CCP 09-13-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 30, 1999 DRAFT II stored in the lower level as well. The intent is to use grass or gravel for the access ramp with a nice retaining wall and landscaping. Once the building site is determined, Mr. Nelson stated that he intends to hire a professional landscaper to determine which trees on site will be salvageable. He hoped to salvage as many trees as possible, however, many of the trees are box elders and cottonwoods which will have to be removed to make room for the building. Once this is determined, he planned to discuss the screening with the residential neighbors. Some of the homeowners to the north want trees while others prefer fencing. He will be happy to install a fence for the homeowner to the east, however, they may not want a full 6-foot high fence. He noted the residence to the east is only four and one-half feet from the property line. Mr. Nelson stated that the basement would only be accessed during working hours and occasionally on weekends. He indicated that carrying the large files down stairwells would not work well for him and a ramp inside would take up too much space. Mayor Probst stated that he was pleased to see a development proposal for this corner. With regard to the Welcome to Arden Hills sign, he asked if the City should ask for the easement now in order to protect this opportunity. Mr. Nelson stated that this requirement could be added to the developer's agreement as he would like to see the sign installed. He hoped that the sign would use materials similar to those on his building and that it will not be as large as the sign in Shoreview at Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue. Councilmember Aplikowski asked what sort of doorway would be installed for the access ramp. Mr. Nelson stated that a seven-foot by lO-foot garage door would be used. Councilmember Aplikowski asked ifthis would be to allow a vehicle to be driven into the basement. Mr. Nelson stated that this was correct. Councilmember Aplikowski asked how wide the ramp would be. Mr. Nelson stated that the ramp would be 10-feet wide, the required width of a driveway. He noted that there had been concerns of him parking cars in the basement of the building. In order for this to be done the structure would have to be entirely different than proposed with items such as ventilation, and this was not his intent. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if there would be another way to access the basement. Mr. Nelson stated that there would have to be an inside stairway. Councilmember Larson asked if the applicant was proposing a concrete slab at the bottom of the access ramp. Mr. Nelson stated that there will have to be some sort of hard surface to allow for a catch basin drain. Councilmember Larson confirmed that the proposed curb cut off Country Road D was to allow for access to the ramp. Mr. Nelson stated that this was correct. Commissioner Larson asked if there will be grass from the curb cut to the access ramp. Mr. Nelson stated that blocks with cut- outs may be used and the plan was to landscape the south side of the building. Councilmember Larson asked ifthere was a reason for not proposing a more formal driveway to the access ramp. Mr. Nelson stated that the intent was to install a gravel or grass driveway to slow the water flow