03-26-2002 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Planning Commission Minutes March 26, 2002 Page 12 e Commissioner Mesich asked what type of statistics the expansion was based on, regarding growth. Pat Klaers, City Administrator, eXplained that plans for the expansion and public safety facility were based on a 3 ~ - 4 percent growth factor, as well financial considerations. He stated that size of the public safety facility is proposed to be adequate for 20 years, and the City Hall expansion for 10 years. An additional 5,000 - 10,000 square feet is projected to be added to City Hall in 10 years. Commissioner Mesich asked how much of the new space will be utilized when completed. Mr. Klaers stated that approximately 50 percent of the space will be utilized. He noted that this is similar to what was done when the City Hall was first constructed, and now is completed taken up and space needs are being experienced. Mr. Klaers stated that the gun range may not be completed at the time the building is constructed, if the money is not there to do so. Chair Pederson stated that he feels there is a need to look at traffic flow to and from the site. Commissioner Franz stated that he is more comfortable with the new traffic pattern which will be created by the closing of Orono Road. Commissioner Baker felt that he felt the major issue is the impact of traffic on the residents. e Mr. Klaers stated that Orono Parkway was always designed to be a collector street. He felt that a community center would have generated more traffic than the public safety facility will have. He stated that the Main Street/County Road 30 access to Joplin will be an option, but that people on Main Street and those coming from the downtown will use Orono Parkway. Mr. Klaers explained that most of the traffic to the site will be on the major corridors. He noted that traffic was not overlooked in previous planning, but that it was not identified as a concern. There being no further public comment, Chair Pederson closed the public hearing. Mr. Klaers stated that he felt there are some issues that still need to be addressed, but that staff and the architect have done a good job. He stated that the main fire station will remain at Jackson and that a secondary station has been discussed for quite some time. He felt that the traffic counts are relatively small and that ultimately, the closure of Orono Road will ultimately create better traffic flow. Commissioner Baker stated that he did not feel a new traffic study would show a great deal of change and that they have sufficient data to make a decision. e COMMISSIONER BAKER MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY THE CITY OF ELK RIVER FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW EXPANSION TO THE EXISTING CITY HALL AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY, CASE NO. CU 02- 09, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. THE BUILDING SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE BUILDING CODES. 2. THE LANDSCAPE PLAN SHALL BE REVISED TO COMPLY WITH STAFF COMMENTS.