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<br /> ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 27.1997 6 <br /> . Counci1member Aplikowski stated she remembered another drawing at the Planning <br /> Commission meeting that showed a different look, with less panels and more brick and metal. <br /> Scott Roberts of Genesis Architecture stated this drawing was something Mr. Ringwald had <br /> suggested. He explained that the applicants have decided they do not want the gymnasium to <br /> have the same appearance as the sanctuary. <br /> Mayor Probst stated his dismay that the City Council finds itsclf in this position given the fact <br /> that at the original approval proccss, it was clearly understood thc gymnasium was to be an all <br /> brick building. He stated he is offended by the mention in the memo to Staff regarding the <br /> "monotony of a single material." Mayor Probst stated that brick is, without question, a superior <br /> finish to painted precast concrete. He stated that he believes cost is the real issue and it would <br /> have been more appropriate to have been forthright from the beginning. <br /> Mike Schraad, Welsh Construction, stated his company submitted the original plans to the <br /> Planning Commission in March of this year, He stated the elevations submitted with the initial <br /> plan look similar to what is being displayed and did not identify specific materials in specific <br /> locations. He stated the language at that time stated "brick to match existing and other materials <br /> to match existing." He stated Staff did not inform him or the applicants that brick or metal were <br /> the only acceptable materials for this project. He explained that it was not until mid,July that <br /> they heard from staff that they were expecting brick. But by then, the precast panels were being <br /> . manufactured and expected to be delivered in three weeks. As he understands it, the City <br /> believed the project would be all brick; however, the applicant made the choice last winter to use <br /> precast and that has always been their intent. Mr. Schraad stated it is unfortunate this was not <br /> communicated correctly. <br /> Mayor Probst statcd that, to his recollection, there was no mention of anything other than brick <br /> or that a significant elcment of thc building was intended to be of precast materials. He noted <br /> that if this had been expressed up front, it could have been dealt with. Mayor Probst reviewed <br /> the Council's options were to deny the request for a PUD amendment or to approve the <br /> amendment and not get what the City understood would be built. <br /> Councilmember Malone stated Welsh Construction usually has a good undcrstanding of City <br /> Council direction, and that all members of both the Planning Commission and the City Council <br /> understood this project would be all brick. He noted that this is a very visual site at a prime <br /> intersection of Arden Hills and will impact the overall image of the City. Councilmember <br /> Malone noted that Mr. Schraad sat through all of the presentations and did not clarify that the <br /> building would not be all brick. <br /> Mr. Schraad stated he does not recall any specific discussion about the exterior and it did not <br /> become an issue. Councilmember Malone stated it was understood that the exterior would be <br /> similar to what is there now and that is all brick. <br /> . Councilmember Aplikowski inquircd if the City had the original paperwork for this case. Mr. <br /> Fritsinger stated this paperwork is in the City's files. <br />