Minutes - Council - 03/23/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

development is proposed on Lot 3 Block 1, HY-10 Ramsey 4th Addition. She observed that the application is located within the moratorium area west of Armstrong Boulevard. The land is currently vacant and is designated places to work in the draft comprehensive plan. The land use proposed is consistent with the plan. A related issue to the comprehensive planning process is the policy regarding the availability of urban services to sites prior to development. Ms. Sherman noted a letter written by Brad Scheib of Hoisington Koegler, the City's consulting planner where he pointed out that the issues for the City is to consider going beyond urban services and include long-term impacts on the area prior to conclusion of the comprehensive plan and related ordinances. Ms. Sherman continued that staff believes that the site plan for Kenko's office is of a design and layout that would be allowed in our urban service area. They are proposing to construct a building with quality industrial architecture and paved parking with concrete curb and gutter. The applicant previously received site plan approval that included a large shop structure and exterior storage. Both of these uses would cause concern to the staff without proper ordinances in place to regulate them. The applicant runs the risk of constructing their office building and future zoning regulations not permitting outdoor storage. At a minimum, staff would anticipate that outdoor storage would have to be screened from view. They are not requesting exterior storage or a shop building and any future requests to do so would require action by the City. Ms. Sherman stated that since the site is designated for places to work, staffbelieves that the office use is an appropriate use. Staff is concerned that the applicant be aware that the development of the site today will not guarantee future uses that they may desire. With regard to the utility issue, the applicant has agreed with the letter, which states they will hook up within two years of the utilities becoming available. Councilmember Hendriksen inquired if Hoisington addressed the impact of this on the extension of#116. Ms. Sherman responded that this will not affect #116 at all because it is far enough south. Councilmember Haas Steffen expressed a concern with the issue raised about hooking up to utilities. She suggested there should be something legally binding them to do so. City Attorney Goodrich assured Councilmember Haas Steffen that this would be included in the site plan agreement. Councilmember Haas Steffen commented that if the property is sold or the business fails, things like this are not always relayed to the new owner. Councilmember Hendriksen realized he has done work with this company and reported he will refrain from further discussion and also from voting. Jim Brommer, Kenko, stated that they have been trying to expedite this project. There has been some confusion, specifically on storage and the future construction of a shop. City Council/March 23, 1999 Page 6 of