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<br /> ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 25, 1999 6 <br /> . Anything done beyond simply placing the generator on the sidewalk adds to the size and the <br /> significance of the installation. <br /> Mr. Beck stated that the building in use by Midway Bank is a leased facility. It is currently being <br /> used as a computer operations facility. This may not be the usage years down thc road. Once a <br /> structure is constructed such as a brick wall, it becomes much more permanent He indicated that <br /> if screening is required he would prefer a cedar wood fence which is significantly less costly and <br /> would not have the permanence of a cement structure. <br /> Mayor Probst stated that he understood Mr. Beck's position. However, he did not agree that the <br /> permanency of a block wall was a negative aspect He indicated that the building has been in <br /> place for approximately 15 years and is a reasonably well built building. If Midway Bank were <br /> to remain in this facility for the next 15 years, a wood enclosure would most likely not hold up <br /> for more than five years, He added that the facility has frontage on threes sides and the front <br /> door of the facility is essentially off Red Fox Road, <br /> Mr. Beck pointed out that the generator will be placed along side the loading dock area which <br /> has large doors and is not the most attractive side ofthe building. This was one reason for <br /> placing the generator in the proposed location, He added that this was where the temporary <br /> generator is located and, even though the current color does not match the building, the generator <br /> blends in this location, <br /> . Councilmember Larson concurred with Mayor Probst He acknowledged that the generator <br /> would be located near the loading dock area. However, adding more to this area may make it <br /> less attractive than it is now, He indicated that, even if the enclosure were not used in the future <br /> for a generator, it may be used to house a trash dumpster or some other use. Without knowing <br /> the future status of the facility, he would prefer the enclosure be done nicely at the beginning. <br /> He added that the facility itself is quite attractive for an industrial building. <br /> Mr. Beck agreed that the building is currently attractive and added that, regardless of what sort of <br /> enclosure is used, it will have to be maintained. It was his belief that it was unlikely that the <br /> structure would fit any other use in the future. He stated that his most significant issue was the <br /> fact that the enclosure will more than double the footprint of the unit and will make the unit more <br /> noticeable than it would be without an enclosure. <br /> Councilmember Aplikowski requested additional information regarding the maintenance issues <br /> of a block wall versus a cedar wood fence. Mr. Beck stated that, with a cedar wood fence, it <br /> would be less likely for snow in the winter time to be captured within the structure. <br /> Additionally, a fence would allow air flow through the enclosure. With any sort of screening, the <br /> enclosed area will have to be kept clear of snow which will be an ongoing maintenance issue. <br /> Councilmember Aplikowski asked if air flow around the generator affects its operation. Mr. <br /> Beck stated that he did not believe air flow affects the operation of the generator. He invited Mr. <br /> . Rick Apple from Alliance, the generator vendor, to address this issue. <br />