10-09-2000 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2000 • 11. #2616 Minnetonka Center for the Arts, 2240 North Shore Drive — Conditional Use Permit — Continued landscape architect Tom Oslund. Mayor Jabbour asked why the Arts Center was requesting a conditional use permit for the 45 foot cooling tower. Peterson asked if the cooling/heating system could be placed elsewhere. Mr. Dayton explained the system they chose to use, and stated they designed the tower to contain and screen mechanical equipment required by the building so the elements would not just sit on the roof. Mayor Jabbour stated he felt allowing the tower would set a precedent in the City for allowing buildings to exceed the 30 foot height maximum. Mr. Dayton stated that the tower is serving a necessary function while identifying the building. Mayor Jabbour stated the tower was a design element not strictly necessary. Flint stated he agreed it was too tall. Kelley questioned the kind of hazardous materials that will be used in the Center. Mr. Dayton stated that the amounts of materials on the site won't require extensive special handling. They will follow national fire codes for the storage of oxygen, acetylene, paint, etc. They have sprinklers throughout the building and smoke sensors, as well as heat sensors. • Kelley questioned what sort of functions would occur outside the Center. Ms. Heeley stated they expect outdoor activity to increase. Eventually a sculpture garden will be on the grounds. She stated that art openings tend to be sedate functions that should not disturb the neighbors. Mr. Oslund stated that because of the grading, the backyard would not be conducive to holding functions, so most functions would occur in the front, along North Shore Drive. E Peterson questioned the vegetative screening along the east and west sides of the property. Mr. Oslund stated that the east side of the property will have the sculpture garden. The border of the garden will be planted with amur maples that grow quickly and densely. Mr. Dayton stated that the west end of the building will have the service drive. As a result, the screening will be denser at that end of the property to hide the dumpsters from the neighbors' view. Mayor Jabbour asked the neighbors to comment. Nancy Roehr of 1345 French Creek Drive stated that she supports the new Center, but was very concerned about the trees at the northwest corner of the property. She wanted heavy screening of the service drive and dumpsters. Mayor Jabbour reminded her that trees would not be planted until after construction is finished. Mr. Dayton stated that the project is supposed to take 14 months, and they plan to open the new Center in June of 2002. He also stated they have put considerable energy into designing a plan that fits 7