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July 25, 2024 PC Minutes Page 2 plan currently exceeds ordinance standards, with landscaping being used to create buffer from adjacent properties and between each building. The site plan includes a monument sign and a small outdoor play area. The applicant is proposing some grading, and stormwater management via pipes that would direct stormwater to the existing pond to the southeast, which was designed to take drainage from the apartment site as it develops. The applicant is also proposing stormwater reuse for irrigation. The architectural plan includes various building materials, which must meet the city's Multifamily Design Guidelines, which are generally intended to improve overall quality and avoid monotony. The applicant is showing all five buildings to have the same exterior, while staff is encouraging the applicant to expand the color palette to provide visual variety. The final color palette and physical building materials need to be reviewed and approved by staff prior to the issuance of a building permit. The Preliminary Plat application includes all buildings on one lot, which would be platted as Lot 1, Block 1, Oneka Fields. The applicant will need to ensure easements for public systems are included in the plat. After reviewing the applications for consistency with the City Code and Comprehensive Plan, staff recommended approval of the Site Plan, PUD Amendment, and Preliminary Plat Applications. The applicant, Mark Guenther of Fenway Land Company, introduced himself to the Planning Commission. Guenther stated that when designing the overall Shores of Oneka Lake development, that the intention of an apartment project on this parcel was to provide a transitional use between the single-family homes in the development and the commercial and industrial uses along Highway 61. Guenther stated that they added landscaping to create a more visually appealing entrance from major collector roads. Commissioner Petty asked about management, Guenther responded that they are still determining whether they will directly manage the property or contract with an external property manager. Petty asked who will maintain the private play area and whether there will be a way to deter outside users. Guenther stated that they will own and maintain the play area, and that the buffer created by the landscaping and stormwater pond should be enough to create a barrier. Juba showed the Planning Commissioners a map of the overall Shores of Oneka Lake development and pointed to the commercial and industrial areas along Highway 61 that were previously mentioned, as well as the recreational trail being constructed along the shore of Oneka Lake that connects to City park land to the south, serving as recreational amenities for the neighborhood. Commissioner Arcand asked about the staff-encouraged internal sidewalks and where they'd connect. Juba points to the circular area of pavement in the center of the project, and said that staff has been encouraging the applicant to revisit the geometry of the drive aisles to improve access to the onsite play area, and that internal sidewalks would provide safer pedestrian access to the trails leading to the rest of the development. Acting Chair Derr asked if the onsite play area would be included with park dedication. Juba said that the park dedication for the Shores of Oneka Lake PUD was included with the trail along Oneka Lake, and that the applicant will still need to pay park dedication but with a reduced fee.