07-25-07 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2007 Dorgan reported that St. Jude is very aware of the adjacent townhome development, and plans to provide adequate vegetation and buffering between their development and these townhomes. Dorgan indicated that St. Jude will be holding a neighborhood meeting with the townhome residents to obtain their comments and input on the project. Allan noted that the roof of the Phase Two building would be 29 to 30 feet in height, and pointed out that it will be very difficult to screen the building from the townhomes. Allan asked about orienting the parking deck adjacent to the townhome development. Dorgan replied that that maybe an option, but noted that the building placement as proposed orients the new buildings toward the existing campus. Keis stated that the townhome residents may prefer having a building adjacent to them rather than a parking structure. Allan indicated that she proposed the idea so that all options might be considered. Blesener encouraged the neighborhood meeting so that St. Jude might work out specific details to the satisfaction of the adjacent neighborhood. Dorgan pointed out that some of the basis for the building orientation is related to drainage, noting that St. Jude will be creating water and vegetation features as part of this expansion project. Blesener asked about the height of the buildings. Dorgan noted that the buildings will be 3 to 4 stories in height; however, part of the building structure will be built into the existing topography. Dorgan reported that St. Jude is requesting approval of the Comprehensive Plan amendment and acceptance and authorization of publication for the EAW this evening. He noted some changes in the EAW correct the building height to 29 to 30 feet and include a new detailed civil engineering plan and contour plan. Dorgan also noted that St. Jude did not apply for the Rezoning to PUD as of yet. They would plan to request the Rezoning as well as a PUD Permit as part of the City's September review cycle. The City Clerk noted that staff inadvertently published the Rezoning, and that St. Jude Medical did not apply for the rezoning as of yet. Therefore, the City's 60-Day Review Period would not begin on the Rezoning until such time as St. Jude submits the application for the Rezoning. Blesener felt that the main concern will be with the height of the building proposed adjacent to the townhomes. Blesener stated that he felt consideration had to be given to the change of the use of this property from Institutional to Commercial, and whether this change is a loss to the