HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-21-2008 Planning Commission Meeting Packet s t '
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
Thursday, February 21, 2008
7:00 p.m. — City Hall Council Chambers
11 Call to Order:
II. Agenda Approval:
III, Approve Minutes of January 17, 2008: (1)
IV. Department / Commission Liaison / Other Reports:
V. Visitors /Public Comment: This is an opportunity for the public to address the Commission
with questions or concerns regarding items not on the agenda.
Please limit comments to three minutes.
Vi. Public Hearings:
A. Continued: Anchobaypro /OakRreen Village Phase 1, Planned Unit
Development Amendment and Phase 2, Concept and General Plan
Approval, Preliminary and Final Plat (2)
VII. New Business:
A. 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update Schedule public hearing (3)
VIII. Old Business: None.
IX, Informational:
A. Upcoming Meetings
March 13, 2008: 7:00 p.m. - Regular Planning Commission Meeting
(Council Chambers)
B. Council Representa February —Vice Chair Wasescha
March - Commissioner Runk
X. Adjournment.
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CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
4 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Call to Order:
Chair Liljegren called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present: Commissioners LeRoux, Runk
and Vice Chair Wasescha; City Administrator Johnson, City Planner Richards and Commission
Liaison Abrahamson. Absent: Commissioner Powell.
Agenda Approval:
Vice Chair Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner LeRoux, moved to approve the agenda as
presented. Carried 4 — 0.
Approve Minutes of November 8, 2007:
Commissioner Runk, seconded by Chair Liljegren, moved to approve the Minutes as presented.
Carried 4 — 0.
Department /Commission Liaison & Other Reports: None.
Visitors /Public Comment: None.
Public Hearings:
A. W.A.T.E. Enterprises, Inc. Site Plan Review and Planned Unit Development
Amendment for construction of a 2 -story office /warehouse building and cold storage
building at 5570 Memorial Ave. N. for Zintl, Inc.
City Planner Richards reviewed the January 8, 2008 planning report relative to the request,
providing an issue analysis and discussing the same. Richards noted that Council approval was
given in December of 2006, approving the PUD, Concept and General and a minor subdivision
for the construction of two office warehouse buildings and one cold storage building on the
same lot and further noted that the amendment to the site is for one office building, one
warehouse building and a cold storage building.
Chair Liljegren opened the hearing for public comment and invited the applicant t0 speak.
There being no visitors to the public hearing wishing to address the Commission, Commissioner
Runk, seconded by Chair Liljegren moved to close the public hearing. Carried 4 — 0.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 17, 2008
Page 2 of 5
Will Zintl of W.A.T.E. Enterprises, Inc. addressed Commission inquiry as to monument sign
lighting, fuel storage use, storage tank placement and protection, building materials, office
composition and generally how he anticipates the buildings and site to be utilized.
Commissioner Runk, seconded by Vice Chair Wasescha moved to recommend City Council
approval of the request for Planned Unit Development Concept /General Plan amendment and
Site Plan Review approval, subject to the conditions of the planning report and with condition
9 amended to note that the design and building materials proposed for the office /warehouse
building and storage building are found to be favorable, specifically:
1. The grading, drainage and utility plans are subject to the review and approval of the
City Engineer. The drainage plans are also subject to review of the Brown's Creek
Watershed District.
2. The proposed signage for the site shall be consistent with Section 401.15 G of the
Zoning Ordinance. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to the erection of any signs
on the subject site, subject to City staff approval.
3. Landscaping plans shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Arborist.
4. All lighting fixtures shall be full cut off and be consistent with the lighting
requirements found in Section 401.15.B.7 of the Zoning Ordinance. The lighting
fixtures shall not exceed a height of 25 feet and the lighting plan shall be revised so
that the illumination of the south property line does not exceed 0.4 foot candles.
5. There shall be no freestanding or building lighting on the west side of the property
and storage building.
6. The trash enclosure storage area shall be enclosed wit building materials to match
the adjacent buildings. Plans for the revised enclosure shall be submitted for City
staff review and approval.
7. The placement of the underground fuel storage shall be subject to review and
approval of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The applicant shall
provide the City with written approval of the fuel storage facility from the MPCA.
