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Planning Commission Minutes Pagc 2 March 11i 2008 --------------------------- traffic. He stated that that staff feels a long curb island would be beneficial to traffic and would help to define the drive aisles more clearly, and trees would help provide identification to the defined island areas and shade in the parking lot. Mr. Barnhart noted that staff would be happy to work with the applicant to meet their needs. Commissioner Staul asked if the parking area was primarily used by employees and general contractors. Ms. Cartney stated that was correct. Chair Scott opened the public hearing. Matt Knutson, representing the applicant -stated that the drainage plan calls for the parking area to sheet drain, and any changes to the parking lot plan would require a need to change the drainage plan. He stated that they will be increasing landscaping in other areas of the site. Commissioner Staul asked what the size was of the current building. Mr. Knutson stated that the new building will be approximately the same size. Commissioner Anderson asked where the railroad tracks were in relation to the site. Ms. Cartney explained. Commissioner Anderson suggested that landscaping be added between the railroad tracks and the building, since the Northstar commuter rail will pass by this site. Mr. Barnhart stated that the property abuts the railroad and staff could investigate this option. Chair Scott closed the public hearing. Commissioner Austad stated that some landscaping would add aesthetic value to the Northstar Corridor, and he agreed it made sense to start laying a foundation for adding landscaped areas along the route. Commissioner Anderson stated he realized there are no landscaping requirements for light industrial of this type, but felt the landscaping would enhance the curb appeal from the light rail view. Commissioner Lemke stated that he was comfortable having staff work out the details of the landscaping. He stated that many areas along the light rail corridor are working industrial areas and he did not know if it was fair to put another burden on businesses. Commissioner Staul stated that he could support protecting the public view from the rail, but that he sees less of a need for landscaping the parking lot, since it will be employees and contractors who visit the site. He did not feel it would be a burden to landscape the public area and would enhance their business. Commissioner Anderson stated he was not opposed to the applicant's request, but that he sees it as an opportunity to look at these areas on both side of the light rail corridor. Chair Scott concurred. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER STAUL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY AMCON ON BEHALF OF GREAT RIVER ENERGY FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A BUILDING ADDITION, CASE NO. CU 08-05, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: