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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JULY 22, 2024 16 Councilmember Fabel indicated he has lived in Arden Hills for 40 years and he did not know there was a bingo hall on this property. He was of the opinion this was a great use for the space and stated he would be supporting the proposed use. Councilmember Monson discussed how the restaurant was required in order for the property to have a liquor license. She questioned if the applicant could come forward to respond to several questions. She requested the applicant walk through the flexibility requests that were required because she was using an existing building. Rose Kukwa, the applicant, explained the building was concrete at this time and it would be quite costly to break through the concrete in order to install windows. She noted the restaurant portion of the building would have windows but the event center space would not. She was of the opinion this would provide more privacy for the events taking place onsite. She commented on how benches were not required, but noted this was made a requirement by the Planning Commission. She indicated she would comply with this requirement. She reported her architect would address the building materials, landscaping and lighting items. Shira Fox, architect for the applicant, discussed how almost all of the flexibility that was being requested by the applicant was due to the fact the applicant was working with an existing building. She noted the off-street parking setback, building fagade transparency and building materials. She reported the building was concrete which led the applicant to select a brick veneer for the exterior. She commented that the south side of the building had a parapet with framing and she did not want a heavy material on the parapet. She indicated the engineer was not in attendance to address the lighting plan. She commented on how exterior or outdoor seating would take away parking spaces. She explained the island trees were conflicting with the lighting and noted the free standing signage was existing. Councilmember Monson questioned what percentage of events would have 450 attendees. Ms. Kukwa anticipated there would be some events that would be this big, but this would not be a regular occurrence. Councilmember Monson stated she supported the 2AM liquor license and closing time. She understood different cultures had parties much later than in the United States. She indicated she supported all of the flexibilities that were requested. She did not believe the site needed island trees because they would probably die. Mayor Grant understood there were a number of buildings constructed around the State just like this one, and because of the curvature of the roof and the temperatures in Minnesota, there was an expansion and contraction of the building. He commented on how a water line near the roof could be a problem. He recommended the applicant investigate this further. Ms. Fox stated a structural engineer will be involved in this project. Mayor Grant recommended the Council consider action on the Ordinance amendment at this time. Councilmember Holden asked if the brick veneer would have mortar.