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Planning Commission Minutes March 26, 2002 Page 8 e accommodate the Elk River Municipal Utilities offices, and a 1,749 square foot expansion at the southwest comer of the building will house the City Attorney's offices, as well as a small addition for an expanded cable television area. Ms. McPherson then described the proposed 43,725 square foot public safety facility which will include Police, Fire, and the Emergency Operations Center. A basement will house the EOC, the firing range, and evidence room. A second story will be constructed as shell space for future expansion of the Police Department. An impound lot will be located north of the proposed Police Station which will be enclosed by a six foot high concrete rock-face block wall. The Fire Station will have room for up to six fire vehicles. Site impacts (including the closing of Orono Road), parking requirements, and landscaping were reviewed by Ms. McPherson. Staff recommends approval of the request with the conditions listed in the staff report, and with an additional condition that signage comply with the ordinance requirements for institutional uses in the R1c zoning district. Chair Pederson asked if the median has been moved. Ms. McPherson explained that the median was relocated to allow "cleaner" traffic movement. Chair Pederson asked if there would be any type of physical connection between the City Hall and Public Safety Facility. Ms. McPherson stated no, that the only connection would be outdoors across the parking area via sidewalks. Commissioner Anderson asked if the area north of the impound lot would be landscaped. Ms. McPherson explained that they would be relocating existing trees and this area would be looked at as part of the overall Orono Park Master Plan. e Commissioner Baker suggested that there should be a trail connection from the City Hall property to the trail along Lake Orono. Commissioner Baker asked how motorists would get to City Hall, if Orono Road is closed. Ms. McPherson explained how traffic could reach City Hall by either Joplin Street, Main Street, or County Road 30. Commissioner Mesich asked if closing Orono Road would affect the Fire Department. Bruce West, Fire Chief, stated that there would be no impact. Commissioner Mesich asked if the curve in Orono Parkway would be difficult to maneuver. Chief West stated that he felt there is good visibility at this point and he did not see a problem. He noted that they will not be exiting at excessive speed and that they will enter the other drive way when returning. Chair Pederson opened the public hearing. Dan Kolles, 12974 Orono Road, stated that he has some of the same concerns that he had when the City Hall was first built; location of the facility in a residential area, traffic flow and speed of police vehicles on Orono Road. He stated it was his understanding that most of the City Hall and Police Station traffic would use Highway 10 and would not be driving east on Orono. He stated that he felt the raised medians were a safety issue and he supported lowering of the medians. He expressed concern regarding the speed of police and fire vehicles which would be leaving the public safety facility. He asked if there was a way to deter traffic to enter and leave on Orono Parkway toward Joplin. e Commissioner Baker asked Mr. Kolles if he felt the police vehicles were operated in a reckless manner when they left the Police Station for a call. Mr. Kolles stated no.