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10 <br /> City Council Regular Meeting Minutes <br /> July 22, 2003 <br /> Page 10 <br /> 1 Mr. Melsha noted Resolution 03-055 related to approving a setback variance request relating to <br /> 2 properties currently addressed as 3501 and 3505 Silver Lake Road. He added the hardship was <br /> 3 related to the slope of the property. Mr. Melsha stated, at a public hearing held on July 15, 2003, <br /> 4 the Planning Commission reviewed the request and recommended Council approval for the <br /> 5 following reasons: <br /> 6 <br /> 7 1. The request is based on the City's interest to preserve trees during construction. <br /> 8 2. Recognizing the adjacent existing homes had a variation of 7 feet from the subject <br /> 9 properties. <br /> 10 3. Approval of the variance would minimize the slope and save on construction costs at the <br /> 11 eastern edge of the site. <br /> 12 4. Not granting the variance would eliminate the retainage pond for storm water runoff that <br /> 13 would benefit the neighborhood. <br /> 14 5. The proposed use would not be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the <br /> 15 adjoining properties or detrimental to property values. <br /> 16 <br /> 17 Councilmember Sparks asked about the trees in front. Mr. Melsha responded those trees were <br /> 18 coming down. <br /> 19 <br /> 20 Mr. Melsha stated residents had concerns about the inherent noise that would be caused by a fire <br /> 21 station. He noted Fire Chief Hewitt had assured the residents that every effort would be made to <br /> 22 minimize the impact of noise on the surrounding homes. He added that, unfortunately, the <br /> 23 efforts would be weighed against the need to respond to emergency calls. <br /> 24 <br /> 25 Jeff Oertel, Oertel Architects, came forward and discussed the exterior design plans. <br /> 26 <br /> 27 Councilmember Sparks stated there was some history of big, long facades in the community and <br /> 28 she wanted to avoid that. She felt the fagade facing Silver Lake Road was a problem. Mr. Oertel <br /> 29 responded, because Silver Lake Road was so heavily used, they felt the most important elevation <br /> 30 was the south elevation because it was very visible and very open with a panoramic view. He <br /> 31 added the location of the site was at the top of a hill and, when approaching the building from <br /> 32 either direction, there was a good view of the south fagade. Mr. Oertel also felt, for safety <br /> 33 reasons and accessibility of the site, it was critical to have a flow-through pattern of entering the <br /> 34 building on one side and going out on the other side. He strongly felt this arrangement was the <br /> 35 safest and most practical. He added work was continuing on the west fagade; however, the plans <br /> 36 were not ready to be shown at the current time. He noted glass and stone features were being <br /> 37 considered for the west fagade. Mr. Oertel indicated they were trying to save as many trees as <br /> 38 possible. <br /> 39 <br /> 40 Mr. Oertel added that the reason behind the fagade decisions was the equipment and technical <br /> 41 area was on the west end of the building by design, as they were needed there. Consequently, he <br /> 42 felt there was not a lot of opportunity for glass. Mayor Hodson felt the west side needed more <br /> 43 consideration. He added Council wanted to see the design before it went to bid. <br /> 44 <br /> 45 Councilmember Sparks stated she was thinking about the residents who had to look at the <br /> 46 building; however, she agreed the precautions were needed. <br /> 47 <br />