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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,June 17,2002 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#02-2795 WJM PROPERTIES,Continued) <br /> Weinberger indicated that the proposed lighting was not consistent with what had been approved as part <br /> of site plans for properties along the Highway 12 area. Staff encouraged lighting similar to that of City <br /> Hall,with poles that stretch no taller than 25-27' and diffuse light to the ground. <br /> Weinberger stated that staff recommends approval of the commercial site plan based on the 5 findings on <br /> page 5 and subsequent conditions 1-7 on pages 5 and 6 of the staff report. <br /> Mr. Johnson shared a revised section drawing based on earlier conversations with staff that afternoon <br /> which reflects revisions in lighting and berming. He reminded the Commission that Morries is an <br /> independent user who will maintain a professional appearance and provide the architectural lighting, <br /> screening, and berming that the City is looking for. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Smith asked to be given a sense of the level of traffic to be generated by this property. <br /> Mr. Johnson pointed out that the interior sales floor only makes up 20%of the whole building. While <br /> there needs to be a small outside display area for potential buyers to test the vehicles,Monies will not be <br /> marketing a specific brand of automobile and rely less on advertising. He added that the buyer they will <br /> be focusing on will be the commercial or fleet buyer, or commercial leasing customer. <br /> Smith inquired whether an individual could stop in to buy or lease a car. <br /> Mr. Johnson stated that while the individual could purchase a car, the City could monitor this and <br /> reminded the Commission that these are not the concentrated market. <br /> Bellows questioned why the building needs cars placed front and center if the object is not to attract <br /> customers from the street. She asked if this parking area could be eliminated altogether and the cars <br /> moved to the back,thus eliminating the need to be lit up at all times. <br /> Mr. Johnson contested that Monies wants to put their best face forward and these cars are placed near <br /> the front door where desired customers will enter. If reversed,the body shop would be in front,rather <br /> than screened and situated along the lower west boundary. He reiterated that this will be a post sale,car <br /> sales operation,but very much a sales operation whose goal is to sell or lease automobiles. <br /> Bellows stated that she didn't believe the screening wrapped around the sides of the building adequately. <br /> She continued by voicing her concern over how the building sounds more and more like retail sales. If it <br /> looks anything like a car dealership, she maintained that Orono does not want it here. <br /> Mr. Johnson indicated that Monies had proposed a 5' high screen and reduced the level of lighting, after <br /> meeting with staff to determine how the lights should be situated and directed. He insisted they've made <br /> an effort to create a clear professional appearance for the site on Wayzata Blvd. <br /> Berg inquired over the lit signage and hours of operation. <br /> PAGE 20 OF 29 <br />