Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2022 04 14

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes March 10, 2022 Page 8 of 10 Closing Statement by Staff None is heard. Discussion by Commissioners: Moline says that this project is another example of City staff and the applicant working together to find a solution. This feels like we have found a good result for this. He appreciates the building and how the applicant has looked for a creative way to use the space. He thinks it is important to explore the public's concern and minimize the impact as much as possible. He finds himself in support of both of the items and sees the need of creating a new use group. Diehl says he is in agreement with Commissioner Moline and believes the applicant strongly meets four of the criteria for a special review approval. It is evident that the struggle is with the parking. The only concern is with the spiky nature of a wedding event and growth in numbers during wedding season. It sounds like the DBA is in support of this business for downtown so he does take that into consideration. Howe thanks the applicant for working with staff on this proposal. He thinks this will bring economic stability for downtown and in doing so, fulfills much of the criteria. He has no problem in amending Title 17 of the municipal code. He thinks this kind of an option gives downtown flexibility. He does wonder if the banquet hall use is the appropriate fit for this proposal. He is concerned about having enough parking spots for downtown. He sees the economic benefits of the proposal but 5-10 years down the road, he wonders if residents will be affected with this type of use operating. Weekend parking is an obstacle for him. Krantz says that it would not be too difficult to direct parking to across the street from DELO. As a resident, she is willing to walk across the street now that there is a crosswalk. Osterman says that this is an exciting project. It adds a new use for the downtown area. She agrees with the commissioner comments in that having this kind of business will bring economic vitality to downtown. She is supportive of this application. She mentions that because of parking criteria number four, she does have some hesitation. The evidence from the parking study in the applicant's presentation has given her re- assurance though. Although this type of use can have a peak in numbers in terms of customers and utilization, this type of model is different from a restaurant. It will provide a shuttle service and alternatives, and the parking impact can be mitigated. She is leaning towards being supportive without adding additional restrictions. Brauneis says that he also had some concern regarding parking. It is interesting how this proposal's use is similar to a restaurant and yet very different. With the applicant agreeing to these lower numbers, it is evident that they are not trying to max anything out. With DBA's support and their lack of concern for parking, that is a big indicator for him to not be concerned with parking as well. He is not also concerned with sound being an issue. He is inclined to support this. Moline says in regards to the parking discussion, something that helped him was hearing staff comment on the intention of downtown parking. The intention is to have expansive parking and utilize parking that is not just in the center of downtown. Diehl points out that the problem is we are trying to predict the future in regards to what parking will look like years from now. Thinking to myself, is there a way to check in with parking a couple years from now? With that future check -in, is it possible to require shuttles or additional requirements for parking? ius