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Regular Planning Commission Meeting <br />Minutes – Wednesday, June 6, 2012 <br />Page 8 <br />clarified that, in theory, the College had already expanded off-site as owner of the <br />352 <br />building in question, and the request was whether the building could be used as a nursing <br />353 <br />school. Mr. Paschke suggested that the Commission keep some separation between the <br />354 <br />College and the use itself when considering this and other requests from a broader <br />355 <br />sense. While recognizing the concerns about the campus expanding, Mr. Paschke <br />356 <br />questioned if this request rises to that level of consideration for additional off-site <br />357 <br />expansion. <br />358 <br />Member Lester noted that when this particular building was constructed, roads, access, <br />359 <br />parking, and square footage were all in reality addressed at that time for the structure. <br />360 <br />Member Lester opined that the only consideration by the Commission was related to the <br />361 <br />internal use of an existing building. <br />362 <br />Mr. Paschke concurred with Member Lester’s observation. <br />363 <br />To further address Member Strohmeier’s concerns with traffic, Mr. Paschke agreed that <br />364 <br />higher education facilities create concern for increasing traffic; however, he opined that <br />365 <br />this type of use occupying an existing building did not. Mr. Paschke noted that, as part of <br />366 <br />staff’s analysis of the request, consideration was given to whether the proposed use was <br />367 <br />an appropriate fit in a given area or building; whether there would be any dramatic <br />368 <br />increase in traffic or whether the existing roads could support it. As part of staff’s overall <br />369 <br />review, as always but not necessarily detailed in the staff report, Mr. Paschke noted that <br />370 <br />staff’s experience indicated office buildings generate more traffic and staff had all agreed <br />371 <br />that the proposed classroom use would generate similar numbers. Even if the building <br />372 <br />was to be completely used for higher education, Mr. Paschke advised that he was not <br />373 <br />sure if there would be any detrimental impact on traffic. Mr. Paschke assured <br />374 <br />Commissioners that staff internally reviewed each application based on a broad array of <br />375 <br />topics as outlined in City Code; and attempted to apply that Code consistently for any and <br />376 <br />all applications under review. <br />377 <br />Member Strohmeier clarified with the applicant that shuttle service would be provided, <br />378 <br />and thanked the applicant for that service; opining that that was actually part of his <br />379 <br />rationale in supporting the request. However, Member Strohmeier continued to be <br />380 <br />concerned with traffic, especially for seniors walking in that area, and reiterated his <br />381 <br />request that those concerns be flagged or City Council consideration. <br />382 <br />Vice Chair Gisselquist stated that he would support the request; and opined that, from his <br />383 <br />perspective; he had appreciated the discussion, finding the proposed use good and <br />384 <br />instructive in finding out the intent of Northwestern College for this site. From his personal <br />385 <br />perspective, Vice Chair Gisselquist opined that Northwestern College had proven to be a <br />386 <br />good partner with the City; and further opined that this use was appropriate; and <br />387 <br />welcomed those involved in that use and overall benefits to Roseville and the broader <br />388 <br />community to allow this type of nursing instruction. Vice Chair Gisselquist opined that his <br />389 <br />only concern was who else may take advantage of the proposed Zoning Text <br />390 <br />Amendment and Zoning Code that could prove not to be a positive result. Vice Chair <br />391 <br />Gisselquist questioned the comment regarding the rocky past or confrontational issues; <br />392 <br />and opined that this request was reasonable in consideration of the other existing <br />393 <br />educational uses in Roseville as a model. Vice <br />394 <br />Chair Gisselquist suggested that, whether there was a fear for further Northwestern <br />395 <br />College campus expansion, others at the City Council level could address those <br />396 <br />concerns; but he would support this Zoning Code change. <br />397 <br />Ayes: 5 <br />398 <br />Nays: 1 (Olsen) <br />399 <br />Motion carried. <br />400 <br />Staff advised that anticipated City Council action was scheduled for June 18, 2012. <br />401 <br />6. Adjourn <br />402 <br /> <br />