01-28-2004 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 8, 2004 Knudsen stated that he did not question the importance of Xcel's tree trimming maintenance, but pointed out that the issue of outdoor storage has been a big one for the City. He further noted the redevelopment efforts the City has undertaken along Rice Street, and felt that the combination of these two issues increased his concern. Knudsen noted that while the view of the substation was not the best, the parking of tree trimming vehicles in front of the substation worsened the impact. Wojcik asked how many years tree trimming vehicles have been parked at that location. Zurek estimated that Xcel has utilized this property for parking tree - trimming vehicles since 1955 or 1956. The City Planner noted that the property is zoned General Business (B -3) which does not provide for outdoor storage. Knudsen asked if the City wanted to open the door to outdoor storage in the B -3 zone. The Planner indicated that if the City was inclined to allow outdoor storage as is being requested, the ordinance would be drafted so that outdoor storage is only allowed in a B -3 District as an accessory use to a public utility. Knudsen asked the Planner about the amount of screening proposed. The City Planner recommended a more intensive screening than what is shown. While the vegetation selected was good, the Planner recommended a staggered double row of plantings. Knudsen asked where access is to the parking area. The Planner pointed out that the access is off Rice Street. Knudsen suggested the access be moved to Woodlyn Avenue and that the area be totally screened from Rice Street. Knudsen felt that even if the CUP is not approved, Xcel should be requested to provide screening on this property. Wojcik felt that after 48 years of utilizing this property for the storage of tree trimming vehicles, the City should allow this use to continue. Duray stated that he was not in favor of the CUP and felt that the parked tree trimming trucks on this property was an eyesore. Duray felt that even with screening the outdoor storage use would be an eyesore. Duray pointed out the City's efforts in redevelopment along Rice Street and felt this request was a move away from those efforts. Knudsen felt that the substation without the trucks would be less of an eyesore than the substation with the trucks. Duray agreed, and felt there should be screening required for the substation itself Duray felt that the City owed it to all the business owners in the area who are developing their property.