City Council Minutes 2013 08 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes August 20, 2013 Page 10 of 23 COUNCIL QUESTIONS Council member Loo requested discussion on the fire safety measures of the development. Mr. McClure stated they have worked very hard with Fire Marshall Chris Mestas. One of the questions has been whether all the residential units should be sprinkled. Currently existing Code does not require sprinkling a Townhouse. Council member Loo asked under the current code, what residential units would not be sprinkled. Mr. McClure stated under the current code the townhomes would not be sprinkled. The Fire District has said if the entire development is sprinkled, the Fire District is comfortable with the existing access and roadways. He noted sprinkling is a very expensive proposition however they are willing to do so. The alternative would be to redo the site plan. Council member Loo asked if the developer would be comfortable with a condition to sprinkle all the facilities on the development. Mr. McClure stated he would welcome the condition. Council member Loo asked Fire Chief Parker if every facility on the development is sprinkled would he be comfortable with the access. Chief Parker stated sprinkling of all the facilities in the development is a new proposal. He explained during their discussions, the Fire Department offered sprinklers as an alternative to shrinking the road size and still not compromise the public safety aspects. The standard aerial or ladder operations are 16 feet, so it would be very difficult to deploy a ladder operation unless there is a 16 foot access. Sprinklers would give the Fire Department more time to respond. He was supportive of the sprinkling. Council member Loo asked Fire Chief Parker if he was comfortable with the waiver for the 245 foot building length. Chief Parker confirmed he was comfortable with the 245 foot building length. Council member Loo inquired how the Fire Department would approach a fire in the development. Chief Parker stated the fire engine would enter the fire area and deploy hoses from the block corners. He felt they would need to get within 200 feet of the closest intersection to access the front door of the building. If it is longer than 200 feet, the sprinklers would allow the Fire Department more time to pull additional hose from the trucks. Council member Loo stated it would provide more time to get people out of a burning building. Chief Parker confirmed it gives additional time to save lives and structures. Council member Loo asked Chief Parker if he was comfortable with the condition for the turning radii. Chief Parker stated he was and noted the Fire Department will work with staff on the appropriate turning radii. Planning Director Russ stated there are two conditions, the turning radii and street design.