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MINUTES <br />PLANNING COMMISSION <br />OCTOBER 11, 2012 <br />Duray asked the setback from the existing fenced in area on the former <br />Norm's property. The Planner indicated that it appears the setback is just <br />under 20 feet. Aichinger reported that the property owner asked that the <br />property line be established so as to not impede access to this fenced in <br />area. Aichinger noted that the property owner is considering removal of <br />this area. <br />Rob Harris, Noel Drive, asked about the new parking area and whether or <br />not the Watershed had funding in place for the proposed improvements. <br />Aichinger reported that the Watershed currently has 17 parking spaces and <br />would add an additional 10 or 11. He also indicated that they have the <br />funding for the improvements. <br />Harris noted that when the Watershed development was proposed, the City <br />was informed that both the building and property were adequate to meet <br />its needs. Harris stated that he did not feel this was a good location for <br />this use. He pointed out that this is a residential street and the Watershed <br />keeps expanding. Harris was concerned that the Watershed has made <br />presentations in the past relative to the development that were inaccurate, <br />i.e. adequacy of parking, placement of air conditioning units, etc. <br />Therefore, Harris expressed skepticism with this new proposal. <br />Knudsen noted that things can change, and the reality is that the adjacent <br />property has become available and the Watershed feels this is an <br />opportunity to gain additional space. Knudsen stated that whether or not <br />the Watershed should have been in this location is not a productive <br />argument at this time. <br />Harris felt that subdividing off a portion of the former Norm's property <br />will make that property less saleable. Harris also expressed concern with <br />taking additional property off the tax rolls. Knudsen noted that the <br />Planning Commission's role is to look at proposals from a planning <br />standpoint, and the issue of property taxes is not part of their role. <br />Aichinger indicated that it will not be possible to expand the Watershed's <br />office building as they are backed up against setbacks. He noted that the <br />property they are purchasing has an existing building, so they are not <br />adding buildings to the area. He also noted that once the property is <br />improved, the Watershed will be reducing the amount of impervious <br />surface in the area. Aichinger agreed that the Watershed has exceeded <br />their available parking more often than they predicted, and adding this <br />property is an opportunity to add parking. Aichinger also reported that the <br />owner's realtor has indicated that subdividing this piece makes the <br />remainder of the former Norm's site more saleable. Aichinger reported <br />that acquiring this property is a good opportunity for the Watershed. <br />- 3 - <br />