04-21-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Not Approved PLANNING COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS Regular Meeting—March 17, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Larry Baker, Steve Danger, Tom O'Keefe, Norm Schiferl, and Paul Zisla Absent: Bruce Howard, Jim O'Brien, and Council Member David Phillips. Also Present: Sharon Doffing, Council Member, and Janice Gundlach, City Planner. Agenda Review: Agenda was approved. Minutes: Minutes for February 17, 2009 were presented and approved. Council Action: Council Member Doffing reported Council has approved a change to the ordinance regarding firewood storage and weeds. An ordinance regarding municipal development financial assistance was also passed at the last Council meeting. The Council approved the Colliers market study for the Northwest Quadrant and she noted several positive highlights from businesses within the City. Public Hearing: LP2009-001 Site Plan Approval for 45,000 SF Warehouse Addition to 1565 1st AVE NW, known as the Mission Foods Plant The applicant is requesting Site Plan approval to allow construction of a 45,000 SF storage/warehouse addition to the existing manufacturing and warehouse facility at 1565 1st Avenue NW, known as the Mission Foods plant. The proposal includes curbing and paving improvements to the existing surface parking lot, proof-of-parking stalls, pond construction, re-orientation of loading dock facilities, construction of a guard house, and interior remodeling. Over the last year and a half staff has been made aware of expansion needs at this facility. In 2007 the occupant of the building, Mission Foods, requested and received approval to construct a second silo on the east end of the site. Staff was advised in late February of the building owner's intention to pursue the expansion and has been working with the applicant's architect in refining the Site Plan to ensure all Industrial District standards have been met. O'Keefe asked staff if they knew of the purpose behind the ordinance that allows only a single dock door. Gundlach replied that she suspects it was to limit the view of that type of activity from the street. She added that this site is unique since the dock area is lower than the street level and believes the view could be screened. However, the existing ordinance must first be addressed; either by changing the ordinance or advising the applicant to remove two of the loading docks. Zisla inquired what is required prior to a planning commission review of the site plan review for landscaping. He added that the applicant should not be held responsible for changes if the City Forester was not in the office. Gundlach replied that there are several issues regarding this application: landscape plan is required at the time of submittal and while a plan was provided no new landscaping was proposed; the applicant was highly encouraged to meet with staff before submitting their application to avoid any delays, the applicant chose not to meet with staff and submitted the application on the last day of the deadline; the issues were immediately recognized and the applicant was notified, however the City Forester was on vacation.