1995-01-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Meeting Minutes January 24, 1995 Page 4 Council Business. continued Samuelson asked the dimensions of the east access and its visibility. Mattila said there is a 14 ft. alley easement to allow for cars to exit onto Old Hwy 8; and the visibility appears good because the median does not allow for left turns. Williams raised serious question in regards to traffic circulation at the site. Gus Tare, 2759 Longview Dr. and Real Estate Coordinator for Tom Thumb Food Markets, said Tom Thumb held an informational meeting at the Tri-City for properties located within 350 yards of the store. Nine people attended and concerns relating to trash, water runoff, potential gas spillage, and lighting were discussed. Tom Thumb intents to install more trash containers and will meet with engineers regarding runoff. Gas spills will be handled by a process in compl iance with the MPCA; and a spotlight has been turned off because of a neighbor complaint. Mattila explained that a curb cut would be closed and moved further to the west which would then realign 6th Ave. In regards to resident concerns of the canopy, the lighting situation would be examined so to lessen impacts to adjacent properties. Even though a RCWD permit is not needed, the City does require a drainage plan be approved by the City Engineer. Any enforcement processes would follow the Nuisance Ordinance which would provide for continual enforcement. Larson agrees with Williams' concerns and asked if the pumps could be realigned. Tarr explained that the proposed pump arrangement prevents gas purchase thefts. Larson said it appears that Tom Thumb views this proposal not at a safety level, but on a monetary level. He suggested that persons prepay for gas. Eichers said orientating the cars towards the building gives a better view from the store. Samuelson asked if cameras could be installed in the canopy to prevent theft. Eichel'S found that in other communities this has been frown upon and would need approval by the Fire Marshal. Fred Hoff, 690--6th Ave., noted the store's high altitude and feels any gasoline spillage would travel downhill into adjacent residential properties. He noted safety concerns of the location of the Williams Pipeline nearby, and feels the gas pumps will increase traffic. Tarr noted that the store has been in operation for 25 years, and on the average about 4 to 5 cars are parked at one time and there has not been a traffic problem. Tarr said the customers want gas at this location. Cory McCauley, 678--6th Ave., feels the proposal would increase traffic, and the canopy's lighting would shine into his home. Tarr noted a store which recently installed pumps showed an increase of 6 customers per hour and he does not feel this represents a traffic concern. Williams asked if those 6 additional customers would mean economic viability for the store. Eichel'S feels the pumps are important to economic viability, and a lumina plan would be reviewed with the City to assist in lighting restrictions. Williams verified the store lights go out at 11 :00 p.m. and are turned back on at 5:30 a.m. Samuelson noted that cross traffic would be created from drivers turning left into the store's parking lot. Council Business I Tom Thumb Gas Pump and Canopy Site Plan Report 95-0l2A I I