CC 11-08-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 8, 1999 4 . better over the years than a fence. She noted that either option would meet the intent of the Ordinance. Councilmember Malone noted that there had been a previous plan to place the generator on the west side of the parking lot, however, the applicant chose to move the generator closer to the building. Ms. Randall concurred and added that, when the temporary generator was installed, the applicant found that it would be easier to hook up to the power supply if it were placed closer to the building. Councilmember Malone pointed out that the generator was proposed to be placed in the front yard of the property and would require a variance to do so. Mr. Robert Beck, Head of Operations for Midway Bank, stated that the generator itself had a footprint of approximately 75 square feet. Adding screening with adequate circulation around the unit would result in an approximate 300 square-foot footprint and would create a dominant attachment to the building. It was his belief that simply floating a slab and dropping the unit on the sidewalk, with its current enclosure, would not create an obnoxious site and would be less noticeable. Mr. Beck stated that by placing the generator close to the building, the generator can be kept entirely on the sidewalk and out of the circulation of the parking facility. Additionally, not adding screening beyond the current enclosure would not add cost to its installation. A cedar wood fence, painted to match the building would cost a couple of thousand dollars. The block wall, attached to the building, would cost approximately $25,000. Mr. Beck proposed that he be . allowed to place the unit next to the building, with its current enclosure painted to match the building. Mr. Beck noted that the Planning Commission had recommended approval of a cedar wood fence. He had not been pleased with this recommendation, however, he was willing to accept it. It was his beliefthat it was unreasonable to create an addition to the building. This would add no value to the effort, rather, the block wall will be a detraction for motorists driving by on Red Fox Road. Mr. Beck invited Mr. Rick Apple from Alliance, the generator vendor, to further address this issue. Mr. Apple stated that the primary concerns for a block wall were air flow around the system and maintainability of the cedar wood fence versus the block wall. He indicated that the installation of the generator without remote screening would be a simple manner. In order to build a block wall, the wall would have to be held together by a significant foundation. The location of the utilities from the transformer to the building may be in an area that would have to be excavated for a block wall which would drive up the costs. Mr. Apple stated that this had been an ongoing issue since May, 1999, when the City was first contacted. He indicated that Midway National Bank has been very receptive in looking at a variety of options and worked closely with staff reviewing these options. The request has been through the Planning Commission and now to the City Council twice. He felt that Midway . National Bank has done a good job of presenting themselves.