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Planning Commission Meeting <br />Minutes – Wednesday, October 01, 2008 <br />Page 3 <br />Matthew Kreilich <br />Mr. Kreilich reviewed landscaping elements and their low maintenance requirements, <br />specific to various areas on site, based on amenities, security and visibility issues; egress <br />areas, including two (2) stairways and one (1) elevator and their locations; heated/cooled <br />egress area on the southwest corner; location of a canopy on the northeast corner for <br />protection of people from the elements, but not high enough for buses; materials for <br />exterior architectural details that would provide durability, sustainability and security. Mr. <br />Kreilich provided material samples for Commissioners and the public. <br />Mr. Kreilich reviewed materials proposed for the main tower component total height of <br />approximately 54’, the glass-backed elevator, veil wrapping around the entire facility to <br />cover the concrete parking structure, and handicap accessibility features. Mr. Kreilich <br />noted that bollards would be installed on the eastern side of the facility to prevent people <br />using that ingress/egress point until future construction of Mount Ridge Road. <br />Discussion included how buses and personal vehicles would approach and regress from <br />the site at this time, and with future build out of Mount Ridge Road; provision of and <br />locations for bicycle parking racks with locks and fully-enclosed bike lockers (total of four <br />lockers); non-staffed, but full camera coverage and recording system for security of the <br />site and to deter criminal activities based on other park and ride and ramp facilities <br />operated by Met Transit; current lease at Rosedale through the year 2011 for their park <br />and ride contract, and preference to extent that contract; and proposed construction by <br />January of 2009 for project completion and operational by September of 2009, based on <br />UPA grant requirements. <br />Commissioner Wozniak reviewed his research of a LEED certified parking garage in <br />Santa Monica, CA, and some of its amenities, and encouraged that Metro Transit <br />consider similar amenities (i.e., parking devoted to electric vehicles; free bicycle storage; <br />solar panel arrangement for energy needs; and recycled construction materials). <br />Commissioner Boerigter arrived at the meeting at this time. <br />Mr. Kreilich advised that some things were being attempted on this facility, including <br />landscaping with sustainable plantings; 100% recyclable materials (i.e., aluminum <br />screening); and some LED lighting for the ramp. Mr. Kreilich noted that, while they would <br />be more than willing to use LED lighting everywhere, manufacturer choices in the area <br />were limited at this time in meeting lighting requirements for security purposes. Mr. <br />Kreilich advised that their bid would include an alternate for LED versus standard lighting; <br />and that they were considering as many efficiencies as possible. Mr. Kreilich noted that <br />they had explored geothermal installation; however, given the tight timeline, they didn’t <br />feel it was possible in this facility. Mr. Kreilich noted that low-e glass would be used in <br />some areas of the facility; and that a constant 55 degree temperature would be <br />maintained within the ramp year-round. <br />Ms. Erickson advised that it had been Metro Transit’s intent to use infiltration on the site <br />to recharge the groundwater; however, she noted that the Rice Creek Watershed District <br />would not allow it on this site due to contaminated soils and their requirement for <br />pretreatment stormsewer structures to remove debris and phosphorus before it entered <br />the water system. <br />Commissioner Wozniak expressed his appreciation to the applicant’s team for giving <br />“green” features some thought. <br />Further discussion included demolition of the current structure in process by Cent <br />Ventures in advance of construction and potential reutilization of any materials (i.e., <br />crushed concrete), with the applicant advising that future Cent Ventures’ projects may be <br />able to utilize those materials more effectively and efficiently than this project. <br />Commissioner Wozniak advised that the applicants, including Cent Ventures, notify <br />Ramsey County Environmental health before demolition, as they were now involved in <br />pre-demolition inspections. <br /> <br />