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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 12, 2009 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 8 of 16 (8. #09-3423 HARVEST MOON NATURAL FOODS CO-OP, 2350-2380 WAYZATA BOULEVARD WEST, Continued) Planning Staff recommends approval of the parking variance and the amendment to PUD No. 1 to allow retail foods as a permitted use for this site. Staff would further recommend that some sort of tentative plan be worked out regarding future parking needs with this approval. Gaffron stated in approximately 1990, when the property was subdivided, an outlot was created for a future road between Willow Drive and Brown Road further east. The City has an easement over that road from Otten Brothers, but it is unlikely the City will ever find a need to construct that connecting road. The actual access point into the lot is south. A median extends south of the existing access point, and for traffic coming south to turn in or coming north on Willow to turn left on Kelley , there are some difficult maneuvers that will likely become worse in the future as the Stonebay development becomes more heavily populated. There is some concern that in the future there may be sufficient traffic to relocate the access point. The Planning Commission’s discussion centered around the fact that access may become an issue in the future and felt that it should be addressed at that time based on certain triggers recommended by Staff. It is likely that the access point will need to be updated at some point in the future based on the development of the surrounding development, which could be addressed in the PUD. Franchot asked whether he would have a conflict of interest in this application since his wife is a member of the co-op. Mattick stated it could potentially raise the appearance of a conflict, particularly if there is a financial interest involved. Franchot indicated he would recuze himself from the discussion and vote. White stated at the point in time when cars are beginning to be stacked up at that intersection, that could be a trigger to evaluate the access. Murphy commended the co-op for their dedication and hard work in pursuing this application. Murphy also commended Cliff Otten for relocating some of his tenants inside the building to improve the situation along Old Highway 12. Murphy noted a PUD amendment is required in order for this project to go forward and that he would like to see Staff develop some triggers regarding the access. McMillan indicated she is in agreement with Council Member Murphy on the trigger language, and that possibly another trigger would be the growth of the co-op, such as if 50 percent or more use of the building is grocery. McMillan stated as it currently stands, the co-op is a great idea for this building. Bremer asked whether the PUD would allow the City to review this application. Mattick stated the City could impose a square footage trigger on the co-op as part of the PUD. White stated he would prefer that no carts be allowed out in the parking area given the limited parking. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 10/26/09 Approval of Council Minutes 10/12/09 [Page 8 of 16]