8. The applicant shall provide plans and identify the materials for the security fence
and gate.
9. The design and building materials of the office /warehouse and storage building are
favorable to the Planning Commission.
Carried 4 — 0.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 17, 2008
Page 3of5
B. Anchobaypro / Oakgreen Village Phase 1, Planned Unit Development Amendment
and Phase 2, Concept and General Plan Approval, Preliminary and Final Plat
City Planner Richards reviewed the January 10, 2008 planning report relative to the request,
providing an issue analysis and discussing the same. Richards noted that Council approval was
previously given for Phase 1 PUD General Plan and preliminary /final plat and Phase 2 Concept
Plan. Richards further noted that the current request was for an amendment to Phase 1 to
convert the approved 4 -unit buildings to 3 -unit buildings and for Phase 2 concept revision and
general plan approval removing the one 5 -unit building and one 7 -unit building and replacing
them with two twin home buildings to be constructed upon approval.
Chair Liljegren opened the hearing for public comment and invited the applicant to speak.
Tim Nolde, applicant and- Anchobaypro President noted to the Commission that the request is
an effort to meet the changing demand of the current market; which is asking for larger and
higher quality units. Mr. Nolde discussed the site plan for phase 2 change and the possibility of
eliminating one of the currently proposed buildings and constructing a 3 -unit building.
City Planner Richards discussed subdivision and platting requirements as established by City
Ordinance.
Tim Nolde, applicant and Anchobaypro President and Todd Erickson of Folz, Freeman and
Erickson, together, addressed questions from the Commission as to how they are going to work
things in the way of platting and that they expect to come back with greater detail on how the
changes to site and platting will be facilitated. They discussed property control, the need for
general approval of phase 2 in order to construct the building and discussed construction and
sale progress. Mr. Nolde stated that the units sold to date are hanging on his buyer's being
able to sell their current home and noted that he does not plan to construct any additional
units u nti I sales are secure.
Commission discussion ensued as to the desire to see continuity of the project, regardless of
the rate of its growth and encouraged quality to ensure that at the projects culmination the
end result is a quality, harmonious, attractive neighborhood. Discussion was had as to the
ownership of the vacant home on Oakgreen Avenue, to the platting process and as to what Mr.
Nolde was ultimately seeking approval to do at this time.
Commissioner Runk, seconded by Chair Liljegren moved to continue the public hearing to an
upcoming meeting of the Planning Commission so as to allow City staff and the applicant to
work through matters of issue. Carried 4 — 0.
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Planning Commission Minutes
January 17, 2008
Page 4 of 5
New Business:
A. City Hall Facility Citizen Committee Nominate and recommend Planning Commission
member to committee.
Vice Chair Wasescha, seconded by Chair Liljegren, moved to recommend Commissioner Mthe
a Run
as Planning Commission representative to the City Hall Facility Citizen Committee should
willing.
Commissioner Runk indicated that he would be willing.
Carried 3 -0 -1, Runk abstained.
Old Business:
A. 2008 Regular Meeting and Commissioner Representation Schedule
Discussion ensued as to amendment of the regular February meeting date as a result of the
Comprehensive Plan Update Committee proposal of an open house for review of the 2008 plan
update in February.
Commissioner Runk, seconded by Chair Liljegren, moved to accept the schedule presented and
amending the February 14 meeting date to February 21. Carried 4 — 0.
It was noted that all regular meetings of the Planning Commission will commence at 7:00 p.m.
unless otherwise determined by the Commission.
Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner LeRoux, moved to schedule and to host an
"Open House" from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on February 21, 2008 for the purpose of public
review of the proposed 2008 Comprehensive Plan update as prepared by the Citizen
Comprehensive Plan Update Committee. Carried 4 — 0.
