2018.07.17 PC - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Councilmember Jacobsen thanked the Commissioners for their service to the community. He reviewed the items the Council had recently taken action on and noted the City would be installing a freeway sign which would assist in bringing in additional income for the City. He reported the City was in the process of replacing all of its water meters and noted this would take three years to complete. He thanked all of the residents who attended the recent Open House meeting and stated he appreciated staff’s efforts at this event. VI. Public Hearing – Old Business (A) Mounds View Public Schools requests consideration of a Special Use Permit and Variance to reconstruct/reconfigure the parking lots and drive lanes at 2300 7th ST NW (Highview Middle School). Planning Director Janice Gundlach reported the applicant, as part of a series of phased improvements to the District’s properties in conjunction with the recently passed referendum, is proposing to reconstruct and reconfigure the existing surface parking lot in front of Highview Middle School. The intention of the improvements is to more efficiently separate bus and passenger-vehicle traffic, allowing safer means for transporting students and to reduce vehicle and bus back-ups on 7th Street NW by expanding the passenger drop-off/pick-up loop. The scope of improvements includes a net increase of 19 surface parking stalls, additional landscaping, and new parking lot lighting. The City and school will also collaborate to create a safer pedestrian crossing at 23rd Avenue NW and 7th Street NW. An effect of these improvements includes reducing access points on the property from three to two, with the most-easterly access point being eliminated. Planning Director Gundlach explained this item was originally scheduled to be heard at the Planning Commission’s April 17th meeting. However, upon submission of the plans and a more thorough staff review, staff discovered a Variance would be necessary for the proposed parking lot setback at the western side yard. The applicant has chosen to apply for the Variance, rather than redesign the parking lot to meet the 30’ setback, and public hearing notices have been distributed again noting the Variance in addition to the Special Use Permit. As of the date this report was drafted, staff have fielded several inquiries but has not received any comments in opposition to the request. Staff recommends approval of the Special Use Permit and Variance, subject to the following conditions: 1. The parking lot is reconstructed in a manner consistent with the submitted plans attached to the Planning Report dated May 15, 2018. 2. The comments contained in the Interoffice Public Safety memo are addressed to the satisfaction of Public Safety staff. 3. The comments contained in the Interoffice Public Works/Engineering memo are addressed to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. 4. If the traffic study reveals substantive changes are necessary to the submitted plans attached to the Planning Report dated May 15, 2018, the plans shall be reconsidered before the Planning Commission and City Council following a new public hearing. 5. “No Parking, Subject to Towing” signs are erected along the curve at the west side of the reconstructed parking lot to ensure vehicles do not park along the curve that lies within the 30’ setback area. Discussion included: