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Planning Commission Minutes July 28, 1998 Page 7 IIIMr. Thelen stated Country Inn &Suites is more of an upscale, mid-price hotel, not an economy motel. He indicated many of the units are 2 room suites, with a pool area and meeting rooms. He explained that there is also a breakfast area which will hold 50 to 75 people. Mr. Thelen noted there are considering adding a larger, banquet size meeting room, since it appears there is a need for this type of facility in Elk River. Mr. Thelen stated that the parking issue has not been worked out with the prospective clinic user, but felt the two uses would be compatible, since the peak hotel traffic would be evenings and weekends when the clinic would be closed. Mr. Thelen reviewed his concerns regarding the staff recommendations for the preliminary plat and conditional use permit, as outlined in his letter to the Planning Commission dated July 28, 1998. He felt shifting of the lot line for Lot 2 may cause loss of the sale to the clinic. Discussion followed regarding the location of the southern entrance near Perkins and the need for designating a pedestrian corridor between the hotel and the restaurant. A discussion was held regarding the possibility of including architectural treatments on the building's side elevations. Mr. Thelen offered reasons why it was not possible to install windows. The height of the sign was debated. Mr. Thelen explained that he felt the 30 foot sign height they requested was necessary for visibility from Highway 169 due to the large trees on MN/DOT's property and the proposed pedestrian walkway . over Highway 169. Commissioner Cote expressed his support for the staff recommendations on the preliminary plat and conditional use permit with the exception that he had no objection to the 30 foot sign proposed by the applicant; and, to include a recommendation that the trash receptacle be placed in a more centralized location away from the single family residences. Commissioner Schuster indicated he also is concerned about the traffic on 189th. Terry Maurer suggested the Planning Commission make a recommendation to the City Council for an all way traffic study at Dodge and 189th. Mr.Thelen indicated they could possibly have room for all the required parking if they designed the stalls at 18 ft. and narrowed the rock and shrub landscaped area, but stated the project would not proceed forward if they are not granted the 30 foot sign height. Commissioner Morris indicated he felt a lighted pedestrian corridor from the hotel to the Perkins Restaurant should be included. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY SAND COMPANIES FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE PUD AGREEMENT FOR ELK RIVER RETAIL CENTER TO ALLOW HOTELS AND MOTELS AS A CONDITIONAL USE. COMMISSIONER COTE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. •