Informational:
A. Upcoming Meetings February 21, 2008:
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. — Comprehensive Plan Update Committee "Open House"
(Council Chambers)
7:00 p.m. - Regular Planning Commission Meeting
(Council Chambers)
B. Council Representative January —Chair Liljegren
February —Vice Chair Wasescha
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Planning Commission Minutes
January 17, 2008
Page 5 of 5
Adjournment:
Vice Chair Wasescha, seconded by Chair Liljegren, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Carried 4 — 0.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie A. Hultman
Planning & Code Enforcement
Approved by the Planning Commission:
Page 1 of 1
ENCIOSUPRE
Julie Hultman
- .... . ... _..._.. .,.. .. ... _ _... .. .... ....
rom: Eric Johnson
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 2:29 PM
To: Scott Richards; Judy Hoist; Julie Hultman
Subject: FW: tim nolde
I received this from Tim N.
Eric
From: Tim NoldE'
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 2:28 PM
To: Eric Johnson
Subject:
Eric, please be advised that we would like to table our proposal on the Oakgreen Project until the march meetings.
thanks for your time. Please call if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Tim Nolde
Oakgreen Villa LLC
2/13/2008
OSURE 0
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NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC.
4800 Olson Memorial Hi Suite 202, Golden Valle MN 55422
Telephone: 763.231.2555 Facsimile: 753.231.25 31 plan ners@nacplannin
MEMORANDUM
TO: Eric Johnson
FROM: Scott Richards
DATE: Februar 13, 2008
RE: Oak Park Hei Comprehensive Plan — Februar 21, 2008
Comprehensive Plan Open House
FILE NO: 798.14
The Plannin Commission and Citizens Advisor Committee will hold a Comprehensive
Plan open house from 5:00 to 7:00 PM for the public to view the plan. A presentation
will occur at 5:30, followed b an informal q uestion and answer session. Staff will have
the revised maps on a PowerPoint presentation and certain maps will be printed at a
lar scale for viewin in the Cit Council chambers.
The Plannin Commission and Citizens Advisor Committee members, as well as Cit
staff, will answer q uestions from the public. An ideas or su that arise from
the public involvement should be discussed at the end of the meetin b the Plannin
Commission and Citizens Advisor Committee for possible inclusion in the plan.
Please find attached the revised text discussed as part of the work session with the Cit
Council. I will brin copies of the revised maps to the open house on Februar 21, 2008
and the chan will be incorporated as part of the presentation materials. The
Comprehensive Plan maps, as part of y our books, will be updated once the public input
has been received.
INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
The City of Oak Park Heights is located in Washington County, Minnesota, on the banks
of the lower St. Croix Scenic Riverway, which is the state border between Minnesota
and Wisconsin. Situated between the Cities of Stillwater and Bayport and 20 miles east
of the Minneapolis -St. Paul Metropolitan Area, the City's population has increased in the
last 10 years to almost 5,000 persons. The City is surrounded by the City of Stillwater
to the north, the City of Bayport to the southeast, Baytown Township to the south and
Lake Elmo to the west. The area was first platted in the late 1800s. Oak Park Heights
was incorporated as a village in 1938 and became a City by State Statute in 1972. The
City has been designated as a freestanding urban growth area (for expansion of water
and sewer) by the Metropolitan Council, the regional planning agency in the area.
As a comp onent of the St. Croix Valley, Park Heights offers an attractive quality of
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life with excellent educational, health care, and cultural facilities. Oak Park Heights is a
very diversified community, being home to a large commercial /retail area with many
national businesses and local enterprises, including the Highway 36 and Highway 5
commercial areas, Xcel Energy power generation plant, the Sunnyside Marina, and the
State of Minnesota Correctional Facility.
Housing in Oak Park Heights is both attractive and diverse and features starter homes,
bluff line river view homes, riverfront condominiums, and the Boutwells Landing senior
community. The City currently has over 100 acres of designated park space comprised
of five municipal park facilities. The parks consist of skating /hockey rinks and warming
houses, softball /baseball fields, picnic shelters, tennis courts, and general playground
equipment. The City has been awarded the "Tree City USA" award for the past 31
years.
The City operates under a "Plan A, Council- Administfator" form of government,
consisting of a Mayor and a four member Council. The Mayor and Council are elected
at large on a non - partisan basis, the Mayor for a four -year term and the Council for four -
year staggered terms. The Council is responsible for adopting policies affecting City
affairs, approving the annual budget, enacting ordinances and resolutions, and
providing policy direction for City departments and activities. The City Council currently
serves as the Economic Development Authority. The City has a Planning Commission
and a Parks Advisory Commission.
