02-05-14 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION February 5, 20147 Vice Chair Thompson asked if staff had concerns with how traffic would be impacted at the intersection of Pine Tree Drive and County Road E West. Associate Planner Bachler stated this was not identified as a concern by staff. Commissioner Bartel questioned if there were any planned improvements to County Road E that would create a median. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the City was working with the County to discuss improvements for County Road E. These improvements include a sidewalk on the north and south sides of the roadway. In addition, a joint driveway for E Street Flats was being considered. She reported at this point, the City was not proposing to place additional medians or landscaped medians along County Road E. Commissioner Hames Furniture property. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained the City had received an application that was being evaluated for completeness. If the application is found to be complete, it would come before the Planning Commission at a future meeting. She reported that one of the proposed uses would be for food catering, along with retail sales. Discussion ensued regarding the potential placement of emergency vehicle signage along County Road E. Commissioner Hames had concerns with how traffic would be impacted along County Road E when ambulances were leaving the facility. She feared the ambulance traffic would cause accidents. Bill Snook , Director for Allina EMS, explained the volume of ambulance traffic along County Road E would be no more than it is currently. He stated ambulances use County Road E and Lexington Avenue approximately 16 times per day. He discussed how the signal preemption system would assist ambulance drivers to control traffic. He indicated an Allina ambulance was currently posted at Perkins on Lexington Avenue just south of 694. He commented that the B-2 District provided a centralized location that would greatly serve the City of Arden Hills. Vice Chair Thompson asked why the proposed location was selected by Allina. Jeff Czyson , Allina EMS, explained the location was central and the available space would meet the needs of the proposed ambulance dispatch facility. He commented that a number of calls are received by EMS while vehicles are in transit. He reported that Allina drives over 4 million miles each year and has a very low rate of accidents. Vice Chair Thompson opened the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. Vice Chair Thompson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment.