Minutes - Planning Commission - 10/17/1995 - Special Meeting

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finish on buildings in the Industrial District be other than metal, however, the applicant is proposing a metal addition to be consistent with the existing structure. In the past, the City has made allowances for additions to existing metal structures, but because of the visibility from Uranium Street and because of the heavy industrial use, Staff recommends for that: 1) Soffits and fascia be applied to the existing structure as well as the expansion area; 2) Pre-fabricated stone panels be applied to the lower 1/3 of the existing west wall; and 3) Pre-fabricated stone panels be applied to the lower 1/3 of the existing and expanded north wall, except for the middle section which will be consumed with overhead door to allow track entry to the cement tower. With this in mind, City Staff recommends site plan approval to Phase I of the Bjorklund project. Jim Lindberg, attorney for Bjorklund Ready Mix, stated that with regard to the issue of 50% coverage for the exterior finish, they have no problem with the west side which fronts Uranium Street. However, they do not agree with the requirement for the north side since the building is on low land some 200 feet from the road and is not terribly visible from the road. He distributed pictures of neighboring businesses, Communicor and Julian Johnson Construction, to point out the condition of the immediate area. He also distributed pictures of two similar similar operations in St. Paul and Shakopee who have built such enclosures. Mr. Lindberg stated their intent to put 4-5 feet of brick on the west side but would like to put metal siding on the north side. He suggested possibly waiting until the second phase to see if coverage was needed on the north side, and he offered to plant trees along the north side to help buffer the area in the future. He also discussed their intention to enter into an easement agreement for access with his neighboring properties noting there will be an improved surface on that easement. He furnished the Commissioner with letters of support and commitment from Bjorklund Ready Mix, Julian Johnson Construction, and Communicor. Motion by Commissioner Deemer and seconded by Commissioner Terry to recommend that City Council approve Phase I of the Bjorklund Ready Mix site plan contingent upon compliance with City Staff review letter dated October 12, 1995 and based on discussion pertaining to finishing the exterior of the west side of the building with 5 feet of brick and reviewing the need for the north side at the second phase. Further Discussion: Commissioner Hendriksen asked what mechanism is in place to assure there will be a second phase. Mr. Lindberg stated that it's in Mr. Bjorklund's best interest to do the second phase in order to achieve the exchange of land. He suggested making the exchange of properties contingent upon the second phase being submitted. Ms. Frolik agreed that, right now, the financial security is the deed to the property Mr. Bjorklund needs. Commissioner Holland agreed that this would take care of itself. Motion carded. Voting Yes: Chairperson Bawden, Commissioners Deemer, Terry, Holland, and Thorud. Voting No: Hendriksen. Absent: Commissioner LaDue. COMMISSION INPUT None. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Thomd and seconded by Commissioner Deemer to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Bawden, Commissioners Thorud, Deemer, Hendriksen, Holland, and Terry. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner LaDue. Planning Commission/October 17, 1995 Page 2 of 3