CCP 11-29-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 8,1999 2';,:1"1 1 a 5 . Councilmember Larson asked where the temporary generator was currently located. Mr. Beck stated that the generator was placed on a trailer in approximately the same location of the proposed permanent location. Councilmember Larson asked what other locations had been considered. Ms. Randall explained that the applicant had considered a location within a berm in the southwest corner ofthe parking lot. This would require excavation of the berm to create a wall area and would have allowed shrubbery to be used for screening. The problem with this option was connecting to the junction box from this distance. Another location was at the southwest corner ofthe building on the sidewalk. This would have resulted in the removal of windows and blocking of the sidewalk. The other location was in the northeast corner of the parking lot. This would have required the power cables to be run through the entire length of the building. Although this location was a distance from the roadway, it would have been visible from the roadway and would have required screening with a fence or block wall. . Considering the cost to install a block wall, Councilmember Larson asked if there were reasons not to reconsider the first option of placing the generator in the berm area. He acknowledged that, at the time of considering this option, the applicant had not wanted to incur the cost of burying the cable under the parking lot. Mr. Beck stated that the cost of this option would compare to the cost of a block wall. Placing the generator in the berm would require the excavation of the entire parking lot and would most likely require a block enclosure around the unit with landscaping. This would result in the reduction of grccn spacc and would cause concerns for cars parking along side the unit. Additionally, running the cable to this length would result in slight degradation of the power. Having the generator close to the building would ease in the operation and maintenmlce of the unit. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she was totally opposed to requiring a block wall. She had driven by the building and, with the exception of the brown trailer, the generator was not noticeable. She would be willing to allow the generator to he placed against thc building with only its current enclosure used for screening. However, since screening was required, she stated that she would prefer a cedar wood fence. She noted that there were many variations in wood fences, including horizontal and vertical lines. From a practical point of vicw, she felt that the City was asking too much to require a block wall. The block wall will encroach on the parking lot and the generator would be much more noticeable. Mr. Beck noted that his company had been working on the installation of the generator for many months. In that timc the temporary generator had been placed on the trailer and many employees have asked when the gencrator and trailer will bc arriving. He noted that the bottom of the generator was currently black and this would be painted to match the building. He felt that the proposed location without screening would be the best option. Councilmcmber Malone confirmed that the applicant had been given permission to install the temporary generator. Ms. Randall stated that this was correct. . Councilmember Malone stated that he had visited this site and felt that the generator stood out like a sore thumb in the front yard of the building. He would prefer that the generator blend in