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LAKE ELMO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 22, 2014 Page 1 of 2 CITY OF LAKE ELMO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 22, 2014 Mayor Pearson called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. PRESENT: Mayor Mike Pearson and Council Members Wally Nelson, Anne Smith, Justin Bloyer, and Mike Reeves. Staff present: City Administrator Zuleger, City Planner Nick Johnson, Finance Director Bendel, and City Clerk Bell. PLEDGE OF ALLIGENCE ITEM 1: LAKEWOOD CROSSING PRELIMINARY PLAT AND FINAL PLAT; KWIK TRIP CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT City Planner Johnson presented the Lakewood Crossing Plat and CUP requests. Critical issues include access to the site. Staff recommends three modifications to the proposal: 1) the design of the right-out only northeastern access needed modification to improve sightlines; 2) the taper of the proposed westbound left- hand turn lane in Hudson Blvd. needed to be tweaked to include increased tapering due to the 50 mph design speed on Hudson Blvd.; and 3) the full southwestern access needed to be widened to 40 feet to support a 16- foot inbound lane and two outbound 12-foot lanes (left and right turn lanes). Mr. Johnson summarized the proposed Commission findings. Council Member Smith asked why the proposed design was not similar to the facility located near Liberty on the Lake in Stillwater. It was her understanding that the proposal was going to be similar. Mr. Johnson responded that staff reviewed the proposal for conflicts with the design standards. There were no identified conflicts. Council Member Reeves asked for clarification on the MnDOT ROW and storm water ponds limitation. It was explained that any placement of storm water retention must go through MnDOT. It was also explained that the zoned maximum height for lights is 30 feet. These will be at 18ft. The Council discussed the architectural expectations that Ms. Smith asked about. City Administrator Zuleger said that it may be possible to have Kwik Trip make changes to the design. It was explained that it is common for preliminary and final plat to be processed concurrently when there is minimal subdivision and no extension of public utilities. Here there will only be two parcels and private utilities. Mr. Reeves asked if the building designs meet the theming design standards. Mr. Johnson stated that they did. MOTION: Mayor Pearson moved TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2014-61, APPROVING THE LAKEWOOD CROSSING PRELIMINARY PLAT AND FINAL PLAT, AND APPROVING THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE KWIK TRIP GASOLINE STATION, SUBJECT TO 8 CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. Bruce Miller from CM Properties, LLP thanked council for taking the time to holds special meeting. He said several gas station buyers were interested in the site, but Kwik Trip was selected because of the higher design standards. He also explained that Kwik Trip has stated that they will not do another Liberty type station. It has been more difficult to maintain than expected. Council Member Reeves commented on how he really likes the proposed design nuances and appreciates the lengths that Kwik Trip has gone to incorporate the theming design. Council Member Bloyer said that while he cares what it looks like, there are rules and standards. As long as those standards are met, the Council