1997-08-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes August 26, 1997 Page 4 Council Business. continued The Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted 3-3 to deny, and 3-3 to approve, therefore, no recommendation was forwarded. The denial was based on lack of green space caused by the setback variance, and lack of adequate buffer to the north due to the holding pond. Larson explained that the Commission's review brought forth questions relating to the number of handicap parking stalls, pond size, landscape buffering from adjacent properties, and lack of green space. Benke asked if the small parcel may be rezoned in a future Comp Plan update. Mattila believes that because the parcel is unbuildable, narrow, and adjacent to I-35W; it could be rezoned. Benke asked if the situation will continue until it is purchased and rezoning is requested. Mattila said Nutec approached the owner, but they were unable to work out a deal. The best situation is for the parcel to be obtained and attached to the project. Samuelson asked the condition of the green space on the Ken's Market site. Mattila said the Ken's Market site currently contains much sand and rank growth. Benke asked the feasibility for future usage if Ken's Market was removed. Mattila believes the site could accommodate a small building with off-street parking. Benke likes the Nutec project, but prefers the proposal be incorporated into the smaller parcel. Rod Bernu, Nutec, said the pond was lengthen to allow for additional landscaping. The 5 ft. setback, recommended by the Planning Commission, would relocate the building further to the west to provide parking behind Ken's Market. Bernu had several discussions with the parcel's owner, but the selling price was too exorbitant. Samuelson asked if the project could be moved to the east. Bernu feels moving to the east may create future problems with the Ken's Market site. Benke asked if mediation could be implemented between Nutec, the City, and the property owner. Community Development Director Kevin Locke is unaware of any leverage the City would have in the mediation process. If it were part of a redevelopment district, then the City would have more options. Benke suggested a continuation of two weeks to allow negotiations with the property owner. He feels the current layout of the parcels could create long term problems. Mary Butcher, resident to the north, asked if the ponding area could be split, and the number of parking stalls reduced. Staff was unaware of this small piece of land when the Comp Plan was created, and now is considering ways to correct the situation. Butcher asked if the area to the north could be targeted for rezoning. Locke said the City has not reviewed that area for rezoning, but resident input is required before any consideration. Larson suggested that the smaller parcel could be used to split up the ponding areas. Samuelson asked how was the number of parking stalls determined. Mattila said the 12,000 sq. ft. building would require one stall per every 200 sq. ft. or about 55 stalls. Fulton asked how would the project change if the smaller parcel was purchased. Bernu said the building could be moved within 5 ft. of the west property line. Fulton believes these parcels should be combined in order for the project to be viable. Mattila had asked Bernu to speak to the parcel's owner about combining the lots several months ago. Samuelson questioned how a small parcel like this could be utilized. Council Business Nutec Proposal Report 97-194