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Mounds View Planning Commission July 1, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ Chair Stevenson inquired if the location of the City Desk would be relocated. Mr. Hasselbring commented the City Desk had been relocated to the north, past the front doors. Chair Stevenson asked how many visitor parking stalls were needed. Mr. Hasselbring stated he averages 14 customers per hour and these customers stay from 10 to 30 minutes. He indicated he also needs to be able to accommodate delivery trucks. Further discussion ensued regarding the site’s parking needs. Commissioner Nelson questioned if the bike path or trail along Old Highway 8 would be eliminated. Mr. Hasselbring stated the path would remain in place. He explained there would be ten feet between the path and the parking lot. Commissioner Nelson expressed concern regarding the proximity of the power lines. Commissioner Klander believed the proposed parking lot change would allow for a separation between the visitors with smaller cars and the larger trucks entering the site. Bruce agreed stating the proposed changes would also create handicap accessible parking. Commissioner Monn requested further information regarding the site’s snow removal. Mr. Hasselbring described where snow was stored during the winter months. Chair Stevenson explained he was concerned with the lack of greenspace on the site if the new parking lot were approved. Mr. Hasselbring reported there would be 10 feet between the parking lot and the trail, along with additional greenspace around the property. He noted the 10 foot strip would have trees and shrubs. Chair Stevenson commented he did not have a clear indication of the applicant’s plans for the greenspace. Community Development Director Sevald explained staff would recommend shrubs and perennials be planted in this area. Commissioner Nelson agreed the lack of a plan for the greenspace was a concern for him. Bruce commented landscaping plans had not been completed because he was unsure if the City would approve the variance request. He explained he would be following the City’s planting requirements if the variance were approved. Mr. Hasselbring reviewed the property site plan with the Commission. He reiterated that the request was being made to bring parking lot closer to the entrance while also providing handicap parking. Commissioner Klander commented the applicant would have 10+ feet between the parking lot and the roadway. He understood the applicants were willing to landscape this greenspace area. He noted he supported the variance as requested. Community Development Director Sevald recommended if the variance is approved that a conditional for approval be added requiring shrubs and perennials to be planted along the parking lot in the greenspace. He reported 150% of the escrow for materials and labor was to be paid to the City to provide a one year guarantee on the survivability of the plants.