08/09/2000 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board August 9, 2000 Page 8 D. PUBLIC HEARING, (Continuation), Twin City Fabrication, 295 Apollo Drive, Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit Chair Schaps declared the public hearing reopened at 7:47 p.m. Staff presented the application by Twin City Fab, Inc. for Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit for construction of a metal fabricating business in the private Apollo Business Center. Some outdoor storage on a limited basis will be needed which requires a Conditional Use Permit. The Planning & Zoning Board considered the project at the July 12, 2000 meeting and continued the public hearing for the CUP. The applicant has submitted a revised grading and utility plan. Staff reviewed their analysis of the building and site issues and noted the requirements that must be met to consider a Conditional Use Permit. Staff recommends approval subject to the 11 conditions as outlined in the staff report. Chair Schaps asked the applicant if he or his engineer woul :� ake comment. Gary Nordness, representing the applicant, stated th �. taff's recommendations and the engineering plan submitt des curb and gutter. He stated they would like to discuss the Environm decommendation for prairie grass in the natural areas. He stated they ar co ng this recommendation but would like consideration of what they sus tte.. e explained this company is growing at about 20% a year and it is expecte. , ns ' will be needed in the future. Since the City does not have a formal or . e. ng prairie grass in the industrial areas, the applicant is requesting mane .,Fr front of the building. He stated the applicant is environmentally u d has dedicated the entire rear area as prairie grass. Mr. Nordness state.' s been very cooperative in working through this process, which they gr ?►l p w . te. Mr. Smyser state ildings along Apollo Drive currently have manicured lawns but the Environme has recommended some native prairie plantings on these two sites. He advis that staff is recommending approval of the plan as submitted. Mr. Nordness estimated the area of manicured lawn to be approximately 15 feet in width. Upon inquiry, he reviewed the status of the surrounding properties. Mr. Corson asked why prairie grass is being recommended rather than flowering species. Mr. Smyser stated the Environmental Specialist and Environmental Board have considered this plan and that is their recommendation. Mr. Corson reviewed the problems experienced with a Vadnais Heights property due to the need to burn off the plantings every several years. Cliff Reeder stated the first time he came to City Hall, he questioned when the landscaping would be completed. He stated he is spending a lot of money on this building and many of their customers come to the site on a daily basis so he would prefer to have a manicured appearing front lawn. Mr. Reeder stated his concern with the •