02-23-2005 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 10, 2005 Watershed had an alternative plan for creating a setback greater than t5 feet. Huber replied that the problem with moving the building back is that the Watershed does not allow people to encroach on creek beds. He also noted that the side yard setback has been increased to 20 feet. Vigness- Pint pointed out that the proposed setback meets the City Code. She also noted that in shifting the building back they would not be able to issue their own permit. Knudsen pointed out that if the Watershed sells the property to a business, the setback would be out of conformance with the Code. Vigness -Pint indicated that the Watershed hopes to occupy the building for a long time. Knudsen noted that the concern is with public safety and site lines as well as the precedent that would be set There was some discussion about the Planner's recommendation for a security deposit to ensure landscape maintenance. The Planner indicated that that is a typical requirement for commercial development. Knudsen asked about the issue of screening and the storage of pickup trucks in the parking lot. The City Planner indicated that the Code requires the screening of the parking lot. He also noted that storage of passenger vehicles is allowed under the Code with the proper screening. Robert Harris, Noel Drive resident, indicated that the residents on Noel Drive are not in favor of this development. He also expressed concern with the outdoor storage of the Watershed's trucks and felt they would be an eyesore. Harris pointed out that when the City first purchased the property with the idea of developing a Public Works site at this location, it abandoned the idea when it found it could not provide the proper screening. Harris also pointed out the fact that a few years ago someone was interested in developing a residential home on the property. At that time the Council rezoned the property to Public and informed the neighborhood that it would remain open space. Now that a public agency is interested in the property, Ole City is willing to sell it. Hangs felt that the open lot provided a nice transition into the residential neighborhood. Knudsen asked Harris if his view was there should be no development of this property. Harris replied that if the City has to sell the property because it needs the money, he would prefer to see it sold to a taxpaying entity. Harris indicated that he has never seen a government agency not grow, and he was concerned that the Watershed will outgrow this space. He pointed out that the garage that the Watershed is proposing already is not large enough to house their vehicles.