02-09-1998 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River City Council Minutes February 9. 1998 Page 3 Patrick Plant, 13184 Islandview Drive, indicated he was the Chair of the Water Quality Task Force and the past President of the Lake Orono Homeowners Association. He indicated that a majority of the lakeowners are in favor of the project concept, however they are opposed to exceeding the 25 percent impervious surface requirement and they are also opposed to a structure larger than two stories on tier 2. Mike Trossen of Trossen Wright Architects, discussed the proposal indicating that the townhomes would be set back farther from the lake than required on tier 1. He stated that the proposal is to construct a two-story assisted living area as opposed to a three-story as he feels this will lessen the impact visually to the residents and users of the lake. He indicated that tier 3 is proposed as a commercial lot which is somewhat limited due to the pie shape of the lot. Mr. Trossen indicated that in order to meet the 30 percent impervious coverage recommended by the Board of Adjustments, the commercial building would have to be reduced in size and over half of the parking would be eliminated. Carol Mills of Guardian Angels, indicated that the project needs a greater exception to the impervious surface requirement than the 30 percent recommended by the Board of Adjustments. Carol Mills stated that the impervious percentage has the greatest significance to the project. If Guardian Angels were to follow the standards, the density in the commercial corner of tier 3 and parking in tier 2 would be greatly affected. Carol Mills further indicated that they have met the intent of the DNR shoreland management ordinance in the following ways: 1.) surface water management; 2.) lakeshore preservation to keep the area natural; and 3.) adequate green and open space. Carol Mills indicated that the Board and Finance Committee have met and are offering the following compromise: to reduce the commercial building from 43,000 square feet to 23,100 square feet with the developer reconfiguring the building to meet the developers specific needs. This compromise would allow a second compromise on impervious percentages. Each party could move closer together. Guardian Angels would reduce its percentage from 49 percent to 40 percent and the city would increase its percentage from 30 percent to 40 percent in both tier 2 and tier 3. She indicated that the Board of Directors feels that this compromise would not have an injurious effect on the lake or on storm water management. Planning Commission Representative Judy Thompson indicated that the Board of Adjustments and Planning Commission felt very strongly about not going beyond 30 percent. Larry Kramka, Area Hydrologist from the DNR, indicated that the DNR is trying to find a way to make the project work to meet the physical uniqueness of the site as it is bound by Highway 10, a storm water pond, a frontage road and Orono Lake. He indicated that the DNR's position is that it is the City Council's decision as to whether or not a variance is warranted.