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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – January 7, 2015 4 Chair Thompson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Zimmerman asked if staff has discussed the landscape coverage on the property at 4703 U.S. Highway 10 with the applicant and wondered if the landscaped area could be increased in size. He expressed frustration that a variance was being requested after the fact that the parking lot had already been constructed. Associate Planner Bachler stated that due to how the property has been developed, there is not sufficient area on the lot to address the landscaping issue. Commissioner Holewa understood that the City was being asked to approve a variance for a nonconformity that already existed, but he noted that the reduction in landscape coverage was also being requested without the inclusion of any rain gardens. He did not support this situation and questioned how the site would manage its rainfall. Associate Planner Bachler stated that he was not aware of where stormwater falling on the site drained to. Commissioner Holewa questioned if the parking lot expansion required permits of any type. Associate Planner Bachler stated this type of project would typically require a building permit. Commissioner Bartel inquired if the lot should be squared off instead of running along the parking lot. He commented that this may provide additional space for landscaping. Associate Planner Bachler indicated this was discussed by staff and he did not believe it was appropriate to require additional land to be sold to the Big 10 Supper Club from Arden Manor. Jeff Johnson, attorney representing Arden Manor and 550 Associates, thanked staff for the thorough report and for recommending the proposed land conveyance. He spoke to the Commission regarding conditions one and three for approval. He requested that a registered land survey not be required. He discussed the tax implications and suggested the filing not be required until November of 2015. Mr. Johnson suggested that condition three be reconsidered to allow for monuments or stakes to be placed at the corners and angles of the newly created parcel at 4703 U.S. Highway 10. Commissioner Bartel asked if this was the intent of staff for condition three. Associate Planner Bachler stated this was the case. Commissioner Jones asked if Arden Manor had considered squaring off the parcel and selling more land to the Big 10 Supper Club. Mr. Johnson advised that he had not discussed this with his client. However, he did not believe this would be supported. Commissioner Hames asked how the language in condition one should be changed to meet the needs of the applicant.