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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION –April 5, 2023 5 <br />Commissioner Collins commented he supported the Commission discussing the size of the <br />outdoor space further. He explained he did not want the outdoor spaces taken to an extreme, but <br />rather would support the City moving forward with staff’s recommendation as a model for <br />success moving forward. <br />Chair Vijums explained he supported the model provided by staff as well. <br />Commissioner Wicklund requested further information regarding what the options would be to <br />screen the outdoor recreational space. <br />Community Development Director Jagoe discussed the pergola that would be installed on site <br />noting the pergola would have greenery planted to grow on it. She then reviewed the location of a <br />20 foot Ramsey County easement on the Flaherty’s property, noting the patio would go right to <br />the edge of the easement. She cautioned the applicant from putting any plantings in the easement <br />area. <br />Commissioner Wicklund stated he was in favor of the language provided by staff when it came <br />to the size of the outdoor recreation area. <br />Commissioner Mitchell indicated she supported the expanded outdoor patio area being a fun <br />place for individuals. She did not want the area to be closed off from the passing public, but <br />rather thought the area should be visible from the street as a welcoming space. <br />Chair Vijums agreed stating if the area was heavily screened the public would not be able to see <br />the activities that occur within the expanded patio area. He stated he would not be in favor of any <br />type of screening. He noted he also supported leaving the size of the outdoor recreational space at <br />1,500 square feet. <br />Commissioner Weber reiterated that he was not comfortable with the City writing code that was <br />only for one business in the community. He suggested a conditional use permit be considered <br />versus rewriting City Code. <br />Community Development Director Jagoe explained if the Commission were to require the <br />applicant to receive a conditional use permit, this recommendation would be considered by the <br />City Council and the applicants would have to come back and apply for an outdoor commercial <br />use as a conditional use. <br />Commissioner Weber questioned if the applicant had a contractor lined up for the outdoor patio <br />expansion. <br />Adam Flaherty, 1273 West County Road E, explained he did have a contractor lined up for the <br />patio work. He noted the patio season in Minnesota was limited and he would like to have the <br />work done and ready for the 2023 season. <br />Commissioner Weber stated he was concerned with the fact the new language was too <br />restrictive. He supported the use being opened to other businesses in the community in order to <br />allow restaurants to have outdoor patios. DRAFTng ang a <br />language provided bylanguage prov <br />ted the expanded outdothe expan <br /> area to be closed off area to be clo <br />rom the streetm the stre as a welca we <br />area was heavily screenarea was heavily screen <br />he expanded patio area. he expanded patio a <br />e also supported leavingalso supported leavin <br />erer reiterated that he wareiterated that he w <br />ss in the communityss in the commu <br />ode. ode. <br />DirDir