05/24/2005 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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A retention area in the flood plain will stop normal spring type rain water and slow it down from going into the ditch. There is a ditch in the.back about 8' off the property and has trees in front. Mr. Ferguson would like to keep the retention basin above ground to allow for better maintenance. However, underground is still an option. Mr. Durbin said the Corps of Engineers is working on revising the 100-year flood plain maps, so the boundaries shown on the plan may change. Mr. Bohlmann objects to having an above ground retention. Mr. Durbin explained that the EPA has reversed their thinking on this and prefer to have above ground or an open air retention systems. The Engineering Dept will look at this according to the ordnances. Mr. Koeth is concerned if standing water will be in the above ground system after it rains. Mr. Durbin said it usually it drains within hours. Ms. Hoff-Smith said it does not matter what it looks like as it is behind a warehouse. Mr. Spalding asked about the landscaping on the east side. The applicant indicated he has added additional landscaping to screen the neighbors. Ms. Wenger inquired if the height of the lighting exceeds the 20' requirement. She said this variance could be eliminated if the pole was lowered. Mr. Rymarczyk said possibly we could eliminate this but it would impact the photometrics on the rear of the property to a lower level. Ms. Wenger recommended to the Commission to bring the pole height to conform with code for the distance to the property line, even though lowering the pole also lowers the light level. Much discussion took place regarding the building design, particularly colors. ARB had recommended a third color be incorporated between the dark and light gray medallions. The Commission indicated at the previous meeting that they wanted to see more options. Possibly red or brown brick. Ms. Hoff-Smith said she does not like the gray color as it takes on a warehouse type look. The applicant stated that changing materials to brick adds about $150,000 more to the project. Ms. Wenger said she thought it was late in the game to be significantly changing the building design after all the previous reviews. Mr. Yager feels that a brown brick would be more complimentary and suit the look of the building. He indicated that at the pre- submission meeting it was thought that the brown brick was the color of choice, not the gray. Mr. Lasko said the contrast of colors has character and style and has no problem with it. They have followed the ARB's recommendation. Mr. Hreha agrees. Mr. Spalding said the landscaping is good but has difficulty with the colors. Ms. HofF Smith and Mr. Bohlmann both indicated that they feel ARB missed the boat in approving these colors. Ms. Hoff-Smith said maybe the Commission did not strongly enough address the color issue, but will defer to the ARB. The applicant said the grayish tones are the corporate colors. The design reflects that they are an establishment with an affordable product. Mr. O'Malley said that some cities have higher standards for design criteria and take on a more community look, however, our City is moving in that direction, but is not there yet. Thought should be given to whether the colors chosen will have a significant adverse or aesthetic impact on surrounding properties. The applicant said that aesthetics are personal opinions and they have tried to accommodate the recommendations.