The Comprehensive Plan was last updated in 1998. The Metropolitan Land Planning
Act requires communities to review and update their Comprehensive Plans every 10
years, with the next update for Oak Park Heights due in September 2008. The City will
also be updating its utility plans as part of this process. Once the Comprehensive Plan
is completed, the City will also update its Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan
and amend its Zoning Ordinance and map, as necessary.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 1
INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
The City of Oak Park Heights Mayor, City Council, Planning Commission, and staff have
recognized the need for the update of the 1998 Comprehensive Plan as it is outdated
with the current growth and change over the past 10 years. A Comprehensive Plan
Update Committee was formed in 2006 to guide the process which includes the
Planning Commission, City Council, citizen members and City staff.
The Comprehensive Plan document will be divided into specific sections, as found in
the Table of Contents, located in the beginning of this document. The process by which
the plan has been developed can be divided into five sections including issues
identification, inventory, policy planning, plan development, and implementation. Each
portion of the process will involve citizen participation and involvement of City officials.
Issues identification involves an interview, and opinion gathering process to determine a
specific set of issues that must be addressed by the Comprehensive Plan. The
inventory consists of documenting the City's existing conditions at a particular point in
time. The results of gathering inventory information will provide a basis of text, charts,
and maps illustrating the most relevant collected information.
The next stage, policy planning, will determine future directives for Oak Park Heights
through the identification of goals and policies. The City will also develop its vision
statement at this time. The policies that are created will promote direction for the
subsequent planning sections of the document. The stage that follows consists of
development of the physical plans and programs which will lay out the City's proposed
land use, transportation, and community facilities plans. The final stage,
implementation, will involve a discussion on how the plan will be used and brought into
action. It will also provide the opportunity for the City to prioritize the plans and projects
that result from the planning efforts of the Comprehensive Plan.
On the following page, ma a e, a base of the City is represented. The map illustrates the
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corporate boundaries of the City at the beginning of 2007. This will be used throughout
the plan as the basis for mapping the City of Oak Park Heights.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 2
TRANSPORTATION PLAN
SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS / EXTENSIONS
One of the most significant City issues within its roadway network is Oakgreen Avenue
and the need to rebuild the street to an urban section. A portion of the improvements
would be made by Mn /DOT as part of rebuilding the intersection of Oakgreen Avenue
and Highway 36. Recognizing that the Mn /DOT portion of the project may be a number
of years in the future, the City may elect to construct at least a portion of the roadway
earlier in conjunction with the residential development that continues in the area.
Intersection improvements at Norell and Osgood Avenues are also a priority that must
be resolved with M n /DOT.
The Land Use Plan indicates possible annexation of the area south of Highway 36 at
Manning Avenue. If the annexation occurs, the City would consider the extension of
58 Street to Manning to complete this east/west corridor in the newer portion of the
City. The extension would also include bicycle and pedestrian trails to Manning.
Preservation of right -of -way within the existing City limits at this time will be necessary
for future completion of this corridor.
As part of the issues and opportunities discussion, residents and City officials noted that
with increasing traffic volumes, the City and County would need to monitor traffic issues
on Osgood Avenue and Stagecoach Trail. Construction of the St. Croix River Crossing
would impact volumes but with increasing development to the south in Bayport and
Baytown Township, the City would need to work with the County in assuring adequate
and safe traffic flow on these roadways.
STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
One of the transportation policies indicates a continuation of the street reconstruction
programs to maintain the local utility and street network. The City Council and City staff
will need to continue to maintain the condition of the City streets and determine a
timeline to complete the necessary sections of the network. As part of the budgeting
process, the City Council will also need to continue to set aside funds to eventually
complete this expensive rehabilitation program.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 121
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TRANSPORTATION PLAN
RAIL FACILITIES
The City of Oak Park Heights will work with representatives of Union Pacific on any rail
transportation issues that arise. It is expected that the Allen S. King Plant will continue
to receive all of the coal shipments via this rail line.
The 2030 Transportation Plan does not indicate any light rail corridors that would
access Oak Park Heights or neighboring communities in the St. Croix Valley.
