02-03-1988 Planning Commission Agenda-Minutes

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Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting, February 3, 1988 Page 2 CASE #88-02 (Cont'd) The Planner advised that a recommendations for approval should be subject to the Engineer's review and approval • of the drainage plan and the landscape bond submission. Robert Worthington, representing Opus Corporation,explained the proposed plan for the American Family Insurance Claims Center would begin the second phase of development of the Northwoods site. Commission questioned plans for the third phase development; asked if the Daycare facility, mentioned at the time of the lot split request, was still a consideration for the adjacent site. Worthington explained plans are pending for the third phase; the site was been targeted for an enlarged office building on the adjacent site or a daycare facility and smaller office building, as was discussed at a previous meeting. Worthington reviewed the relocated driveway and stated that was the only deviation from the original concept plan; the relocation improved traffic circulation on the site. He displayed plans outlining the building interior and exterior design. Worthington pointed out the berming at the front of the site was included to screen the mechanical equipment, which is located on the ground rather than the rooftop. He advised there would be two cooling towers, 4 feet in height, which would be appropriately screened from view by plantings and the berming. Worthington stated the pedestal entrance sign was eliminated due to the 25 ft. sign setback requirement; placement of the sign at the required setback may • have hampered sign visibility from Northwoods Drive, since the driveway entrance setback requirement is only 20 feet. The signs are proposed for attachment to the building, however, Worthington advised they would prefer to locate the sign at the entrance to the site, closer to the ground and the street. He asked for Commission comments relative to signage preference, and if the request would qualify under the variance criteria set by City Code. Member Meury questioned if the claims center would serve only passenger vehicles. Worthington explained that it has been modeled after the claims center in Eden Prairie; to his knowledge it would serve only standard automobiles, vans and pickup trucks. He further explained that inoperative damaged vehicles would not be brought to this location and no vehicles would be stored on the site. Member Probst questioned the screening of the mechanical equipment; requested elevations of the berm and the mechanical equipment, also questioned if the applicant had considered placement of an extended brick wall for screening purposes. He was not opposed to the "soft" berming concept, however, preferred assurance that the units would not be visible from Northwoods drive. After review, it was determined that the top of the berm would be higher than the transformer height along the entire front perimeter of the site. Bergly noted the plantings would be mature in two years and reach a height of 3 to 4 ft. ; he further explained the area around the mechanical units will be • landscaped, and combined with the berm the units should be effectively screened.