CCP 11-08-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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