AIRPORTS
There is no impact to Oak Park Heights resulting from the Lake Elmo Airport and the
City is not within the airport influence area. The City regulates building and structure
height as it relates to navigable air space.
BUS / TRANSIT SERVICE
One of the issues raised by City officials and residents was the lack of mass transit
options for people in Oak Park Heights and the St. Croix Valley. The service is only
designed to serve weekday commuters with no weekend trips. The 2030
Transportation Plan does not call for any significant changes to the level of service to
Oak Park Heights, but plans for a potential new park and ride facility at Highway 36 and
Highway 5.
The City will continue to work with Metro Transit officials on continuing and expanding
bus service for Oak Park Heights. Additionally, the City continues to support the local
transit service provided by the St. Croix Circulator. This service is especially important
for elderly residents and those that are less independently mobile. Expansion of this
service may be necessary as the population of the St. Croix Valley grows older and less
mobile. The Transportation Plan on a previous page includes the transit plans included
in the 2030 transit plans.
PEDESTRIAN / BICYCLE FACILITIES
The pedestrian and bicycle plan for the City is found in a separate section of this
Comprehensive Plan document.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 122
NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING DISTRICTS
PLANNING DISTRICT 2
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Planning District 2 consists of the primary retail area of the City west of Oakgreen
Avenue, the Boutwells Landing development, the Stillwater Area High School, and
residential neighborhoods. This planning district includes some of the last remaining
property available for retail and commercial development in the City. This developable
property is located adjacent to the Menards and west of Kruger Lane.
Potential areas for commercial redevelopment exist along the Highway 36 frontage road
between Norell and oakgreen Avenues. Some of the land uses are legal non -
conformities that have existed prior to the City annexing the properties from Baytown
Township.
An undeveloped area along 58 Street and north of Boutwells Landing is controlled by
Valley Senior Services Alliance. It is projected that the property would be a mixed use
of office and residential development with possible ties in use to Boutwells Landing.
The City has conceptually approved a pedestrian tunnel under 58 Street that would
connect the senior campus to the commercial development to the north. In 2008, it is
expected that Boutwells Landing will construct a skilled nursing care wing of the
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 163
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NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING DISTRICTS
campus. That will be followed by the eventual construction of a memory care center on
the east side of the main campus and completion of the historic village buildings south
of the Autumn Hills Park. The area to the south of the Boutwells Landing campus is
within Baytown Township. In the past, an expansion into this area was planned to offer
added senior housing options. The City has identified this area in the plan as having
potential for annexation from the Township, but only if there is agreement among the
parties on the terms and timing of the annexation.
There is one area of continuing residential development in Planning District 2.
Townhome development is occurring north of 58 Street and east of Nova Scotia
Avenue. It is expected that this area will be completed in the next few years including
the redevelopment of the single family properties along Oakgreen Avenue for owner
occupied townhome construction.
The street network for this planning district has essentially been set. Development into
the Township would require additional street extensions but no additional collectors are
needed. Providing sidewalk and trail connections will continue to be a priority as
development continues in this area. The City will need to determine if a sidewalk should
extend on the north side of 58 Street. Additionally, the City has identified a north /south
trail connection between 58 and 60 Streets, west of Menards, as a priority.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 164
NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING DISTRICTS
There is limited potential for residential development in Planning District 3. An area
east of Oldfield Avenue, between 60 Street and the City -owned property to the south,
holds potential for single family development. The area east of Oldfield Avenue is
currently zoned R -3, Multiple Family Residential. A rezoning of this area to R -1, Single
Family Residential is seen as appropriate. The area has been designated as such on
the Proposed Land Use Map. Another area, east of Oakgreen Avenue and south of
Oak Park Boulevard, is of sufficient size to support single family development. This
area has also been designated as such on the Proposed Land Use Map.
As indicated previously in the plan, the City is currently studying options for a City Hall,
Public Works and Police facility. It is likely the City may remodel the existing buildings
or construct a new facility on the same property at 14168 Oak Park Boulevard. A
decision on the public facilities will likely be made in 2008. In 2007, the City purchased
approximately three acres adjacent to Brekke Park. The site, 5502 Osgood Avenue,
includes a single family house and an extensive wooded area. The property could
provide trail links between Brekke Park and neighborhoods/Valley View Park to the
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east. The update of the Parks and Trails Plan, to be completed in 2008, will provide the
process and planning for the use of this property as part of the park system.
