Minutes - Planning Commission - 01/08/2015

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Further Discussion Matt Wyseth, Tom Tormson and Brian Bryant, Connexus Energy representatives, were available to answer Commission questions. Tom Tormson, Staff Engineer with Connexus, provided background information for the Commission. He stated that Connexus Energy was looking at building a tower to enhance grid automation and communication for their trucks. There has been a consultant recommendation to have a tower at this height and to locate it on Connexus Energy property. There is an existing tower on the property that is taller but is structurally deficient and by law, they cannot add anything to the tower. The 199 foot tower would allow them to get the best possible coverage they can while at the same time staying under 200 feet to avoid FCC regulations /requirements. He also spoke about co- location possibilities. Commissioners asked questions regarding safety and minimizing dead spots, line of sight requirements; location and replacing of the existing tower; safety and setback of the tower; and City ordinance requirements and variances. Community Development Director Gladhill asked if there was any objection before Staff goes forward and works with Connexus Energy on the tower. General board consensus was to go forward on a variance basis. The Planning Commission agreed with the request of Chairperson Levine to address Case 5:06 after Case 5:08. 5.07: Review Concept Plan for Old Municipal Center Site as a Single - Family Subdivision; Case of N.I.K. Management, Inc. Presentation Community Development Director Gladhill presented the Staff Report stating the purpose of this case is to review concept plans for a single - family development on the former municipal center campus located at 15153 Nowthen Blvd NW. This is not an official subdivision review. The intent of this case is to provide broad policy direction in preliminary design. As the Planning Commission is aware, the City has been in the process of reviewing appropriate redevelopment scenarios of the former municipal center campus. As an outcome of that process, the City began the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan and Official Zoning Map. The site is still being actively used as Fire Station No. 2. The City is in the process of completing final design of a new Fire Station No. 2 on an adjacent parcel, tentatively scheduled to being construction in Spring, 2015. Per City Council direction, the City recently began negotiating a Purchase Agreement with N.I.K. Management, Inc. for a two (2) phase purchase of the site. As part of the negotiation, Staff has been discussing subdivision design with the prospect. At this time, Staff is asking if the Planning Commission /January 8, 2015 Page 9of15