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Mounds View Planning Commission September 1, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 12 111 Mr. Smith stated there had been numerous neighborhood meetings, and discussion with the Planning Commission and City Council in regard to the buffer zone. He stated the buffer zone was amended to the current 50-foot requirement, based upon five or six different plans for the location of the buildings. He stated they were requesting the ability to move the fence back slightly,just behind the buildings, and no other place. Chairperson Peterson stated one issue was the placement of the air conditioners, and one of the memorandums indicated these were pad mounted, residential style air conditioners, to be installed directly against the buildings. Mr. Smith stated there would be eight to ten inches between the units and the building to allow for evaporation. Commissioner Hegland inquired if the air conditioners were the main reason for the screen fence. Mr. Smith stated this was correct, as well as to provide some buffer from the visibility of the windows behind the building. Commissioner Hegland inquired if the Mr. Smith would prefer to look out the windows at the fence, or the landscape buffer. Mr. Smith stated he would prefer to remove the fence completely, if he could. He explained if he was an office user, he would rather look at the landscaped buffer area. He noted however, they had made a commitment to include the fence. Commissioner Hegland stated he was of the understanding that the original plan indicated the • buildings would be up to the buffer line, and there would only be fence between the buildings. He inquired if the fence was to cover up the air conditioners. Mr. Smith stated one of the reasons the residents wanted the fence originally was to provide a visual shield between the residential area and the development. He stated at that time the fence was discussed, the building was not constructed, and the residents desired a visual barrier between the parking lot and the lights. He stated the office building would add to the buffer, not only from the noise standpoint, but also in regard to the light. He stated they have tested the light levels along County Road H-2, and determined it does not impact the neighborhood. Commissioner Kaden stated he agreed that the developer's petition was not valid. He stated, in light of the controversy surrounding the development, a neutral party should have performed it. Commissioner Hegland stated the fence was also to provide a shield of the view of the trash enclosures from County Road H-2. Jopke stated the plan indicates the fence between the buildings, and a fence on each end to shield in that location. Commissioner Stevenson stated he thought the area would be much more attractive to the residents without the fence behind the buildings.. Commissioner Kaden stated the developer should discuss this matter with the residents to determine what they would like to see in this area. Commissioner Miller stated she had driven by the property and could barely see the building. She stated the trees in the buffer would shield the fence from visibility. Mr. Smith noted that during the wintertime, when the leaves are off of the trees, the building would become more visible.