HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-12 Planning Comission Meeting Packet CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
Thursday, January 12, 2017
7:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approve December 8, 2016 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (1)
IV. Department/ Commission Liaison / Other Reports
Welcome New City Council Commission Liaison Chuck Dougherty
V. Visitors/Public Comment
This is an opportunity for the public to address the Commission with questions or concerns not on the
agenda. Please limit comments to three minutes.
VI. Public Hearings
A. Xcel Energy— 1103 King Plant Rd.: Interim Use Permit requested to allow a
temporary storage tent& office trailers for intermittent durations in the years
2017 through 2021 during site improvements as part of Xcel Energy's 5-year
Improvement Plan at the A.S. King Plant, located at 1103 King Plant Rd. (2)
VII. New Business
A. Planning Commission Vacancy & Appointment: Set date and time for Planning
Commissioner Interviews.
VIII. Old Business
A. Palmer Station Update
IX. Informational
A. Oak Park Heights—Comprehensive Plan 2040
B. Upcoming Meetings:
• Tuesday, January 24, 2017 City Council 6:00 p.m./City Hall
• Thursday, February 9, 2017 Planning Commission 7:00 p.m./City Hall
• Tuesday, February 15, 2017 City Council 6:00 p.m./City Hall
• Tuesday, February 28, 2017 City Council 6:00 p.m./City Hall
C. Council Representative
• Tuesday, January 24, 2017 —Commissioner Anthony
• Tuesday, February 28, 2017—Commissioner Quale
X. Adjourn.
ENCLOSURE .
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
y + PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday,December 8, 2016—Oak Park Heights City Hall
Call to Order: Chair Kremer called the meeting to order. Present: Commissioners Anthony,
Kremer,Nelson&Quale; City Administrator Johnson, City Planner Richards, and
Commission Liaison Runk.
II. Approval of Agenda: Commissioner Anthony, seconded by Commissioner Nelson,moved
to approve the Agenda as presented. Carried 4—0.
III. Approval of September 15, 2016 Meeting Minutes: Commissioner Nelson, seconded by
Commissioner Quale, moved to approved the Minutes as presented. Carried 3 - 0.
IV. Department/Commission Liaison/Other Reports: City Administrator Johnson noted posting of
Commission vacancy to fill the seat recently vacated by Dan Thurmes was done in the City
Newsletter as well as posted at City Hall and to the City website.
V. Visitors/Public Comment: None.
VI. Public Hearings:
A. Range 082—5717 Memorial Ave.N..: Property Subdivision, Design Guidelines &
Site Plan Review to allow an Indoor Shooting Range.
City Planner Richards reviewed and discussed the December 1, 2016 Planning to the
request, noting that the City Council did approve the same request on August 25,
2015 and that this approval lapsed,necessitating re-approval by City Ordinance.
Richards noted further that the plans presented have not changed significantly from
those remitted and approved in 2015.
Brief discussion ensued as to what changes have been made from the previous plan.
It was noted that signage changes have been made.
Chair Kremer opened the hearing and invited public comment.
Steve Erban of Out of the Box Architecture introduced himself as the Architect to the
project and noted that the project had been delayed due to financial matters and
stated that there were no changes from the previous approval except for signage.
Mr. Erban shared a sample of the concrete material proposed for use in the exterior
composition and discussed how the building exterior will appear visually.
Planning Commission Minutes
December 8,2016
Page 2 of 4
When asked about the signage, Mr. Erban discussed the proposed location for two
freestanding signs and noted that as of yet they were working on their design,
including how they will be illuminated.
Mr. Erban indicated that they hoped to have the plans finalize soon with ground
breaking in the Spring of 2017. He estimated that construction would be four to five
months from start to completion.
There being no public comment to the public hearing, Chair Kremer closed the
public hearing.
Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Quale,moved to recommend
that the City Council approve the request, subject to the conditions of the December
1, 2016 Planning Report; specifically, as follows:
1. The site plan shall be subject to review and approval of the Fire Marshal.
2. The landscape plan shall be subject to review and approval of the City
Arborist.
3. All grading, drainage, erosion control and utility plans are subject to review
and approval of the City Engineer. Storm water plans are also subject to
review and approval of the Browns Creek Watershed District.
4. All lighting shall be full cut off, compliant with the height requirements, and
be consistent with Section 401.15.B.7 of the Zoning Ordinance as it relates to
lighting requirements. Outdoor lighting for the parking areas shall be turned
off one hour after closing, except for security lighting.
