03-16-2020-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JANUARY 21, 2020 2 Mr. Salzer explained they would be requesting variances on building height, use restrictions, design standards, surface parking setback and minimum lot size and went into further detail about each topic. Mayor Grant asked for thoughts on each of the proposed variance requests: Maximum building height — Mayor Grant, Councilmembers Scott, Holden and Holmes had no issues with a 40-foot building with 32 feet clear internal height. Councilmember McClung wanted to stay with the current maximum height of 35 feet. Use restrictions — Mayor Grant, Councilmembers Scott and Holmes agreed to 85% warehouse, Councilmember Holden preferred 80% warehouse and Councilmember McClung preferred 75% warehouse. Design standards — no issues were indicated with the proposed materials. Surface parking setbacks - Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom expressed the setback should be at least 30 feet on public roads for snow storage. Minimum lot size — Councilmember Holden questioned if the remaining land would be developable. Mr. Salzer explained the lot won't be any more developable with more than three acres. Councilmember Holden requested an easement be put on the property for a future City of Arden Hills sign. She also asked if Round Lake Road could handle the traffic of the 32 proposed docks. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom said staff had directed Scannell Properties to conduct a traffic impact study. C. MVHS Traffic Study Update Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported that a traffic and pedestrian study was recently completed. The study was reviewed by City and School District staff for necessary improvements along Lake Valentine Road. There is an estimated pedestrian count exceeding 250 pedestrians per hour during arrival or dismissal time, and traffic operation concerns with traffic flow formed the basis for the traffic study. There are twelve recommendations based on the report that are summarized in the memo. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom gave further explanation for each of the recommendations. He asked if the Council concurred with the twelve recommendations and if so, should staff prepare an amendment to the Planned Unit Development Agreement to memorialize the requirements with the School District? Mayor Grant asked if the School District was OK with the recommendations and what the cost would be to the City. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom said the School District had reviewed the recommendations and were agreeable to them, and under the PUD the School District would be responsible for all of the costs. After discussion, Staff was directed to work with the School District to move forward with the PUD Agreement.