03-26-18-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 26, 2018 7 City Planner Bachler stated it was his understanding the Anderson Center would still be used for the nursing program. He reported the need for the proposed addition was due to the fact students at Bethel University could no longer participate in the engineering program that was previously offered by the University of Minnesota. He explained this has created a need for additional engineering classes to be offered by Bethel University. Mayor Grant questioned why the setback to Valentine Lake was 150 feet. City Planner Bachler indicated this was due to the fact Valentine Lake was classified as a natural environmental lake by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Mayor Grant asked if the City had the authority to grant a variance to this setback. City Planner Bachler reported the City did have the authority to grant a variance. He noted that the DNR was made aware of the variance request prior to the Planning Commission meeting. Councilmember Holmes requested further information on the proposed addition. City Planner Bachler reviewed the location of the proposed addition in further detail with the Council. He explained the gross square footage of the addition would be 20,000 square feet. Staff indicated the plans were preliminary at this point and noted a Site Plan Review would be required in the future. He provided further comment on the interior renovations that would occur. Councilmember Scott questioned if the setback amount was measured from the cantilevered portion of the building. City Planner Bachler stated he did not know if the setback was measured from the first or second story of the building. He reported this would be reviewed further through the Site Plan Review process. Councilmember Scott inquired if the addition would impact any parking onsite. City Planner Bachler explained the proposed addition would be located on a staff parking lot, which would result in a net parking loss of six parking stalls. Councilmember Holden asked if the Site Plan Review process would be the proper time for the Council to place screening requirements on the addition. City Planner Bachler stated that would be the appropriate time and noted Bethel University would be responsible for providing the City with a landscaping plan as part of the Site Plan Review application. Councilmember Holden commented it was important to her that the lake be protected. She requested further information regarding the grade of the land from the proposed addition to Valentine Lake.