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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes <br /> March 21,2006 <br /> Page 6 <br /> 1 <br /> 2 Chair Stromgren closed the public hearing at 7:47 p.m. <br /> 3 <br /> 4 Commissioner Jensen noted on previous office projects—asked if have had discussions around <br /> 5 the layout of the floor pad and actual need with respect to utility rooms and occupant load. <br /> 6 Based on floor plans submitted there seems to be some relevance to the concern. Ms. Moore- <br /> 7 Sykes noted there have not been any discussions. <br /> 8 <br /> 9 Commissioner Jenson clarified that in the past the City has used the gross square footage as the <br /> 10 starting point and asked if there is a basis that was used to determine the need of a variance, as it <br /> 11 relates to usage of the individual spaces. <br /> 12 <br /> 13 Chair Stromgren clarified that the need for the variance is based on uniqueness of the site, storm <br /> 14 water issues, occupancy and use. He referenced the condition of the pond stating that Staff is <br /> 15 aware of some of the problems with the previous construction and it is his understanding that the <br /> 16 problems would be rectified with this project. <br /> 17 <br /> 18 Ms. Moore-Sykes confirmed that the problems have been reviewed and discussed noting that it <br /> 19 appears to be a minimal issue. She stated that the owner has agreed to rectify the issues. <br /> 20 <br /> 21 Commissioner Jensen stated that the site would have roughly the same character and would still <br /> 22 have significant size and parking issues. He asked if there has been any attempt at landscaping or <br /> 23 providing green space in the area. He suggested that landscaping be included for some of the <br /> 24 islands and open spaces or include some form of treescaping as a tradeoff. <br /> 25 <br /> 26 Chair Stromgren noted that landscaping was included as a condition for the Tires Plus project. <br /> 27 <br /> 28 Commissioner Jenson stated that there is a need for a landscaping concept review. Ms. Moore- <br /> 29 Sykes stated that a landscaping proposal has to be provided noting that this would be a perfect <br /> 30 opportunity to further enhance the landscape of the area. <br /> 31 <br /> 32 Chair Stromgren agreed that if they slightly reduced the size of the building they wouldn't need <br /> 33 the variance adding that he would question what the end result would look like if the made them <br /> 34 do this. He stated that he would have to ask if it would change the nature of the business, which <br /> 35 in turn could change the traffic impact. <br /> 36 <br /> 37 Commissioner Jenson stated that he did not think reducing the size of the building would change <br /> 38 the traffic impacts that much. He stated that it is his belief that the units would be occupied by <br /> 39 small businesses with a small'clientele base. <br /> 40 <br /> 41 Vice Chair Hanson noted that the current owners created the situation with the storm water pond <br /> 42 adding that S &T Development is not the current owner. He expressed concerns stating that the <br /> 43 property does not meet the requirements for a building of this size. He stated that the building <br /> 44 could be smaller and put to a similar use. <br /> 45 <br />