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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 17, 201410 <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden <br /> <br />suggested that the Commission review all areas where LED lights could be used. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones <br /> suggested that the Commission consider the different lumens available in <br />LED lights and which areas are most appropriate for brighter LED lights and which are not. <br /> <br />Vice Chair Thompson <br />commented that the Commission would have to research how other areas <br />of the metro were managing this issue. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br />requested further information on the Illustration Guide for the B-2 and B-3 design <br />standards. <br /> <br />Vice Chair Thompson <br />explained how the Planning Commission was approaching the B-2 design <br />standards. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler <br /> commented that the City had made updates to the B-2 and B-3 district <br />design standards last year. He explained that building materials and architectural features were <br />reviewed to provide guidance to future developers in these zoning districts. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bartel <br /> hoped that the Commission could find visual examples of preferred <br />streetscape design and building materials that the City could incorporate into an Illustration <br />Guide. This would assist future developers with planning for redevelopments. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden <br /> recommended that the design standards include LEED building <br />standards. She commented that these standards would push the use of recycled materials in <br />redevelopment of the City. She suggested that the Commission create a checklist that can be <br />reviewed for each Planning Case. She explained that she depends on the Planning Commission to <br />address drainage and building material issues. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa <br />commented that LEED building standards have been discussed, however, <br />he believed it would be more important to have good economical design. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones <br />had an issue with the LEED standards given the increased building <br />expense. He proposed the City pursue Energy Star ratings instead. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> agreed that the energy ratings for buildings should be considered. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler <br /> explained that staff had checklists that were reviewed with each of <br />the different land use applications. The plans necessary in order to consider an application <br />complete are spelled out within these checklists. Depending on the nature of the proposed project, <br />required plans might include lighting plans, traffic studies, grading and drainage plans, etc. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes <br /> recommended that the Planning Commission further review the issue of <br />transparent windows. She believed that this issue would continue to come before the City. <br /> <br />Councilmember Werner <br /> requested further information on the League of Minnesota Cities <br />training. <br />