02-10-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 10, 1997 ( #6 - #2199 Rick's Super Valu - Continued) • Van Zomeren indicated the Planning Commission's review recommended the installation of vertical plantings. The pylon sign will be relocated with no further changes. The Planning Commission had suggested the original plan for a bank drive thru be eliminated. The Commission had also discussed changes for the building facade, and the applicant had three different schemes for Council review. Goetten indicated the Council did not wish to become involved in the building's color schemes and design. Bloomquist indicated the Planning Commission's request for aesthetic improvements. Jabbour told Bloomquist that the application was a land use issue, and he was more concerned with use and access. Van Zomeren reported that the 2.85 acre property is located in the B -3 Zoning District which requires 2 acres. She noted Hennepin County had acquired a significant portion of the applicant's property for improvements to County Highways 19 and 15, which changed the parking area and setbacks. A 1991 application approved variance requests for setbacks and off - street parking for an addition to the west side of the building. Van Zomeren indicated the 1600 s.f of increased hardcover is not consistent with the hardcover regulations; ;however, the Shoreland Ordinance was adopted after this use was established. She also noted there is a problem with the culvert on Kelly Avenue freezing in the winter causing flooding to the street. This problem does not originate with this property. • Kelley asked whether the conditions placed on the property in 1991 have been met. Van Zomeren acknowledged that the conditions including sprinklers and screening have been met. Bloomquist responded to the 1600 s.f of increased hardcover. He indicated his concern for public safety. He said he is willing to remove 1600 s.f of greenery to move the exit down toward the bank for the new access to the south to allow for increased visibility. He noted the property is able to handle the drainage. Jabbour said he had a problem with approving any variance without demonstrated hardships. He is concerned with setting a precedent. He inquired of the applicant when the property would be considered fully developed. Bloomquist said it was his understanding that the property use would be maximized with the completion of the proposed improvements. He indicated a possibility of purchasing adjacent property. Goetten said she has found Bloomquist to be a responsible citizen and was greatly affected by the loss of land due to the County's acquisition. Goetten noted with the acknowledgment of hardship, the store is good for the neighborhood. She said she appreciated the new design work but felt the decision should be left to the property owner. • 6