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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – November 5, 2014 5 Mr. Thompson discussed the parking available on the adjacent property for Venture employees. He believed that the parking on-site, with the additional parking requested would meet the needs of all tenants. Commissioner Holewa asked if the retention pond would have standing water in it. Mr. Gaybauer stated the infiltration basin would draw down within 48 hours of a rain event. Commissioner Holewa feared how Transwestern would manage providing additional parking if Venture were to add additional office space. Mr. Thompson explained that Venture was leasing the adjacent building at 3728 Dunlap Street for their current expansion and that this space would assist in meeting their parking needs. Commissioner Bartel questioned if a two-level parking structure has been considered. Mr. Gaybauer commented that the expense of a parking structure may not be feasible. Commissioner Thompson was in favor of including the Rice Creek Watershed District approval within the Findings of Fact or as a condition for approval, due to the fact that it addressed the groundwater situation. Commissioner Holewa wanted to support the business and the proposed site improvements. However, he expressed concern with the proposed swale and wanted to see additional plantings in the rain gardens. Commissioner Bartel discussed the percentage of allowable impervious surfaces in business districts. He explained he was having a hard time supporting this request due to the fact the percentage of impervious surface was approaching 80%, and the adjacent property was nearing 90%. Chair Larson understood this concern, but commented that the proposed retention pond and filtration basin was better than the site’s current swale. He believed the retention pond and filtration basin would improve the site and for that reason he supported the request. Commissioner Zimmerman indicated that pervious pavers may be another option for the increased parking spaces as this would create a hard surface, while addressing the water runoff concerns. Chair Larson stated that the soil in the swale would need correcting before pavers could be placed in this area. Commissioner Zimmerman believed that this soil correction would also be needed for asphalt or concrete. He questioned if the Commission should table action on this item to allow staff to work with the applicant on pervious surface options. Commissioner Jones supported the applicant’s request as the storm water runoff in this area needed improvement and the increased parking would not adversely impact the surrounding properties.