PC Packet 12.19.19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 21, 2019 PC Minutes Page 2 allows exterior storage exceeding the size of the principal building with the approval of a conditional use permit and staff found that the request meets the spirit and intent of the ordinance. The properties to the north, east, and south of the proposed facility location are also within the Bald Eagle Industrial Park and are occupied by industrial users that have similar exterior storage to building ratios. It is in staff's opinion that the proposed use is compatible with the character of the surrounding area. Staff recommended that the Planning Commission provide comments to the applicant on the circulation of the site, the proposed fencing and screening, and access to the site. It is in staff's opinion that the application meets the standards and requirements for approval of a conditional use permit and recommended approval of the request subject to the conditions outlined in the resolution and conditional use permit. Staff also recommended that the Planning Commission open the public hearing and take all public comment. The Planning Commission had no questions for staff and invited the applicant to come forward. Tim Wald, assistant superintendent for finance and operations of the White Bear Lake Area Schools, 2530 Oak Court, White Bear Lake, MN and Sal Bagley with Wold Architects and Engineers came forward to address the Planning Commission. Wald started by saying that the School District just passed a bond referendum, which will involve unifying the district's split campus high school to one high school. The high school will move to the north campus location in White Bear Lake, which is where the current bus garage is located. Expanding the high school means finding a new location for the transportation facility and to help serve the significant growth of the district, the district is proposing the new transportation and maintenance facility in Hugo. Vice Chair Arcand asked if the proposed site will be the primary transportation facility for the school district. Wald clarified that the standard bus routes are contracted through First Student and those buses are maintained by First Student. The routes generated from the new proposed location will primarily be special education routes and field trip excursions. Commissioner Tjernlund asked for the applicant to clarify the location of the fencing. Bagley stated that the fencing is shown with a black, dashed line around the perimeter of the exterior storage parking area. The dark green areas depicted on the site plan show the proposed location of additional landscape screening. A final landscape plan is to be submitted at a later date, but this is intended to show the landscape buffer in addition to the fencing. Tjernlund asked the applicant to consider additional screening along the front end of the site to screen the property from the residential neighborhood to the west. Bagley provided additional height details on the fence and stated that they would propose a ten foot tall fence. Commissioner Luchsinger asked the applicant to provide additional information on the circulation of the site. Bagley stated that the site plan is intended to have the buses enter into the site from the north entrance and exit from the southern access to go either north or south on Fenway Boulevard. The current location of the fueling island is intended to be screened from the public view, however, the applicant is open to exploring other alternatives to allow fueling to be accessible either before or after the bus routes without having the buses leave the site. Bagley also described the circulation for when buses and vehicles need maintenance, which will happen within the building space for maintenance.