09-26-11-R Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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M ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 7 Councilmember Holmes stated that they had discussed screening at the Planning Commission meeting but it is difficult to screen something 24 feet high. Also, according to City Code, if the silos are painted the same color as the building that qualifies as screening. Mayor Grant questioned how far the silos can be located from the building, be painted the color of the building, and yet still be considered screened. City Planner Beekman stated that the code does not stipulate a specific distance. Councilmember Holden questioned if the silos will be taller than the existing buildings. Planning Intern Anderson responded they will not be taller than the buildings. Councilmember Tamble pointed out that there are currently semi-trucks parked on the property in this area so he wasn't concerned about screening. He also commented that this improvement will make it possible for Hood Packaging to increase their business and add jobs. Mayor Grant again expressed his concern about how the addition of silos will impact the adjacent Traverse Park area which includes 500,000 square feet of office space. Councilmember Holden asked how long Hood Packaging has been in Arden Hills. Brian Munsterman, Hood Packaging, responded that they have been in Arden Hills since 2001. He added that just this year Hood Packaging took over the rest of the existing building and signed a ten-year lease. He also stated that they recently made a$5 million investment in new equipment for this location. Councilmember Holden asked if Hood Packaging anticipates building more silos. Mr. Munsterman responded they do not have plans for any more silos because, based on the size of the machine they are adding and the two proposed silos, they would have to move off the property since there is no additional room. Mayor Grant asked how far the location of the silos will be from the actual building. City Planner Beekman responded they will be 23 feet from the building. Councilmember Holden commented that Hood Packaging is a very viable business; they've expanded into the rest of the building and have a ten-year lease,whereas the future of the Traverse Business Center adjacent to this property is uncertain. She did recommend screening for the containment tank. Mr. Munsterman responded that the containment tank is a white plastic that cannot be painted and added that a fence screening could be placed around it. Mayor Grant agreed that Hood Packaging is a good business, but he is concerned that the placement of the silos may detract from the development of the 500,000 square feet of office