Planning Report

Date:	February 20, 2001

Subject:	Site Plan Update of Highview Middle School

Applicant:	ISD #621- Highview Middle School

Request & Background

The Highview Middle School application for a Special Use Permit and Site Plan was approved by the City Council at their January 23, 2001 meeting with the following conditions:

1.	Perimeter curbing must be installed around the off-street parking area.

2.	All off-street parking and drive areas be paved with bituminous surface.

3.	All off Street parking stalls shall be marked with white or yellow painted lines not less than four (4) inches wide.

4.	Provision of a bond or letter of credit in the amount equal to 100% of the cost to install landscaping, curbing and paving to ensure that these items are installed per the approved plans.

5.	That an easement with the neighbor at 2260 7th Street NW be established to allow for additional grading of the property to prevent flooding and that all tress and shrubs removed from the property be replaced.

6.	That a revised grading and drainage plan that shows the reconfiguration of the north stormwater filtration pond be submitted that the City Engineer, the School District Engineer and the neighbors find acceptable.

7.	That a revised landscape plan that eliminates the trees located along the south east corner of the Middle School property be submitted.

8.	That all air conditioning units and mechanical equipment be screen from the public right of way and that the sound from the equipment be controlled.

9.	That screening with landscaping be installed along the west side of the parking lot adjacent to the single family homes at 741 and 725 Sliver Lake Road.

Further more the City Council directed the applicant to work with staff and the Planning Commission on meeting the condition to screen all mechanical equipment. The applicant has provided the City with a plan indicating where new mechanical equipment will be located, which existing equipment with remain and which equipment will be removed. The noisiest equipment is being removed.

Staff met with the architects for the school district on February 12, 2001 to discuss screening of the rooftop mechanical equipment from the public right of ways. The architect explained that the majority of the equipment will be screened from 7th Avenue by the new gymnasium and class room additions. Existing mechanical equipment would be visible at a distance from Sliver Lake Road and 10th Street. Staff suggested that evergreen trees could be planted at the northwest corner of the property to further screen the equipment from Sliver Lake Road and 10th Street. In addition, staff suggested that the current and new equipment be painted in a manner such that the equipment will blend into the surrounding landscape. The architects agreed to the additional screening measures.

At the meeting, the architects for the school district informed staff that the project has run into some budget limitations. The architects are proposing to eliminate the changes to the playing fields to meet their budget requirements. The tennis courts will be eliminated but the swale north of the building will remain for water retention. There will be no changes to the proposed addition or parking reconfiguration from the approved plans. The nine conditions above will all be met.

Staff Comments

In the opinion of City Engineer, the elimination of the tennis courts will not adversely effect the drainage of the site. Staff feels the proposed revisions are minor and do not greatly alter the approved plans. In addition, staff feels the roof top equipment will be adequately screened by the additions, with additional plantings and appropriate painting of the equipment.

Recommendation

Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the plans for the screening of mechanical equipment.

Mark Andrle, Community Development Specialist