1993-11-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Meeting Minutes October 26, 1993 Page 4 Council Business. continued Motion by Gunderman, seconded by Williams, to AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUAL CITY OPERATIONS OF THE DRIVING RANGE FOR 1994 AND THAT CONTINUED OPERATION BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE SEASON; AND REQUFSf A LKITEK OF COMMENDATION BE SENT TO PAUL BIEDLER FOR IDS EXCF.I.I.ENT SERVICE AS DRIVING RANGE MANAGER. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. The Cash Management Agreement with Piper, J affrey, and Hopwood has been deferred to later in the meeting. Community Development Director Kevin Locke presented the site plan review and special use permit to construct six office/service buildings in the downtown area. The proposed development will be located at Sth Avenue and 10th Street NW, and provides opportunity for existing and new businesses to locate in downtown. The project consists of two phases, the first phase involves buildings one through four, and the remaining two buildings will be phase two. Once the landscape plan is prepared and the final exterior building treatments are developed, the landscape plan and building elevations will be brought before the Planning Commission for review. Benke noted that during the initial excavation process, some questionable soils were discovered. Locke said the exploratory excavation located gasoline contamination on the site's northwestern comer. MPCA and the City's environmental consultant were notified. The contamination was of a small amount and has been removed according to MPCA requirements. This discovery should not keep the project from going forward. Locke speculated that the leakage could have come from a gas station which was located. on that comer and was removed many years ago. John Ordway, developer, said the six, single story buildings will be about 3,000- 5,000 sq. ft. in size and accommodate retail or office tenants. The multiple, sloped roof buildings would be surrounded by extensive landscaping and would blend nicely with the residential projects to the east and west. Benke confirmed that Mr. Ordway has been working with existing downtown commercial tenants regarding their interest in participating in the project. Williams is pleased that Mr. Ordway is participating in the project and feels it will be a marvelous addition to the area. Speaking on behalf of Gladys Walbon was daughter, Gloria, who asked if a traffic feasibility study was perfurmed. Benke said a number of studies were performed over the years, and this project is consistent with anticipated traffic levels. Walt Witzke, 771 Emerald, asked staff to identify the special use needs. City Planner Emy Mattila said the B-4, Downtown Business District, requires commercial structures comply with B-3 and Special Use Permit standards. The B-4 allows flexibility in design and setbacks for structures due to the area's unique character and to maintain a harmonious development pattern. The reduced setbacks are possible in the B-4 district providing the City finds the development to be in keeping with the overall character and plan for the downtown area. Council Business I Driving Range Operations Report 93-302 Ordway Project Report 93-304 Resolution 93-129 I I