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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-2009 MinutesCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Thursday, January 8, 2009 Call to Order & Welcome New Commissioner Jennifer Bye: Chair Liljegren called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Bye, LeRoux, and Powell; City Administrator Johnson, City Planner Richards and Commission Liaison Abrahamson. Absent: Vice -Chair Wasescha. Chair Liljegren welcomed Jennifer Bye to the Commission and noted that she was filling the remaining portion of outgoing Commissioner Mike Runk's term, who was elected to City Council, plus a full 3 -year term appointment. Agenda Approval: Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner LeRoux, moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Carried 4 — 0. Approve Minutes of December 11, 2008: Chair Liljegren, seconded by Commissioner Runk, moved to approve the Minutes as presented. Carried 4 — 0. Department /Commission Liaison & Other Reports: None. City Administrator Johnson informed the Commission that CD's of the Comprehensive Plan had been placed at their seats for them and that paper copies could be prepared for them if they preferred. Visitors /Public Comment: None. Public Hearings: A. New City Hall Construction to consider requests for Site Plan Review, Design Guidelines Review, and Conditional Use Permit for building height, outdoor storage and proof of parking regarding construction of a new Oak Park Heights City Municipal building, located at 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. City Planner Richards reviewed the December 30, 2008 planning report as to the request, providing an issue analysis and discussing the same. Richards concluded with a favorable recommendation, subject to conditions, which he also discussed. Chair Liljegren opened the hearing for public comment. Randy Engle of Buetow & Associates introduced himself as the architect to the project, representing the City and the people of Oak Park Heights. Mr. Engle addressed the Commission as to the site plan and the choices made by the Design Committee. He discussed aspects to the project, including building location, design, materials, and amenities. Planning Commission Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 2 of 3 Mr. Engle responded to inquiry from the Commission and discussed with them the issues related to the generator location and its anticipated use, MPCA standards forthe generator, energy saving and LEED standards, costs associated with LEED certification documenting, energy saving and green aspects of the building design and construction, the use of geothermal heating and cooling potential, security and lighting of the impound lot, rotunda lighting and glass related to energy consumption. Commission discussion ensued as to LEED rating and associated costs, and energy saving and green aspects of project. City Administrator Johnson noted that Michael Lueth, the associated working wit Randy on the project, is a LEED certified architect and has been working LEED aspects into the project throughout the design process. Commissioner LeRoux, seconded by Chair Liljegren, moved to recommend City Council approval of the request subject to the conditions noted within the December 30, 2008 planning report, as amended. Specifically that: 1. The City Council shall approve the final materials and colors of the fencing and gates for the City impound lot and the Public Works storage area. 2. The driveways and traffic circle design shall be subject to review and approval of the Police Chief and the Fire Marshall. 3. The stormwater plan for the project shall be subject to review and approval of the City Engineer and the Middle St. Croix Watershed Management Organization. 4. The utility plan shall be subject to review and approval of the City Engineer. 5. The trash /generator enclosure shall be moved approximately five feet to the west in order to allow additional landscaping. The final location of the enclosure is subject to the location of the fiber optic line. 6. The City Council shall approve the final fixture design for the parking lot lights. The concrete base heights shall be minimized to less than one foot in height. 7. The City Council shall consider options for the two traffic circle islands, including trees, landscaping, flag poles, or public art piece. 8. The traffic circle bollards shall be of a decorative design. 9. The City Council shall determine the final building design, materials and color selection. 10. The landscape plans shall be subject to review and approval of the City Arborist. 11. Any additional signage proposed for the site or buildings shall be subject to review and the approval of City staff. Planning Commission Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 3 of 3 12. The electric generator shall comply with all MPCA standards for noise. Upon installation, any noise issues shall be mitigated by the City with appropriate sound buffering. Carried 4 — 0. New Business: None. Old Business: None. Informational: A. UDcominR Planning Commission Meet February 12, 2009 7:00 p.m. (Council Chambers) March 12, 2009 7:00 p.m. (Council Chambers) B. Council Representative January — Commissioner LeRoux February — Commissioner Powell March — Chair Liljegren Adjournment: Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner Bye, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 p.m. Carried 4 — 0. Respectfully submitted, Julie A. Hultman Planning & Code Enforcement Officer Approved by the Planning Commission: February 12, 2009.