09-23-2003 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Planning Commission Minutes September 23, 2003 Page 3 area, and staff's recommendations for the site. Staff recommends approval of the request with the four conditions listed in the staff report to the Planning Commission. Chair Pederson opened the public hearing. The Commission and staff discussed the location and height of the existing fence on the north property line. It was determined that the fence was owned the RDF facility and therefore, the applicant would not be able to install slats in the fencing. Bill Helliwell, Plant Manager for the RDF facility, that he was not opposed to the towing operation, but that he was concerned about drainage during a storm event. He explained that the RDF plant plans to move the fence further back onto RDF property in order to provide better security around the perimeter of their property. Mr. Harlicker asked if Mr. Helliwell felt some screening was necessary. Mr. Helliwell stated that screening was not necessary. Mr. Hetland, applicant, stated that he was not aware the fence would be moved. He noted that there is foliage behind the fence, which would provide some screerung. Chair Pederson asked for clarification regarding church services at the site. Mr. Hedand stated that the church has been renting a portion of the building for approximately two years. Chair Pederson asked if the back of the property was accessible to the church patrons. Mr. Hedand stated that the towing storage area would not be accessible to the public. Commissioner Anderson asked for clarification regarding the drainage and utility easement. Mr. Hedand explained that the drainage is designed to go to a holding pond on site. There being no further public comment, Chair Pederson closed the public hearing. Discussion followed regarding alternate locations for the towing area. Mr. Hedand stated that the area proposed by the Commission has poor drainage and would not be suitable for parking vehicles. Trent Morrell of R & G Towing stated that insurance companies normally pick up vehicles quickly, and that the worst-case scenario would be that an unclaimed vehicle could potentially remain on the site for 45 - 60 days. Commissioner Anderson asked if Mr. Morrell would be using the existing garage. Mr. Anderson stated that the garage is not included in his lease agreement. Commissioner Lemke asked how far the garage is located from the west property line. Mr. Harlicker stated that the distance is about 40 feet. Commissioner Lemke asked the representative from the RFD plant if the boundary is moved to the east, would there still be adequate screening. Mr. Helliwell stated that they want the ability to see through their security fence. He stated that if the fence is moved, a lo-foot area for maintenance outside the fence would be adequate. Commissioner Offerman stated that he felt the vehicle storage area needs to be fenced and that slats should be required in the fencing. Ms. McPherson noted that the R& G's Towing's former location was the Boelter property at Highway 10 and Main Street, and that this area was a tremendous improvement. Commissioner Franz stated that a condition could be included to require that a new fence be required for the towing site, if the RDF facility decided to relocate their fence.