To the south of Brekke Park is land owned by the State of Minnesota and under the
control of the Department of Natural Resources. It is currently within Baytown
Township. The Future Annexation Plan Map in the plan identifies this approximately
200 acre parcel for eventual annexation. The City would maintain this property as open
space and for trails and other passive recreation.
Other than the potential impacts of the Highway 36 reconstruction, especially as it
relates to the intersections at Osgood and Oakgreen Avenues, there are few changes
expected to the roadway system in Planning District 3. The upgrade to Oakgreen
Avenue would likely need to precede the Highway 36 street improvements by Mn /DOT.
This would be a City project that would bring the roadway to an urban type roadway.
Upgrades to Osgood Avenue had also been planned by Washington County in the past,
but are not included in current capital improvement programs of the County. The City
will continue to work with the County on upgrades to Osgood and on trail construction
along this roadway. With the purchase of 5502 Osgood Avenue and the potential for
east/west trail connections, the City is also considering the placement of an at -grade
crossing at Osgood now but plan for a tunnel at a future date.
Planning District 3 was developed at a time when sidewalk and trail construction was
not a priority. The City will continue to work on connections throughout this area and
especially completing the east/west system throughout the City.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 166
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NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING DISTRICTS
The majority of the development within Planning District 6 is included in the 100 year
floodplain limits and is governed by the River Impact District requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance. The City of Oak Park Heights has adopted the following State regulations
by reference which affect all development in District 6:
1. Standards and Criteria for the Lower St. Croix Natural Scenic Riverway in
Minnesota.
2. State -Wide Standards and Criteria for Management of Floodplain Areas of
Minnesota.
3. State -Wide Standards for Management of Shoreland Areas.
4. Wetland Conservation Act of 1991.
5. St. Croix River Regional Flood Analysis.
The primary access to the property is off of Highway 95. Depending upon the decision
made regarding the St. Croix River Crossing and the related intersection changes to
Highway 95 and Highway 36, the area could be affected with roadway improvements. It
is not anticipated that the existing land uses would be impacted by roadway
realignments or intersection construction.
Plans for the St. Croix River Crossing have included a park and public access adjacent
to the river. The City would consider working with Mn /DOT and the Department of
Natural Resources on plans for the park, but the issues of long term maintenance and
policing would need to be addressed before the City would agree to allowing the park
area.
a` Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 173
IMPLEMENTATION
TRANSPORTATION
Functional Classification System / Access Management
The Transportation Plan indicates a functional classification system map as well as
regulations for access management. On an ongoing basis, the City will follow the plan
in terms of the access management recommendations as it relates to new and
redevelopment projects.
St. Croix River Crossing / Highway 36
The City will continue to work with Mn /DOT on plans and timing for the bridge and
improvements to Highway 36. While the City recognizes the benefit of the bridge to the
residents of Oak Park Heights and the St. Croix Valley, there is a recognition of the
increased traffic that a new river crossing and Highway 36 improvements would bring.
Oak Park Heights will not provide municipal consent until such time as there is
. agreement between the two parties on remaining issues. The most critical issue is
movin g City Ci utility lines within the corridor and the costs associated with that portion of
the project.
Without construction of the bridge in the near future, the City will also need to work with
Mn /DOT on issues related to frontage roads and critical Highway 36 intersections within
the City. The at -grade crossings at Norell Avenue, Oakgreen Avenue, and Osgood
Avenue will need to be monitored and improved to ensure adequate traffic flow levels
and to assure the safety of drivers and pedestrians at these locations.
System Improvements
The most significant City issue within its roadway network is Oakgreen Avenue and the
need to rebuild the street to an urban section. Intersection improvements at Oakgreen
as well as Osgood and Norell Avenues are also important issues that hinge on
Mn /DOT's timing of the Highway 36 improvements. The City may choose to reconstruct
Oakgreen Avenue prior to Mn /DOT moving forward with the intersection upgrade. The
City will work with Mn /DOT in the timing of these intersection improvements and in
maintenance of the existing system of connecting frontage roads.