5. A photometric plan is required for City staff review and approval.
6. All mechanical equipment on the roof or on the site shall be fully screened in
accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
7. Sound levels generated from the site shall be in compliance with Section
401.15.B.11 of the City Zoning Ordinance. All of the gun range activity is to
be conducted indoors. There will be no range activity outside of the building.
8. All signs shall be designed to comply with the Zoning Ordinance
requirements for fixture cut off and illumination.
9. The Planning Commission recommends the building design with the lack of
glass transparency on the Memorial Avenue building elevation.
10. The Planning Commission recommends the building design and materials as
presented.
Planning Commission Minutes
December 8,2016
Page 3 of 4
11. If additional parking is required for the gun range use,the City Council may
require the curb and pavement to complete the proof of parking stalls.
Carried 4 - 0.
VII. New Business:
A. Consider 2016 Meeting Schedule&Council Meeting Representation Schedule.
General discussion was had as to the schedule presented. City Planner Richards
noted that the months where Thurmes is noted would be replaced by the new
Commissioner, when appointed. The Commission Liaison role to the City Council
was discussed. Typically,the Commission Liaison attends the second City Council
meeting of the month to represent the Planning Commission on matters
recommended the Commission. Chair Kremer noted that typically the liaison has not
done much in this role. City Administrator Johnson explained that the liaison role
was created because the City Council desires to have their perspective and it creates
an open door between the two bodies for communication. Chair Kremer noted that
he would like to see more involvement from the liaison in providing a Planning
Commission perspective at the City Council meetings and added that if a
Commissioner is unable to attend the City Council meeting they are assigned to, to
let City Administrator Johnson know and that he or another Commissioner will
attempt to cover the meeting. There were no amendments to the presented schedule
of meetings of Commission Liaison representation.
B. Oak Park Heights—Comprehensive Plan 2040.
City Planner Richards reviewed his December 1, 2016 Memorandum discussing the
objective in the updating of the plan,noting that he was currently working with the
City Engineer to develop a work program with timeline and budget. He noted that
the update process is anticipated to take one year from start of work to Metropolitan
Council approval.
City Administrator Johnson that the Comprehensive Plan is a ten-year requirement
and that is has a number of elements such as transportation,housing,recreation and
such that are required and others that are optional such as sustainability, walkability
and such. He expressed that the forecasting numbers seemed a bit high,but that
those were elements to be discussed as part of the updating process. Johnson added
that while they have not yet had any conversation, it is possible that the City Council
may wish to include additional public members as part of the process.
Chair Kremer questioned how they arrived at their forecasted projections.
Discussion ensued as to the same, the plan composition and how it is utilized,how
the data really doesn't fit with Oak Park Heights as the City is limited in area for
residential growth, and the situations Lake Elmo have dealt with in regard to
population growth demands established by Metropolitan Council.
Planning Commission Minutes
December 8, 2016
Page 4 of 4
VIII. Old Business: None.
Commissioner Anthony inquired as to the status of Palmer Station project. City
Administrator Johnson updated the Commission as to a recent request from the applicant for
a third extension to their approval timeline that was being forward to the City Council for
consideration at their next meeting. He added that the Development Agreement was to have
been signed by the end of 2016 and ground broken in the Spring of 2017 and that presently,
none of that is pending.
Chair Kremer encouraged a discussion of the property's upkeep if the City Council considers
an extension. City Administrator Johnson noted that there is some tree trimming/removal
planned and that at such point the ground hardens up will occur.
Chair Kremer noted that there were a number of questions and concerns expressed regarding
water and hardscaping issued when the applicant had their public hearing before the
Planning Commission. He asked the Commission if they wanted to request the City Council
have the applicant return to the Planning Commission prior to granting them an additional
extension. Brief discussion was had with City Administrator Johnson stating that the
Planning Commissions concerns will be made known to the City Council and that it is
possible that the City Council will require they return to Planning Commission and that it is
yet unknown if the City Council will wish to consider a third extension.
IX. Informational:
A. Upcoming Meetings:
• Tuesday, December 13, 2016 City Council 7:00 p.m./City Hall
• Tuesday, January 10, 2017 City Council 7:00 p.m./City Hall
• Thursday, January 12, 2017 Planning Commission 7:00 p.m./City Hall
• Tuesday, January 24, 2017 City Council 7:00 p.m./City Hall
B. Council Representative
• Tuesday, December 13, 2016—Commissioner
• Tuesday, January 24, 2017—Commissioner Anthony
X. Adjourn. Commissioner Anthony, seconded by Commissioner Nelson,moved to
adjourn at 7:35 p.m. Carried 4—0.
