12-18-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View Planning Commission December 18, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 8 ________________________________________________________________________ Director Ericson asked Mr. Farrell if he would be agreeable to adding the two stalls as suggested by the Planning Commission, indicating that he wasn’t sure the City could force the property owner to make the improvements when they are satisfying what was approved. Mr. Farrell indicated it would be a cost issue to him--he feels it would be too expensive to only gain two spots. Chair Stevenson commented that the usage requires 20 spaces and the City can amend the variance and force the issue. Commissioner Johnson asked Director Ericson whether the Resolution allows the Commission to require that the parking be changed if parking became an issue. Director Ericson responded that the resolution was silent on that issue. Commissioner Scotch recommended that Mr. Farrell promote carpooling to reduce the number of employee vehicles on site. Mr. Farrell agreed that that was a good idea, but indicated that the mortgage industry has varied hours and requires travel to meet with clients so it would be very difficult to coordinate schedules to allow for carpooling. Chair Stevenson indicated he would like to pursue maximizing parking on the site as it appears there is not adequate parking. Director Ericson reminded the Commission that the building is a legal conforming use and the use has not changed; it was proposed as an office use and it is an office use regardless of the number of employees. He then said he does not believe the Planning Commission or the City Council can force the building owner to add more parking. Chair Stevenson indicated he would like to review the original agreement with Mr. Mezzenga to see if the Commission included a way to increase parking if parking became an issue. Director Ericson indicated there was no development agreement and nothing in the resolution binds the building owner to any requirement that would force them to increase the parking if it is indicated to be insufficient. He then said that the City is doing that now for all projects. Commissioner Zwirn stated, for the record, that he made representations with respect to this problem to the Commission and the Council and representations were made back to him by Council Member Thomas and Mayor Sonterre that when these issues came back they would be dealt with and the City Attorney said they could be dealt with but now he is being told that the City cannot force the owner to expand the parking. He then suggested putting no parking signs along the east side of Greenfield to alleviate the parking issues and let the owner deal with accommodating his business parking.