04-21-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Not Approved Baker asked staff to clarify how much of the square footage of sheets A3 and A4 were considered office for the parking requirements. Gundlach replied that she considered all of it office, since on sheet Al the architect noted it as office area. Baker replied that he would consider the changing and exhaust rooms to a use other than office and that would result in the amount of parking being reduced. Zisla asked staff to explain how the new proposed parking would address the current parking problems. Gundlach replied currently there is a lack of curbing and striping throughout the site, which causes employees to park wherever they can fit in. At the south end of the lot employees are parking half on the pavement and half on the grass. This plan will incorporate curbing and striping through out the entire lot, and new bituminous areas would be incorporated to expand upon existing parking and maneuvering areas. Zisla inquired if it would address the on street parking that is occurring. Gundlach replied that the City can't assume that all of the on street parking is being done by Mission Foods, but the expanded parking area should help elevate some of the on street parking. Danger reported that he made a visit to the location and believes that there are no parking issues. Schiferl inquired if the occupant recycles. He also asked where the trash and recycling enclosure is located. The applicant stated that the trash and food waste containers are currently located on the south end of the building and under the proposed site plan they would be relocated indoors and recycling containers would be made available. Schiferl asked if the applicant would be working with the contractor to recycle building materials when appropriate. The applicant replied that they would be recycling building materials when appropriate. Schiferl inquired if there currently is a pond on the south east corner of the lot. Gundlach replied that there is not a pond, however the site naturally drains to that area because it is a low spot. Gundlach continued that the Rice Creek Watershed District would be requiring them to construct a water infiltration system in that area. Schiferl inquired if they would be incorporating any other types of infiltration systems, such as pervious paving. The applicant replied there will be another infiltration pond on the northwest corner of the site, but do not plan on using pervious pavers. Schiferl stated that the site does need landscaping and encouraged the applicant to submit an improved landscape plan. Zisla stated that he is not comfortable approving a plan that has not been reviewed by the City Forester. Gundlach replied that the zoning code does not require specific types of landscaping for this district, and typically the City Forester determines the appropriateness of on-site landscaping. The City Forester is known to be very reasonable about what is appropriate about what is on these sites. Danger inquired who would determine what sort of landscaping would be placed around the containment ponds. Gundlach replied that the plant materials in the southern containment pond will be controlled by the Rice Creek Water Shed District and the northern containment pond will be controlled by Ramsey County and the Rice Creek Water Shed District. Baker asked staff if they had discussed any options regarding the dock doors and did the applicant have a preference. Gundlach replied that the applicant has provided a plan that shows additional landscaping for the new dock doors, but the landscaping is not on their property. Mike Hagen, 614 Company, stated a gate, which will open and close automatically, would be added for security and screening. He added that the northern pond currently has several large trees that should help block the docks and is amendable to place something on the gate to block the view. Danger asked the applicant if there is enough room on the applicant's site to help screen that area. Hagen replied that there is only a five foot set back from the fence and the site grades down to the dock doors significantly. Baker replied if the office space was recalculated, and the amount of parking was reduced, the amount of space for landscaping in this area could be increased. O'Keefe stated that in this situation, he feels the setback for this building makes the new location of the dock doors less intrusive than the current location.