07:26A central focus of the meeting was the preliminary site and building plan for EDCO’s proposed facility. The development is set on a parcel currently zoned for rural residential use but is slated for rezoning to a planned industrial district (P12) to align with the city’s comprehensive plan, which designates the area for business park expansion. The site includes a proposed 235,000-square-foot building with plans for a future expansion of up to 120,000 square feet. The facility will initially accommodate about 155 employees, with provisions for a total of 312 parking stalls, 192 of which will be constructed in the first phase.

15:47Key aspects of the site plan include the addition of a berm along the southern boundary to screen the parking lot and loading dock areas. This berm, ranging from six to eight feet in height, is designed to enhance the site’s visual appeal and mitigate noise. The council emphasized the necessity of extending the berm further east, which could improve screening effectiveness. Moreover, the site plan incorporates a pedestrian loop system connecting to the existing trail network on Creek Road, offering employees outdoor amenity spaces and a paved path around the building.

13:36Council members and city staff expressed the importance of ensuring the development meets local landscape standards. The project requires the planting of trees and shrubs in designated areas to comply with city ordinances. Further refinements to the landscaping and grading plans were deemed necessary, including the addition of 29 parking stalls to fulfill the full buildout requirements. The project must also address wetland mitigation and impact plans as part of its final application.

10:30Infrastructure improvements are another critical component of the project. The existing Creek Road, currently a rural route without curb and gutter, will require upgrades to accommodate increased traffic from the new facility. Coordination with the city engineer and Carver County is needed to address right-of-way requirements for these improvements. Additionally, an easement on the west side of the property will be necessary for a future utility extension related to trunk sewer lines, aligning with the city’s long-term planning efforts.

21:59During the public hearing segment, no residents came forward to comment on the development, leading to a swift closure of this portion of the meeting. Council discussions highlighted the project’s suitability for the site, with inquiries about the timeline for the proposed expansion.

21:03The council also discussed the aesthetics of the new building, noting its favorable comparison to existing structures in the area that lack visual interest. A motion to recommend the approval of the preliminary site and building plan was made and passed without opposition. Furthermore, a motion to change the property’s zoning from rural residential to a planned industrial district was also approved.

26:21In addition to the EDCO development, the council provided updates on other business matters. The Marcato Cooper site is expected to open by the end of the year, though this timeline was described as aggressive due to ongoing projects at other locations. The council addressed Cloud HQ’s progress with demolition permits for existing buildings on their site. The meeting also touched on the demolition of a property on Jasper Circle, which is a preparatory step with no further redevelopment plans submitted yet.