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. . . Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 2004 Page 13 the traffic would still end up at the Main Street/Highway 169 intersection. Mr. Maurer explained that once the Line Avenue cul-de-sac is complete, MnDOT could then adjust the timing of the lights. Commissioner Lemke asked if it would help the situation to extend the median through Zane Avenue, making it a right in - right out. Mr. Maurer stated yes, absolutely it would help by moving left turns to Twin Lakes Road. Eric Miller, Civil Engineer for the project - Introduced those present to represent Wal- Mart including Dave Sellegren - Land Use Attorney, Ron Dokken, Ed Terharr, and Peter Reiner - Elk River Wal-Mart Store Manager. Mr. Miller explained the Traffic Study and Proof of Parking documents submitted for the expansion project. He stated that the parking was designed for the few peak periods. Commissioner Anderson asked why not expand the parking to the east of the store. Mr. Miller explained that the location of wetlands and ponding to the west and east on the site. He noted that employees would use the remote parking stalls, and the prime parking would be reserved for customers. Ed T erharr, Benshoof & Associates - Explained that actual counts were done to determine the trip generation figures and the existing store generates more trips than originally anticipated. He explained that the parking space request is not linked to the trips generated. Commissioner Anderson asked if the counts included truck! delivery traffic and what hours are considered peak hours. Mr. T erharr stated yes, and explained the studies are based on actual counts at various stores around the country and include all types of vehicles at all accesses. He noted that SuperCenters generally have lower trip counts because of their multi-purpose use, and that peak hours are between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Further discussion followed regarding the need for the additional 211 parking stalls. Ms. McPherson stated that staff had no strong objections to the additional parking and that if the applicant feels they need to build it, Condition #9 could be struck, and they may then move on to discuss any traffic or building design issues they may have. Commissioner Offerman asked about the possibility of creating a third access to the east of Wal-Mart. Mr. Maurer stated that he would argue against any more accesses onto Twin Lakes Road. He stated that the issue is more of the Highway 169/Main Street intersection and how it operates. Commissioner Lemke asked if Mr. Miller had any suggestions to offer for improving the traffic situation on Zane Avenue. Mr. Miller stated that they were open to suggestions. Jim Sklenicka, 718 Jackson Avenue - Stated that he was in agreement that the traffic would not increase much with the SuperCenter, since people that already come to the store would now also do their grocery shopping. Dave Sellegren, Attorney for Wal-Mart - Stated that if the intersection is not working well, they were willing to look at long-term growth and transportation issues. He stated that the applicant would look at improving the landscaped island in the existing west parking