06-26-2000 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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a- ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 26, 2000 ( #2555 Hennepin County, Continued) • Weinberger stated a variance to permit hardcover alteration within the 500 -1000' setback from the OHWL of Lake Minnetonka is required even though the amount of hardcover being proposed is being reduced from what currently exists. Weinberger noted the proposed hardcover would still be over the 35 percent maximum allowed in that area, with a reduction of almost 10,000 square feet of hardcover with the new facility. Weinberger stated a second variance is required to permit the sand /salt storage facility to exceed the maximum allowed size for an oversized accessory structure on this lot, which consists of 6.65 acres. A variance to the provision of the Zoning Code prohibiting expansion of the non - conforming use is required as well as a conditional use permit for the grading on the property and construction of the stormwater management pond. Weinberger stated the wetland alteration will occur within a non -City protected wetland, but is protected by the WCA and will require a MCWD permit. Weinberger stated the property would remain as a non - conforming use with the variance, with the property still being guided for residential use in the City's Comprehensive Plan. The height of the building has been reduced from 42' to 20' in height and should not have much of a visual impact on the surrounding neighborhood. City Staff is recommending approval of the application since the revised plan proposes a less intense use than what currently exists by reducing the amount of traffic to the facility, providing better stormwater management, and elimination of a significant amount of hardcover. Weinberger noted the concerns of the Planning Commission have been addressed in the revised plan. Jim Grube, Hennepin County Transportation Department, stated they would like to construct a • sand /salt storage facility on this site, noting they have taken the Planning Commission's concerns into consideration when revising their plans. Grube stated the new building will be constructed out of precast concrete, with the color of the concrete being similar to the brick on the existing structure. Grube stated they have utilized this site since 1962, when the original structure was constructed, and have attempted to be a good neighbor since that time. Grube pointed out the amount of activity at this site is limited in the summer months, with increased activity occuring during the winter months when most people tend to be indoors. Grube stated the proposed building and grading and drainage plan are a vast improvement over what currently exists, with the County taking steps to become better environmental stewards. Grube indicated the amount of hardcover being proposed with this new facility should be 141,997, or 59 percent, rather than the 138,188 square feet reflected in the Planner's Report. Mayor Jabbour thanked the County for taking the concerns of the City into consideration when revising their plans. Jabbour stated in his opinion the non - conforming use of this site is not being expanded with this proposal but is rather a continuation of what the County is currently doing while at the same time becoming more environmentally conscious. Flint indicated he has a number of questions regarding the use of this facility. Flint inquired out of what other facility Hennepin County services the City of Orono. Grube stated the City of Orono is serviced entirely out of the Orono facility located on County Road 15. Flint pointed out County Road 6 is not included on Hennepin County's list as being serviced from the • Page 4