05-13-09 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 13, 2009 The City Planner reported that St. Jude Medical is requesting to construct an additional 102 parking spaces on the north side of their building adjacent to the Highway 36 right-of--way. He noted that St. Jude's parking requirements have been based on their historical needs. Due to additional growth, additional parking is needed. The Planner indicated that parking is an accessory use and the parking expansion as proposed meets the City's zoning requirements. Tree removal will be required to put in the parking lot, but St. Jude's will have to comply with the City's Tree Replacement Ordinance. St. Jude will be required to provide a landscape plan to show how they will revegetate the site. Steve Seviola, St. Jude Medical, reported that they will comply with the City's tree replacement requirements. He also noted that the area will also be planted with prairie grasses similar to the rest of the site. Blesener asked if an additional 7 or 8 spaces are being added to the north side of the existing lot. Michaelea Whelan, Sunde Engineering, reported that they are reconfiguring the north side of the lot transitioning into the new lot. Some new spaces are being added in this location and some removed given a shift in the parking lot islands. Blesener asked about visibility from Highway 36. Whelan indicated that not much grading will be done north of the proposed parking lot that will disturb existing trees. There is also screening vegetation and trees on the Highway 36 right-of--way. Montour asked about parking lot lighting. Seviola presented a lighting plan, noting that a second light will be added to the existing light standards to light the parking lot. Seviola also stated that St. Jude has always been cognizant of their sites in trying to maintain trees and the naturalness of the property. These efforts will continue. Seviola stated that in considering a location for additional parking, St. Jude chose the location that would have the least amount of impact on existing trees. Blesener asked if employees would be able to access the building via the door on the north side. Seviola replied that they would. He also explained that parking demand is at its greatest during an overlap between the first and second shifts. There was no one from the general public present wishing to comment on this matter. Upon motion by Montour, seconded by Boss, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: