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Planning Commission Minutes June 12, 2007 Page 8 No. P 07-07 -Public Hearin 5.9• Request by City of Elk River for Conditional Use Permit for YMCA Case No CU 07 14 Public Hearin Mr. Barnhart reviewed the requests by the City of Elk River for a plat to subdivide property owned by the City into three lots: (Lot 1) to house the proposed YMCA health and community center; (Lot 2) location of the existing water tower and equipment; and (Lot 3) for future park expansion. He reviewed the location of the property and lot sizes. Mr. Barnhart then provided details of the proposed 56,000 square foot YMCA which will include a lap pool and play pool, gymnasium, office space, studio space and fitness area. He reviewed utility connections, proposed building materials, future expansion areas for the building and future park area. He noted that the City Council will approve the architectural details of the final design. Chair Stevens stated that the Planning Commission typically looks closely at the design of other buildings in the city and that he was disappointed with the renderings of this building. He stated that it has an industrial look and is not what he had envisioned. He stated that he was happy with the library design. He asked if the city was leading the design of the building. Mr. Barnhart stated that the materials are consistent with the City Hall, Library, and Public Safety facility, although it does not look the same. He felt that the green glass on the front of the building lends a striking appearance to the design. Chair Stevens opened the public hearing. There being no public comment, Chair Stevens closed the public hearing. Commissioner Scott stated he felt he has some sense of what the building would look like and since they would be using four materials, the design should be acceptable. He agreed the glass was a different element, but felt there was enough distance from the City Hall campus, it would not matter. Commissioner Scott stated that it appears there are some spans on the building that are greater than 30 feet, and that some type of design element is needed to break it up. He stated that the Comtnission has held others to the same standards, and the City should follow the same requirements. Commissioner Austad stated that he was not in favor of the design and agreed that it had an industrial look. He stated more glass should be incorporated on the building in the location of the workout and pool areas. He stated that he likes the overall design but feels the building needs improvement aesthetically. Chair Stevens stated that the lighting should be a cut-off design and softened, and that the current design seems harsh and square. Mr. Barnhart stated that the photometric layout was included in the packet and that it appeared there was very little "over bleed" of lighting, except on the Matthews property, which would probably be beneficial to his car sales business. Mr. Barnhart stated that there is consistency in texture with the other city campus buildings, and that additional windows could be suggested or some alternative. Chair Stevens stated that appeared the utilities on top of the building would be quite prominent and asked if they could be covered in some way. Mr. Barnhart stated that if what Chair Stevens was referring to was the air conditioning, it could be covered, if not, perhaps metal siding could be used to screen. Chair Stevens stated that he would like to see more texture on the buildings, maybe some pillars, similar to design elements on the City Hall and Public