Minutes - Planning Commission - 01/03/2013

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Chairperson Levine asked how many lanes would be provided in the drive -thru. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson commented there would be two drive -thru lanes that would merge into one for food pickup. Citizen Input Brian Smith, McDonald's USA, 1650 West 82 in Bloomington, thanked the Commission for consider his request this evening. He noted he was available to take questions or comments. Eric Kellogg, Landform, 105 South Fifth Avenue in Minneapolis, noted he too was available to take questions or comments from the Commission. Commissioner Van Scoy asked if McDonald's had provided any alternative placement plans to City staff. Mr. Kellogg stated many options were discussed for this site given the number of cars anticipated. He noted the provided plan best met the needs of the restaurant with a drive -thru. He explained it was extremely important to separate the pedestrian traffic from the drive -thru traffic for safety purposes. Commissioner Bauer questioned why Staff had requested the building layout alternatives. Development Services Manager Gladhill explained that this assured Staff had done their due diligence in reviewing the layout of this site, the flow of traffic and that the best plan was before the Commission for approval. Chairperson Levine commented the proposed layout worked well, as has been demonstrated in other communities. Commissioner Brauer inquired who was awarded the franchise for this McDonald's location. Mr. Smith stated this had not yet been determined. Commissioner Brauer asked how much leeway McDonald's had to deviate from the standard site plan. Mr. Kellogg stated the submitted layout would differ from any in the metro area, given the proposed trellis and windows on the rear of the building. Mr. Smith explained that deviating from the site plan too greatly would require assistance from corporate. He noted that full circulation around the site was key. Commissioner Brauer questioned how much McDonald's could deviate prior to involving corporate comment. Mr. Smith stated safety issues would arise if the building did not have full circulation. Commissioner Brauer commented the proposed site plan deviated from the current zoning guidelines. He was pleased that McDonald's has been willing to work with the City thus far and questioned how much further McDonald's could go to meet the zoning code. Mr. Smith stated his main concern would be meeting McDonald's safety requirements. Chairperson Levine supported the site plan as submitted. Planning Commission /January 3, 2013 Page 5 of 8