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Mounds View Planning Commission August 15, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 7 ______________________________________________________________________________________ Community Development Director Ericson reviewed actions taken at the August 13, 2001 City Council meeting. He advised the conditional use permit for the animal hospital was reviewed and staff recommended it be tabled so Ordinance 685 could have first reading, second reading, and adoption. He noted that amendment will conditionally allow animal boarding so once adopted, the animal hospital boarding request can be considered as a conditional use permit. Community Development Director Ericson stated the Walgreen’s project is near completion and Council has accepted the improvements on that site conditioned on Rice Creek Watershed District approval (which was received today), and the pathway being striped in the driveway. He advised the City Forester reviewed the landscaping and Walgreen’s agreed to maintain the landscaping to the point the City maintains the highway ditch to create a manicured appearance. Community Development Director Ericson stated the Council approved a liquor and restaurant license for the Knotty Pines Tavern and Grill (formerly Donatelle’s) and it is expected to open in several days. Community Development Director Ericson reported the conditional use permit for the oversize garage was approved by the Council. Chair Stevenson stated the variance criteria for hardships came into question at the Council meeting. Community Development Director Ericson explained that Mr. Baumhofner appealed the Planning Commission denial which resulted in a lot of discussion. He explained that while the Council may have supported consideration, they realized they are bound by the same rationale for granting a variance as is the Planning Commission. In addition, the City Attorney advised that they would have to draft findings of fact and address each of the seven variance criteria. The Council unanimously upheld the Planning Commission recommendation of denial. Community Development Director Ericson advised that Neal Zinser is working with Ernie Gustafson on a subdivision project which would be considered by the Planning Commission at its next meeting. He noted if the middle lot on County Road I was zoned R-2, it would result in setbacks that would necessitate a variance. The application indicates they are no longer looking for an R-2 designation so it would be R-1. However, the corner lot would not meet the R-1 requirements. He explained the hardship is based on the location of Mr. Gustafson’s house since getting any closer to that house would result in the need for an additional variance. Neal Zinser, Hamilton Creek Companies, introduced himself and stated he has entered into a contract with Mr. Gustafson to purchase the land and also entered into contracts with buyers of the homes that would be constructed. He stated there are currently interested buyers for all lots except Lot 2 where they intend to construct a house that is complimentary to the other homes. He advised they will meet with the buyer of Lot 5 tomorrow subject to receiving the variances. Mr. Zinser stated they are ready to comply with City requirements and will measure the area to assure they meet the setbacks from Long Lake Road. He stated the only remaining issue is with Lot 3. Mr. Zinser stated they want to be a compliment to Mounds View. Commissioner Miller asked if the St. Paul Waterworks will impact the project. Mr. Zinser stated their surveyor has been in contact with them to determine the exact location.