CCP 04-26-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Approved 9. Fire suppression evaluation is submitted to the Fire Marshal. 10. Raised parking lot islands are constructed on the eastern lot. 11. Pedestrian access&lighting is improved is wooded area by overflow lot. 12. Signage meets the requirements of the Civic Comprehensive Sign Plan. Commissioner Nichols-Matkaiti questioned when the name changed to the New Brighton Community Center? Brad Martens, Facilities Manager at the Community Center responded, stating the change has been taking place slowly over the past few years,primarily for marketing purposes. Commissioner Nichols-Matkaiti questioned the meaning of the term proof of parking. Ms. Gundlach noted that is a planning term. It was used in this case to show where additional parking could be if necessary,but is not proposed to be built at this time. Commissioner Nichols-Matkaiti questioned if the book drop will comply with drive through requirements. Ms. Gundlach noted the drive through criteria was not considered with the book drop, as the drive through requirements deal with hours of operation and noise limitations associated with an audible ordering device. Commissioner Danger agreed, noting a book drop would not likely fall under the same criteria as a standard drive through. Sandy Walsh, Deputy Director of the Library system clarified that the approved lease indicates that the library operates for up to one year, and the parking need will be assessed after that first year. If the parking requirements were to change, the lease approval process would have to begin again. Ms. Walsh stated she feels it is best to wait in order to get an accurate representation of the use patterns. Commissioner Schiferl questioned what tends to be the busiest time for libraries in general. Ms. Walsh noted crowds tend to vary throughout the year. Preliminary studies indicate Saturdays during the winter tend to be busiest. Commissioner Zisla asked for clarification on the lease, as it addresses parking. Ms. Walsh clarified the library's position is that the lease has been approved by three governmental bodies with the parking option to wait for up to one year. Commissioner Zisla stated he is getting the impression that the library is not willing to renegotiate the lease agreement. Ms. Walsh disagreed, and stated if the terms of the lease are amended,it is a complicated process,and maybe the additional parking will not be necessary. Mayor Jacobsen noted the $160,000 is proposed to be escrowed, as City staff has determined additional time was necessary to determine any additional parking need. Commissioner Danger questioned who decides if additional parking is required. Ms. Walsh noted either the library or the City can request additional parking per the lease language. Ms. Gundlach stated she was not part of the lease negotiations, and did conduct land use approvals as usual. Ms. Gundlach clarified currently the lease is not approved, it is conceptually approved; however final approval will not be until after the land use has been approved. Commissioner Danger questioned the possibility of a potential problem if there is not mutual agreement on the need for additional parking. Ms. Walsh reported a third party will conduct the study to avoid bias. Ms. Walsh stated the county and city have worked very well together thus far. Commissioner Schiferl questioned what factors would determine a parking problem, and how quickly could a parking lot be built, especially in winter months. Mayor Jacobsen stated it was originally anticipated the library would open earlier in the year. Mayor Jacobsen also stated the Council would appreciate input from the planning commission on the issue. Commissioner Zisla asked if there was any reason the library would not build the additional parking. Ms. Walsh stated the only reason would be if the need for parking was not apparent, it would demonstrate good stewardship to not complete the parking project. Brad Martens, Facilities Manager for the Community Center noted the Community Center is busiest during the months of November through March, with Saturday being the busiest. Mr. Martens noted steps are taken to mitigate known parking issues through scheduling restrictions; although not ideal. 6