Street Reconstruction Program
One of the transportation policies indicates a continuation of the street reconstruction
programs to maintain the local utility and street network. The City Council and City staff
will need to continue to maintain the condition of the City streets and determine a
timeline to complete the necessary sections of the network. As part of the budgeting
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 179
IMPLEMENTATION
process, the City Council will also need to continue to set aside funds to eventually
complete this expensive rehabilitation program.
Rail Facilities
The City of Oak Park Heights will work with representatives of Union Pacific on any rail
transportation issues that arise. It is expected that the Allen S. King Plant will continue
to receive all of the coal shipments via this rail line. The 2030 Transportation Plan does
not indicate any light rail corridors that would access Oak Park Heights or neighboring
communities in the St. Croix Valley.
Bus / Transit Service
The City will continue to work with Metro Transit officials on continuing and expanding
bus service for Oak Park Heights. Additionally, the City continues to support the local
transit service provided by the St. Croix Circulator. This service is especially important
for elderly residents and those that are less independently mobile. Expansion of this
service may be necessary as the population of the St. Croix Valley grows older and less
mobile.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Police and Fire
As the City develops and redevelops, additional facilities, personnel and equipment may
be needed to serve the area and population. The City has discussed the potential for
locating fire and emergency service equipment in Oak Park Heights that would be
operated under the current arrangement with the Bayport Fire Department. It is
expected that this issue will be revisited in coming years. Improved and expanded
facilities are a recognized need for the police department. This issue will be dealt with
as part of the City Hall complex remodeling or new construction project.
Water, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Services
The City Engineer, Bonestroo, has developed Water, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer
Plans as part of this Comprehensive Plan Update. These plans are attached in the
appendix of this document.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 180
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IMPLEMENTATION
Parks and Trails
The Parks and Trails chapter of the Comprehensive Plan provides a summary of the
background, policies and plans. A separate Parks and Trails Plan will be completed in
2008 and would be an appendix to the Comprehensive Plan.
City Hall
At the end of 2007, the City Council was moving forward with reviewing the options
related to the needs assessment for the City Hall complex. The options include
remodeling the existing City Hall facility or building a new City Hall. Both options would
include expanded facilities for public works and the police department. The City Council
has not made a final decision on the facility but has made the initial steps in preparing
for a bond sale to fund a remodel of or construct a new City Hall complex.
ADMINISTRATION
Staffing
The City will need to monitor staffing levels as the City grows and redevelopment
occurs. It is not anticipated that staffing /positions will need to be changed from the
current levels.
Community Identity
The City will need to continue efforts in promoting recognition and identification.
Construction of welcome signs at the primary entrances to the community and use of
newspapers, cable TV, the City website and the City newsletter are all seen as
important vehicles in City promotion. Continued promotion of the City's extensive trail
system is also seen as a significant way of introducing people to Oak Park Heights.
Public Relations
Oak Park Heights has an ongoing policy of providing effective public education
regarding City activities. The City will continue to work on ways to promote the
community, its residential neighborhoods, and its business and commercial sites
through the use of effective communication tools. To continue and improve the lines of
communication between City government and its citizens, Oak Park Heights should
continue to use newsletters, mailings, cable access, newspapers, and other forms of
public media such as the City website.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 181
IMPLEMENTATION
Zoning / Subdivision Regulations Updates / Design Guidelines
As a follow up to Comprehensive Plan approval, the City should review its zoning and
subdivision regulations to make updates as needed. The Comprehensive Plan text
does not suggest any significant changes to the Zoning Ordinance performance
standards but zoning district changes may be necessary in older neighborhoods to
better address small lot sizes and limited setbacks. The City also recognizes the need
to rezone a multiple family area to single family residential east of Oldfield Avenue. The
City does acknowledge as part of this process that a review of the Design Guidelines is
necessary to address design variety and quality for commercial and business buildings.
Capital Improvement Planning
The City of Oak Park Heights has an effective system of capital improvements planning
that is scheduled or updated on a yearly basis. The capital improvement planning can
be used as a planning tool that will be especially important as the City continues to grow
and redevelopment projects occur.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 182