it that evening as well. And then there's another one in September. Both of those are the vision statement meeting. So, um people should absolutely participate.

the committee themselves, meaning probably most likely John Cleveland and and um Laura uh Lauren, unless I have to contribute, um they will be providing an update to you folks at an October meeting and the city council at an October meeting as well, just to say, "Hey, this is what we've been doing for the last five or six months. This is where we're at, whatnot." So there'll be a more detailed um report Bob from Alli at Barry Dunn as well as staff at that point.

Thank you for that. And you know for the public I think getting into this visioning is really important because that is the basis for what will come for ordinance and and so forth. So, you know, if the public hasn't been engaged at this point, just tuning in to these next two se sessions, I would think would be very important.

And again, you know, I think I've said this before, but it's good for you folks, you obviously be given updates um by the consultant, by myself, others. Um but at some point, you folks are going to be asked to make a recommendation on this whole plan, too. So, it's good to be at least aware of it so doesn't come at your on your plate at the 11th hour and you're like, "This is totally foreign to me and I don't agree with anything. I didn't provide any input." Be involved as much as you want to be, but you will be asked to take some type of action at some point.

Thank you. Yeah, we're actually adjourned because we voted on it. and let's go. Thank you everyone.

Just can't do it. I thought we were getting out of here before 7 minutes meeting minutes took

that June 18 and it was all split screen and stuff so you couldn't see anybody and then the mic was off during a lot of it.