01-27-1998 BA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Board of Adjustments Minutes • January 27, 1998 Page 2 Chair Mesich opened the public hearing. Cindi Edwards-Plant, 13184 Island View Drive, requested the Planning Commission deny the variance request to exceed the amount of impervious area, citing that the increased runoff would mean more pollutants will enter Lake Orono. She was also concerned there will be more erosion and sedimentation where the storm sewers from the project enter the lake. Larry Kramka, Area Hydrologist, explained the Guardian Angels PUD is unique and the Shoreland Ordinance does not specifically address this type of PUD. He stated the Planning Commission needs to take a hard look at all of the city's ordinances and make a decision which balances the needs of the community and the need to protect the shoreland and lake. Mr. Kramka supported staff's recommendation to put off action on the impervious area variance for the commercial area, but cautioned that it may be even more difficult to address later. Mr. Kramka explained the purpose of the Shoreland Ordinance is to balance, enhance and protect the shoreland as well as water quality, vegetation and recreational uses. He felt the city needs to look at the significance of this project as it relates to the entire Watershed District of which Elk River is a part. Michael Trossen, Trossen Wright Architects, indicated 14 months have gone by since Guardian Angels approached the City with their project and urged the Commissioners to take action on the entire project, not just a portion of it. He felt the requested variances meet the city's criteria for approval. • Discussion followed regarding how the need for the density and impervious area variances was determined. Carol Mills, Guardian Angels, asked Terry Maurer, City Engineer, to explain how the storm water drainage plan proposed for the project meets the city's requirements. Ms. Mills explained the changes that were made from their original plans to meet the city's requirements. She complimented staff on their efforts to resolve issues associated with this complex project. The Commissioners discussed whether or not to hold off on addressing the impervious area variance for tiers 2 and 3 until a specific site plan is submitted. Ms. Mills indicated the commercial component is crucial and that Guardian Angels' Board of Directors could not risk moving ahead with the project without resolving the commercial issue. She urged the Commissioners to take action at this meeting. Chair Mesich asked Mr. Kramka if he felt allowing the variance for the increased impervious area would cause problems. Mr. Kramka stated he could not answer that question, but noted the city engineer has stated the drainage calculations meet the city's standards. There being no further public comment on this issue, Chair Mesich closed the public hearing. • COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO DELAY ACTION ON THE VARIANCE REQUESTS BY GUARDIAN ANGELS OF ELK RIVER, INC. UNTIL THE PLANNING