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