8B, Planning Case 12-006 – Bethel CUP Amendment & Variance

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5. Building permits for Phase I shall be issued by June 30, 2013, or an extension shall be requested at least 45 days preceding this deadline. 6. Building permits for Phase II shall be issued by June 30, 2016, or an extension shall be requested at least 45 days preceding this deadline. 7. All temporary classrooms shall be removed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for Phase II, or by October 31, 2017, whichever occurs first. Four options and proposed motion language were provided for recommend approval with conditions, recommend approval as submitted, recommend denial or table the item. Mr. Tom Trainor, VP Facilities and Planning, and Ms. Kathleen Nelson, VP Administration appeared before the Commission. Mr. Trainor indicated Ms. Meagan Beekman has been very helpful to them. The University has an emphasis on health and wellness. Commissioner Thompson asked where the current wellness center is and Mr. Trainor stated it is located in the Robertson Center but it is not an ideal facility. The students use Lifetime Fitness. There may be less traffic due to students not needing to leave campus to work out. Commissioner Holewa asked about the temporary classrooms being removed and asked if Phase I would substitute for those temporary classrooms. Mr. Trainor stated they would be. He stated when Phase II is completed there will be 8 additional classrooms. Chair Larson asked Mr. Trainor to review the floorplan. He indicated the area of the current weight areas. There currently are not ADA accessible locker rooms. He indicated the weight area, cardio space, and treadmill equipment along with a group exercise studio. Mr. Trainor stated the top floor will have four classrooms. The second phase will add four more classrooms. Health services and counseling services will also be part of the wellness center. Commissioner Holewa stated a previous request came for using housing at the old Holiday Inn site. Ms. Nelson stated she has had discussions with the owner but their preference is to have all their students housed on the campus. Commissioner Thompson asked how the resident's concerns would be addressed. The maintenance facility is north of their property. Mr. Trainor stated the construction should be nowhere near the neighborhood. Commissioner Thompson suggested Mr. Trainor open a dialog with the neighbors so if they have concerns they can be addressed. Ms. Nelson stated last fall she met with the City Council on the master plan for the campus. She offered to share the master plan with the Planning Commission. Chair Larson opened the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. No one appeared to address the Commission.