Respectfully submitted,
Juli• ultman
Planning& Code Enforcement
Approved by the Planning Commission:
TPC 3601 Thurston Avenue N, Suite 100 LO `"''
Anoka, MN 55303
ENC
Phone: 763.231.5840
Facsimile: 763.427.0520
2
TPCQPIanningCo.com
PLANNING REPORT
TO: Eric Johnson
FROM: Scott Richards
DATE: January 4, 2017
RE: Oak Park Heights — Xcel Energy / A.S. King Plant — Interim Use
Permit for Temporary Storage Tent and Office Trailers — Five Year
Plan
FILE NO: 236.02 — 16.11
BACKGROUND
Thomas Zellmer, representing Xcel Energy, has made application for an Interim Use
Permit to allow placement of a temporary storage tent and office trailers at the A.S. King
Power Plant. The plant is located at 1103 King Plant Road and is adjacent to the St.
Croix River. The storage tent will be in place from the middle of February 2017 through
the end of May 2017 and during the same time period in 2020 for the storage of
replacement parts for the boiler. The trailers are to be used for a temporary increase in
administrative and engineering personnel while the plant is shut down for maintenance.
The Interim Use Permit will be put into place for a five-year period as the temporary
trailers will be moved on and off the site as needed.
The property is zoned I, Industrial District in which power plants and accessory
structures are a permitted use. The King Plant is also in a River Impact District which
requires a conditional use permit for permanent structures. In that the request is for
temporary placement of the tents and trailers, the application is treated as an interim
use, not a conditional use.
Attached for reference:
Exhibit 1: Project Narrative, Jim Mueffelman
Exhibit 2: Site Plan —Tent and Trailer Locations
Exhibit 3: Pictures of Tent and Trailers
ISSUES ANALYSIS
Project Description. The Five-Year Plan as provided by Xcel Energy in the project
application is as follows:
Below are the best estimates for proposed temporary interim use tents and trailers for
the years 2017-2021, based on information known as of January 3, 2017.
A. Temporary storage tent
Purpose: Storage of bulky boiler parts for scheduled replacements. These parts
must be stored onsite until they can be installed within the plant, and they must
remain sheltered from rain and snow.
Description: Gabled metal frame structure with white fabric roof and sidewalls
(see photo).
Size: 50'W x 110'L x 15'H
Quantity and Durations:
2017: 1 tent from 2/15/17— 5/31/17
2020: 1 tent from 2/15/20— 5/31/20
Location: As shown on Site Arrangement drawing.
B. Temporary office trailers
Purpose: Provide office space for additional administrative, engineering, and
craft personnel during scheduled annual maintenance outages. The work during
each of the time periods involves equipment upgrades and replacements vital to
the operational success of the plant; the scope of these projects necessitates an
increase in personnel for execution and implementation. The number of
additional employees will be approximately 75 for odd-number years and 150 for
even-number years, in addition to the permanent plant workforce of 110
employees.
Description: Standard mobile office trailers (see photo).
Size: 10'W x 40'L x 8'H
Quantity and Durations:
2017: Up to 4 trailers from 3/1/17— 5/31/17
2018: Up to 8 trailers from 1/1/18— 7/31/18
2019: Up to 4 trailers from 2/1/19— 5/31/19
2020: Up to 8 trailers from 1/1/20— 7/31/20
2021: Up to 4 trailers from 2/1/21 — 5/31/21
2
Restrooms: Temporary portable restrooms will be located near each of the
groups of trailers for the additional employees.
Parking: Additional employees will park in designated areas adjacent to the
trailers.
Locations: Trailer and parking locations as shown on Site Arrangement drawing.
City Staff has encouraged Xcel Energy to develop a Five-Year Plan instead of applying
for an Interim Use Permit every time that a new request for a storage tent or office trailer
is required. This process will significantly reduce the time and expense of multiple
applications. If a slight change in the schedule is required, a condition will be added to
allow City Staff to make the change without having Xcel Energy go through the entire
public hearing and approval process.
Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan designates this area as Industrial
Land Use. The power plant and its accessory structures are recognized as Industrial
Land Uses consistent with the maps and policies of the plan.
