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Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 May 24, 2005 --------------------------- 7.THE STORAGE AREA WILL HAVE TO BE AN ACCESSORY USE TO THE OFFICE/WAREHOUSE BUILDING. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 5.5. Request by the City of Elk River for Consideration of Modifications to Public Works Site and a Conditional Use Permit to Construct Salt/Sand and Cold Storage Buildings, CU 05-07 Director of Planning Michele McPherson reviewed the City of Elk River’s request for a conditional use permit to construct salt/sand and cold storage buildings, and modifications to the Public Works site at 19000 Proctor Road. She provided information regarding the existing site conditions, proposed new buildings, parking and circulation, landscaping, and grading, drainage and utilities issues. Staff recommends approval of the request with the condition that the buildings comply with the applicable building and fire codes. Commissioner Offerman asked if the City Engineer Terry Maurer and Environmental Technician Rebecca Haug have seen the plans. Ms. McPherson stated that they have been involved in the 8-month process to date and the plans comply with the City’s requirements. Ms. McPherson described areas to be screened and landscaped. She noted that there is already extensive landscaping on the site. Commissioner Sevens asked if the fencing would be opaque. Phil Hals, Streets Superintendent, stated no. Chair Anderson opened the public hearing. Ron Touchette, Rock Solid Realty, 22400 Meadowvale Road – Asked why the conditions for this application were so different from his, since the trades are similar. Chair Anderson stated that Mr. Touchette’s request was for outdoor storage. The application before the Commission was for two buildings. He stated that the buildings will be required to meet all Building and Fire Codes. There being no one else to speak to this issue, Chair Anderson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Offerman stated that he felt the fencing should be opaque to screen the northerly area from the Industrial Park. Chair Anderson stated that there is a walking trail in this area. Ms. McPherson explained that the trail will be removed to discourage walkers from crossing County Road 1 at an unsignalized point, and the trail along the main entry road will be maintained so that people will leave Oak Knoll Park, go to the signalized intersection at Proctor and County Road 1 to cross and pick up the trail on the northeasterly side of County Road 1. The fence will be installed somewhere in the vicinity of the existing trail. Commissioner Westgaard stated that he felt the City should be required to provide opaque screening for its outdoor storage, since the same is required of other applicants. Commissioner Westgaard asked for clarification of the retention ponds. Ms. McPherson explained the location of an existing remnant of a wetland/ditch. She stated that the Wetland Technical Evaluation Panel has granted the City approval to eliminate the ditch, but instead they will expand it and build a detention pond that will collect any salt-laden runoff from the newly expanded asphalt area. Commissioner Westgaard asked if a 20-foot setback would be maintained from the wetlands. Ms. McPherson stated yes.