Agenda - Planning Commission - 05/05/2005

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Assistant Community Development Director Frolik advised that as Coborn's worked to prepare tt~eir final plans for the new development in Ramsey, it became apparent to them that they did not plan for a full service gasoline sales area that would include diesel fuel. She stated the staff at Cobom's have determined that one additional pump with two dispensers will be required in order to expand their product line to include diesel fuel. She indicated they have made application to the City to amend the TC-2 regulations to increase the maximum number of fuel islands allowed from three to four. Assistant Community Development Director Froiik stated Staff is recommending approval of the request to increase the number of pumps allowed from three to four for the following reasons: a) The current restriction to 3 pumps was based on Coborn's site plan and not tied to any i~articutar formula for determining how many pumps would be considered an 'accessory use'; b) Increasing from 3 to 4 pumps is not a significant increase; c) Amending the Code does not compromise the intent of the cUrrent regulation. Public Hearing Chairperson Nixt opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. Chairperson Nixt asked how this will impact the traffic on-site. Mike Whalen, Coborn's, stated the biggest reason they are requesting this is for customer through--put and customer service. He indicated people pump their gas, then come in to pay and pick up a few extra items, and spend more time inside than they do outside. He stated they want to add diesel to their offering, and this will give them more available pumps to keep customers ~lowing. ChaiqCerson Nixt asked if the canopy would be extended. Mr. Whalen indicated it would. noted they would have to come to the City with their canopy plan. Motion by Chairperson Nixt, seconded by Commissioner Brauer to close the public hearing. He Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Nixt, Commissioners Brauer, Levine, Shepherd, Van Scoy, and Watson. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Johnson. Commission Business Commissioner Shepherd stated that originally they said no gas stations in the Town Center. Then Coborn's said they needed a gas station, but would hide it behind a car wash. She noted that they then said they did not want the car wash, but would hide the station with landscaping. Now they want a bigger gas station. She asked when it would stop. Chairperson Nixt verified this is the only gas station they will have in the Town Center, and this will not change any gas stations anywhere else,'which Staff confirmed. Planning Commission/April 7, 2005 Page 7 of 23