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pollution concerns and quality of life. (Motion passed 5-0) DeLapp: proper planning in 1986 when Diamond Ridge was platted would have averted this, and the City was not notified of plans). E. Site Plan to Move/Renovate Storage Buildings: Steve Johnson Steve Johnson, 2945 Lake Elmo Avenue, has requested that his proposal to relocate and renovate the old potato warehouses east of Lake Elmo Avenue be again considered. From earlier discussion of this proposal, there were several technical zoning issues involved before even considering his actual plans. The last action by the Council on this item was in August 1997, at which time the staff was directed to consider a "Railroad Utilities" zoning district. This was not completed. A village area -zoning district is recommended by the Village Commission, which would accommodate the historic Village mixed use not recognized by contemporary suburban type zoning ordinances. Planner Dillerud reported Mr. Johnson's plans have twice been reviewed and discussed by the Village Commission in the content of the plans/policies that have resulted from their work over the past two years. The Village Commission adopted general support for the basic proposal —move the structures, storage use of the structures; and construction of formal off-street parking adjacent to Lake Elmo Avenue, but would prefer the renovated structure more closely resemble the existing structures, regarding siding and doors to better reflect the desired character of the neighborhood. Steve Johnson asked what he could do in the meantime until the Village Commission came up with a new zoning ordinance. Johnson said he would comply with the request of the Village Commission for lap siding, instead of stucco, use architecturally raised panel doors, plant shrubbery and greenery around the building. He redesigned the trusses for more of an open-end 1900 look. He could and would be willing to provide a Farmer's Market. Johnson felt his proposal is within the mixed -use guidelines for downtown as submitted in drawings by Thorbeck Architects. The buildings would be used for his own personal needs and for his friends. Attorney Filla did explain this railroad parcel was conveyed out of a larger parcel without the consent of the City for a minor subdivision and should not have been recorded by Washington County. Filla referred to Section 300, Subd 2 addressing the issue of City zoning extending to the middle of the street; parts are zoned General Business, Industrial and Public Facility. Jim McLeod, 2543 Lake Elmo Avenue, former Planning Commission Chairman, stated the City was directed to draft a zoning ordinance for railroad property because property, other than the Johnson property, was also affected. The City has not done this so they should take some responsibility for delaying this proposal. This is a good project for the downtown. There is no request for City assistance, and he encourages the City to act on the proposal. Jerry Kromschroeder, 10823 32nd Street, whose wife owns Village Hair Care on Lake Elmo Avenue, stated the proposal would improve the appearance, and the Old Village would pick up needed parking spaces. The Council commented as follows: Siedow lives a block away from the proposed site and likes the proposal. Dunn had no problem with the concept, but voiced concerns on drainage from the blacktop and that storage is still an illegal use. Johnson responded the lot would be gravel. Lake Elmo Inn had planned on tearing down the abandon house for future parking on Lake Elmo Avenue. Armstrong found it problematic that there is no zoning on railroad property and would have liked to see such zoning. The proposal is good relief for parking, but didn't want the Lake Elmo Inn to think they can expand. DeLapp indicated the Village Commission made a recommendation on the information submitted to them, but did not discuss any of the technical zoning issues. Hunt appreciated Johnson attempting to go along with the spirit, relieving the parking problem. The City will see the need for ADA is addressed, increased marking for crosswalk on Lake Elmo Avenue and improved lighting for visibility. This City could address Steve Johnson's parcel separately. Administrator Kueffner asked the Council to give the staff time to finish the Comprehensive Plan to see if this concept fits into Plan, rather than use creative zoning to serve one individual parcel. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 20, 1999