03-13-2006 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 13, 2006 7:00 o'clock p.m. (3. #05 -3121 NARROWS SALOON, 3382 SHORELINE DRIVE, Continued) Sanford noted the businesses in this area have signed a petition in support of this expansion and that in his view future expansion of this area is not being prevented by this proposal. Sanford noted the area is already being fully used and that there would not be a greater use from the existing properties located in this area unless the City Council determines that it is appropriate. Sanford stated Staff has concluded that this use is compatible with the neighborhood and zoning district. Sanford noted the bar area is being reduced and that the restaurant's menu is being expanded along with the bigger kitchen. Sanford stated this reflects a commitment by the applicants to expand the restaurant portion of the business and that they are looking to provide an attractive restaurant for the community. In addition, the applicants have taken the necessary steps to adequately address the concerns raised previously. Thomas Lowe, 3295 Carman Road, stated after listening to the comments of the attorney about making this business more restaurant oriented, he does not see the need for the patio area and that the patio area is an invitation for drinking and noise. Lowe stated in his opinion this one business will still be monopolizing the parking in the area not only during the off peak times but also during the noon hour when other businesses are in operation. Lowe stated he does not feel the proposed expansion fits in with the neighborhood. Tom Theisen, 4175 Forest Lake Drive, indicated he has resided in this area for the majority of his life and that they are patrons of the Narrows Saloon. Thiesen stated they like to go out and socialize with their neighbors from Orono and Minnetonka Beach and that the Narrows Saloon also provides a place for them to go dancing. Theisen stated he would like to see the restaurant portion expanded, noting this area is lacking in eating establishments. Theisen stated as far as the proposal that is before the City Council, he would like to see the expansion go forward and that the applicants do run a clean house and that this is not a rowdy operation. Theisen indicated he does smoke and that he would appreciate a sheltered area to smoke. Theisen stated as far as the adjacent businesses, he does attempt to shop locally as much as possible. Theisen stated he enjoys the Narrows Saloon and likes them in his community. Cal Thorp, Northwest Tonka Lions Club, noted the Red Rooster does have an attractive outdoor smoking area. Thorp stated the Narrows Saloon provides the largest establishment for their pull -tab operation and that the money generated from this operation is put back into the community. Thorp stated this expansion would help to increase the profits realized from the pull -tab operation, which in turn means that more money would be put back into the community. Thorp indicatedthe smoking area would help to contain the patrons of the Narrows Saloon and that other businesses do not have a problem restricting alcohol in their smoking areas. Thorp stated as a resident of this area, he would be happy to have the Narrows Saloon as his neighbor. Thorp stated he unequivocally feels that the Narrows Saloon is a well -run place of business and that the proposal would help to enhance the community. White inquired what the pull -tab money is used for. Thorp stated they would be completely redoing the little league park by Lord Fletchers, contribute to the local Food Shelf, donate to the individual schools on different promotions, and donate money to different PAGE 4 of 27 •