10-14-2021 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 14, 2021 2 and traffic circulation, lighting, and drainage. She stated that staff believes that the conditional use permit requirements have been met by the proposal. She highlighted the details of the architectural review and stated that the materials and design does meet the requirements of the related zoning district. She stated that a public hearing will be held by the Council at its meeting on October 27th. She stated that staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit request and architectural review. Acting Chair Kwapick invited the applicant to address the Commission. Bryant Christenson, applicant, stated that the tanks were removed, and they are doing an environmental review in order to complete any necessary mitigation efforts in anticipation of groundbreaking in the spring. Commissioner Thorson stated that the presentation was very thorough, and he has no further questions. Acting Chair Kwapick stated that future Rice Street expansion and sidewalks were included in the presentation, which he was happy to see. He asked if the area abutting the parking lot would continue to be an area for sidewalk in the future, or whether the Rice Street expansion would take up that space. The Community Development Director replied that they will retain that right-of-way strip in order to accommodate sidewalk, greenspace, and landscaping. Acting Chair Kwapick asked if there were an estimate on the number of vehicles that would utilize the drive-thru option for the bank. He had a concern with a backup of vehicles going onto Rice Street. Mr. Christenson replied that they have space to accommodate 10 to 12 vehicles with multiple lanes for vehicles to choose. He stated that they do not expect more than 15 people inside, counting the six or seven employees. He did not anticipate much traffic for this branch as this is actually an existing branch location a few miles south that will be moving to this location and therefore the actual numbers related to use were taken from those operations. Commissioner Quarles asked if there would be adequate signage discouraging traffic from cutting through this site. Mr. Christenson stated that there is a bypass lane for vehicles traveling in the bank parking lot, but often vehicles just cutting through would get caught up in the waiting line for the bank and that would discourage that activity. Commissioner Kulousek stated that perhaps a no cut through traffic sign would also be helpful.