2015.01.22 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Karla Mundell, 5720 147th St. N., the property owner to the east of O'Reilly property, came to the podium. She stated that they do not have a problem with the fence line. She also asked how big was the previous building was on that lot. Planner Juba answered that she was not sure. Commissioner Rosenquist asked if the city has any record of the property that Mr. Cox had to buy for parking. Planner Juba gave some background. She stated that the property used to be owned by one person and in order for each of the properties to accommodate the number of spaces required by the ordinance, when being developed, they needed to have some cross access and shared parking easements. She stated that it wasn't by staff's request to purchase additional property. City Administrator Bear stated that the original owner, owned all of these properties and when he decided to sell, one parcel was sold to Mr. Cox. He stated the parking that is behind Mr. Cox's business once had a requirement to be paved and incorporated within the development. He stated that if the gravel parking lot was paved, no one would park there. After reviewing this, it is apparent that the parking requirements were excessive. That's why we are looking to revise the ordinance. He also stated that it should be looked at whether or not there is contradiction between the design guidelines and zoning codes. City Administrator Bear added in that the zoning does allow for another automotive store and although that may be unfortunate, but it is allowed. Commissioner Arcand stated that he would like to try to make it work because they have asked them to do certain things with the site plan and they've done them. Commissioner Rosenquist agreed and stated that the O'Reilly representatives have done a good job, especially with working with this piece of land. Commissioner Knauss agrees with Commissioner Arcand in it not being the Planning Commissions role to interfere with market place and competition, although she does empathize with Mr. Cox. She states that she does not believe there is a parking issue and it sounds like that ordinance will be revisited. Commissioner Knauss believes that there seems to be a conflict between the downtown design guidelines and the ordinance requirements. She stated that she would like to see the trellises removed from the O'Reilly building. She also stated that she told Mr. Cox that she would request his letter be included as the public hearing record. Her next comment was that she believes that the Planning Commission needs to think more about the gateway feature and it needs to have continuity throughout the downtown. She asked if O'Reilly would be okay with escrowing the landscaping that was supposed to be put in that area. That way, money will be there when a design is finally figured out. Mark Wold answered that if the design is come up with and sent to them, they can probably work with it. They just don't want to put anything in and have someone change their mind. He stated that he would be willing to escrow an amount.