Zoning Ordinance. The site is zoned I, Industrial District in which power plants and
accessory structures are a permitted use. The King Plant is also in the River Impact
District which requires a conditional use permit for significant changes to the plant. The
temporary use of the tents and trailers is not considered a permanent or significant
change to the plant site, thus will require an Interim Use Permit. Section 401.32.0 lists
temporary office and administrative structures as an interim use in the I District.
Parking. The site currently has 117 permanent parking spaces on an existing blacktop
surface. An additional parking area of 400 spaces on gravel outside of the fence may
be used for the additional temporary personnel. The number of permanent plant
employees is 110 with another 75 to 150 contract employees during the plant
maintenance.
Parking calculations for the plant are as follows:
Existing Office Space:
18,400 square feet x .9 = 16,560 / 200 = 83 + 3 = 86 parking spaces
Temporary Office Space (8 trailers at peak times)
3,200 square feet x .9 = 2,880 / 200 = 14 + 3 = 17 parking spaces
As per the Zoning Ordinance requirements, 103 parking spaces are required both for
the existing office space and when the maximum number of office trailers are on site at
one time. The combination of the 117 spaces on the blacktop and 400 spaces on the
3
III
gravel with additional parking adjacent to the trailers will be more than adequate for the
number of people that will be employed at the plant during the maintenance.
Lighting. No additional lighting has been proposed. Existing site lighting will be
utilized in the areas where the trailers are to be placed. Any new lighting of the site will
need to be in compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and subject to review and approval
of City Staff.
Trash Handling. All trash and recycling for the trailers will be handled with the existing
facilities on site.
Restrooms. The trailers will not contain restroom facilities. The existing restroom
facilities in adjacent buildings and portable toilets will be utilized.
Grading and Drainage. There will be no grading or drainage issues with the proposal
for the trailers. The trailers will be placed on existing gravel surfaces.
Tree Preservation. There will be no trees removed for placement of the trailers.
Setbacks. The trailers will be compliant with all lot line and shore land building
setbacks of the Zoning Ordinance.
Department of Natural Resources. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has
been notified of the request. The Interim Use Permit approval by the City is subject to
any further review or comments by the DNR.
Design Guidelines. In that the trailer structures are temporary, they are not subject to
Design Guideline Review.
Conditional Use Permit — River Impact District. The Planning Commission shall
consider the conditional use permit criteria, found in Section 401.03.A.7 of the Zoning
Ordinance, as part of its review.
1. Relationship to the specific policies and provisions of the municipal comprehensive plan.
2. The conformity with present and future land uses in the area.
3. The environmental issues and geographic area involved.
4. Whether the use will tend to or actually depreciate the area in which it is proposed.
5. The impact on character of the surrounding area.
6. The demonstrated need for such use.
7. Traffic generation by the use in relation to capabilities of streets serving the property.
8. The impact upon existing public services and facilities including parks, schools, streets,
and utilities, and the City's service capacity.
9. The proposed use's conformity with all performance standards contained herein (Le.,
parking, loading, noise, etc.).
Due to the location of the King Plant in an industrial area, and the minimal impact the
tent and trailer structures will have on the site, the project is consistent with the above
4
criteria. The City Engineer should comment on any traffic concerns with having
additional employees utilizing the roadways adjacent to the plant.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Based upon the preceding review, City staff recommends approval of the Interim Use
Permit for the Five-Year Plan to allow placement of temporary storage tents and office
trailers at the A.S. King Plant subject to the following conditions:
1. The storage tents shall be removed by May 31, 2020 and office trailers shall be
removed by May 31, 2021.
2. Xcel Energy shall apply for a new Interim Use Permit for all temporary structures
including storage tents to be placed at the AS King Plant after May 31, 2021 and
office trailers after May 31, 2021.
3. Any freestanding or building lighting shall be in compliance with the Zoning
Ordinance and subject to review and approval of City staff.
4. Any changes to the grade or drainage associated with the trailer placement shall
be subject to review and approval of the City Engineer and applicable watershed
district if necessary.
5. The City Engineer shall comment on the traffic resulting from the increased
personnel at the plant. Any traffic control measures required by the City
Engineer will be implemented by Xcel Energy.
6. Xcel shall be required to comply with any permitting requirements of the City and
any further review and comment by the DNR.
Pc: Julie Hultman
5
C .
Oak Park Heights—A.S. King Plant—Interim Use Permit Application I
Xcel Energy
Allen S. King Plant I
I
1103 King Plant Road
Bayport, MN 55003
Narrative—Five Year Plan for Interim Use Permits for Temporary Storage Tent and Office Trailers
Below are the best estimates for proposed temporary interim use tents and trailers for the years 2017-
2021, based on information known as of January 3,2017.
