6.2. SR 02-19-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council February 19, 2002 Page 2 Overview As the Municipal Utilities continues to expand its services in the Elk River Area, there is a need to provide space for adequate storage and maintenance of their equipment. Their existing building is not in compliance with the building code and substantial work would need to be completed to bring it into compliance. The existing building will still be used for storage, but the maintenance of equipment will be completed in the proposed facility. Project Description/Analysis The Municipal Utilities proposes to construct a 5,400 square foot equipment storage facility with 1,205 square feet of office space. The proposed structure will be located on the east side of Main Street 50-feet from the property line. The building will be a concrete block building with brick veneer. One hundred thirty feet of the building will face Main Street. The highest point above grade will be approximately 19 feet. Located within the building on the first level will be garage space and offices. On the second level there will be a meeting room, locker area, restrooms and mechanical/janitorial space. The surrounding area is predominantly residential. Due to the large flat facade facing Main Street, staff suggests minor changes be made to the facade to reflect and compliment the design of the adjacent Municipal Power Plant. A landscape plan was not submitted as planting of evergreens along Main Street had already been completed in anticipation of the project. Access to the site will be between the proposed structure and the existing power plant. Parking is not a requirement for the use of this building. They currently have enough parking for the current employees and there is no intention of hiring new employees. Planning Commission Meeting At the January 29 Planning Commission Meeting, David Briggs, 18927 Albany St, stated that he owns 14 acres on the river below the Utilities property and he was concerned that no further commercial-type development occur in this area and that the easement that is currently in place to allow access to his property not be affected by the building addition. The Planning Commission discussed that the proposed building would be an enhancement to the area and the chain link fenced parking lot housing trucks is clearly visible from Main Street. The building addition will screen yard activities from public view. Concern that no additional parking was being proposed and whether or not the building was handicap accessible was also discussed. Mr. Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator stated that the office space is located in the lower level of the building and that handicap accessibility could be provided at that location. He noted that all building code requirements will be met. S:\PLANNING\Case Files\CU 02-02 ERUtilities\CU02-02 CC.DOC