09-28-1999 BA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Board of Adjustments Minutes September 28, 1999 Page 4 • COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Commissioner Schuster opposed. 4.3. Request by Sherburne County to Waive the Screening Requirements for Jail Expansion, Public Hearing Case No. V 99-11 Staff report by Michele McPherson. Sherburne County requests approval of a variance to waive the 80%opacity screening requirement. Sherburne County was given site plan approval for the jail expansion, but after further review and meeting with adjacent residents, they wish to install a six foot fence around the perimeter of the jail and reduce the amount landscaping for security purpose. Staff felt the applicant can meet the five findings necessary for granting a variance and recommended approval of the request. Chair Cote opened the public hearing. Dick Halupsok, KKE architect representing the applicant, stated that safety issues prompted the request to allow less dense plantings and installation of the fence, citing the neighbors' concerns, as well as the pond near the parking lot. He also noted that the more dense landscaping previously proposed would interfere with monitoring of the grounds by sheriff's department personnel. Commissioner Kuester asked who would be using the parking lot. Mr. Halupsok stated that staff and impound lot employees would use this lot. • Steve Stewart, 18290 Ogden Street,stated that the residents have been working with Sherburne County on the jail issue. He felt that one of the homes in Sandpiper Estates was very close to the jail and the city should not have approved a home to be placed on this lot. He asked that the Planning Commission "do what is right", but he did not specify his position on the issue. Patty Patterson, 18268 Ogden Street, stated that she was not able to sell her home at the appraised value because of its close proximity to the jail, and took it off the market. She stated that she is satisfied with what the finished product will be. Chris Tenute, 18238 Ogden Street, was concerned that the impound lot be adequately screened so that the wrecked cars were not visible. Cindy Hoist, 18251 Ogden Street, asked how large the trees will be when they are planted. Mr. Halupsok stated that the conifers would be six feet tall and the overstory trees, including red maple, hackberry, honey locust and other specimens,will be 2" in diameter and approximately 10 feet tall. Chair Cote asked what the opacity would be with the new plan. Ms. McPherson stated that it would be approximately 10 percent. Ms. Hoist asked that the size of the trees required be increased. Jenny Wamre, 19233 Ogden Street, expressed her support for the 80%opacity requirement and felt the County should be required to make the site aesthetically • pleasing, since the residents have worked hard to make the neighborhood that way.