A. Temporary storage tent
Purpose: Storage of bulky boiler parts for scheduled replacements. These parts must be stored
onsite until they can be installed within the plant,and they must remain sheltered from rain and
snow.
Description: Gabled metal frame structure with white fabric roof and sidewalls(see photo).
Size: 50'W x 110'L x 15'H
Quantity and Durations:
2017: 1 tent from 2/15/17—5/31/17
2020: 1 tent from 2/15/20—5/31/20
Location: As shown on Site Arrangement drawing.
B. Temporary office trailers
Purpose: Provide office space for additional administrative, engineering,and craft personnel
during scheduled annual maintenance outages. The work during each of the time periods
involves equipment upgrades and replacements vital to the operational success of the plant;the
scope of these projects necessitates an increase in personnel for execution and implementation.
The number of additional employees will be approximately 75 for odd-number years and 150 for
even-number years, in addition to the permanent plant workforce of 110 employees.
Description: Standard mobile office trailers(see photo).
Size: 10'W x 40'L x 8'H
Quantity and Durations:
2017: Up to 4 trailers from 3/1/17—5/31/17
2018: Up to 8 trailers from 1/1/18—7/31/18
2019: Up to 4 trailers from 2/1/19—5/31/19
1
Oak Park Heights—A.S. King Plant—Interim Use Permit Application
2020: Up to 8 trailers from 1/1/20—7/31/20
2021: Up to 4 trailers from 2/1/21—5/31/21
Restrooms: Temporary portable restrooms will be located near each of the groups of trailers for
the additional employees.
Parking: Additional employees will park in designated areas adjacent to the trailers.
Locations: Trailer and parking locations as shown on Site Arrangement drawing.
Jim Mueffelman
Engineer, Xcel Energy
Phone: 763-245-9819
Email: james.g.mueffelman@xcelenergy.com
2
•
N
w
eia�€�i ii
3�EI U I w w + o I � /-091,Z6-4N
!
N
L
L
i1p E e i ;111 eE @!i _ .' 1111iiiI4 ;11;41,21 il} g t ii• � . �at` .,a a bp1-Ty€ e i@ ! a' s 1/ !
if
ri
!ag € 9a Wiwi! :Al:,i . €i !# ia ;
!1-
1,
€4
i 1 8 H`ig
i 1 a €F �9 € ... 411,
- 0000.u, -..1111111117B
II Ilimill
i 1 I !!Al _ Lig,„„...._
„
..,.._ ::,,,\ .
,,
, ,,.
N 1 a; 1 Hill 16 a€ dI.--'/ 'iti0 i
F�_ i i i i i i i i i f::'iii i Y '- `ice. I 0010 ��-i �r�� hi N
g Hi
I IIP i4II
rii 1
l �!� :�. ltt .II jl{i{t,
, •, IP: V, - V \ ,,,
®
00000009m000000000000000000D0000000000n � m 'E. , l
� i
i ; ag � ' r
.i•� • °
`� �Is■ ° rC� �•f� ri
1 li
Y
8„a a g i yirtz,..ro. ,,,
1! 1:::: 0 ° - 1 kOil -A‘:411011:,*i4C..
1.1,0 it< .4(i r---4-1 0—os,iiii, 7,.;; .1. . 1-idit. 1( E
--.411:11:NWAI.fylv 1 , Irtiii:: :‘.1..:Wri. \\A, ('.. ! .4—
. ::1:1:::,... 4,, ,,, A , A. 1111111111H.. ....:• :.0.c?.. i ,,,,
[1:33E '-\ ,•\ .I
o \J ;AO
1// !'
ri
, 00, la‘
Ali
011 \\\\ 4,,,,,,n'
Al 101110.'
I n hig il -,,,,,,ib
, 1 / 1' t, .- 4- -T .
Aki i.-,..!1`° '
li je k • p
1
4A, -
..
i/
pi, . ,111/1/,,r/t/,,,,,,..,,,,„ . .4„,,,.
I 0 I w I w 4 o I o I 0 I
C. 3
Photos
A. Temporary tent for material storage
- shows exact tent construction and location from prior years
ffr
sf �
B. Temporary trailers for offices
- shows representative standard mobile office trailer
•
r„.1.11
,- mommin hio
_ ,„„,„
u 'u IO®