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August 22, 1985 EXTRACT OF MINUTES NEW BRIGHTON PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 20, 1985 9:21 P.M.- THERMO-KING, VN-243 9:48 P.M. Staff stated that her recommendation was for denial of Thermo-King's variance primarily out of concern for the possible use of the enclosed area north of the building for parking and storage. John Jorrison of Thermo King, stated that the one acre of land lost to ponding and the freeway embankment leave little room for snow storage on the north half of the site. He could assure the Planning Commission that they will not use the area north of the building for parking or storage. They would landscape the fenced area with vines or arborvitae. Staff had suggested gates along this front area but felt this would tear up the sod and that the gates would be unsightly. They have limited alternatives for snow removal. To purchase a front end loader to remove snow would be a $40-50,000 in- vestment. Their business is the emergency repair of refrig- eration units and must be able to keep their property open at all times. Because of the large right-of-way on Old Highway 8 their building is setback 90 feet from the curb which is be- hind the setback of normal industrial properties. There is a 450 volt power hook-up on the well now but it will not work for a sprinkler service so the well is no longer a consideration in the variance request. If the home to the north is used as a business it should subject to the same restrictions on front yard storage. Chairman Williams asked why the snow cannot be pushed to the east. Mr. Jorrison stated that the land drops off abruptly on the free- way right-of-way. Commissioner Livingston asked whydthe curb along the west line of the parking had not been installed. Mr. Jorrison stated that their snow plow cannot push the snow over a curb without breaking up the curb. Commissioner Livingston stated that he could live with the fence if the curb was put in, the area was sodded and arborvitae was planted in front of the fence. Mr. Jorrison stated curbing would hinder snow plowing effects. They could put up posts with a chain stretched across to prevent parking. Commissioner Becker stated he understood why they needed to move snow out of the way but asked why Thermo-King could nottinitially clear away some areas themselves and hire a contractor snow further later.