HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-17-1998 MinutesPlanning Commission
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1998 -7 PM
—all To Order: Chair Hedlund called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Dahlquist, Hedlund,
Schultz, and Vogt. Staff Present: City Planner's Digre and Gr&tman, Administrative Assistant Mesko, Public
Works Director Johnson, and Community Development /Recording Secretary Hultman. Absent: Commissioner
Wasescha and City Planner Richards.
Chair Hedlund announced that interviews, for the Community Development Director, were being conducted September 26t
and asked any Commission member, wishing to participate in the interview session, to see City Administrator Melena.
Commissioner Dahlquist indicated that he would be unable to participate but had participated in the interview process for the
City Administrator position and encouraged other Commission members to participate.
Chair Hedlund announced that the Water Supply Plan has been drafted and will become part of the City's Comprehensive Plan,
He indicated that he had a copy of the water supply plan available for viewing.
Visitors: Lynae Byrne, Parks Commission Chair and City Councilmember Candidate; Janet Robert, City Councilmember; Barb
Barry, Skip Sorenson and Kurt Geisler for Presbyterian Homes; Joe McQuillan, 5558 Novak Ave. N,; and Greg Klohn,
representing Burger King, requested a few moments to present the Commission with a minor design change for Burger
King, which will be presented to the City Council at its September 22n meeting. Mr. Klohn was added to the agenda
under new business.
Approve Minutes: Chair Hedlund, seconded by Vogt, moved to approve the minutes of September 3,1998. Carried 4 -0.
Public Hearings:
A. Valley Senior Services Alliance - Partial General Plan of Development Approval including a Preliminary Plat Gradi and
Drainage Plans Utility Plans Street Plans Model Home Location and Other Preliminary Site Plans: Chair Hedlund
noted for the records that a letter had been received from Menard's regarding their concern of having a large
residential area near the commercial area. Chair Hedlund further noted that a couple of areas of the project that
have changed quite a bit since the original proposal. One being the park acreage decreasing from approximately 22
acres, as indicated at the June 4, 1998 neighborhood meeting to that of approximately 13 acres. Secondly, the
design of the Northeast parking lot appears to have grown closer to the park area.
Chair Hedlund opened the public hearing for discussion at 7:20 p.m. City Planner Grittman reviewed the summary and
recommendation of Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. Joe McQuillan wished to know how close the proposed
berm would be built to the townhomes and expressed his concern about privacy from the proposed neighborhood and
his, Skip Sorensen indicated that the berm, along the east of the River Hills neighborhood and coniferous trees would
allow for privacy between the two neighborhoods. He further stated that they had their surveyor survey River Hills
residents yards and streets as well as the Presbyterian Homes neighborhood to ensure privacy for each neighborhood.
He stated that VSSA has offered to construct privacy fences for affected River Hills residents, who would like them and
re- extended the same offer. Mr. McQuillan suggested that the proposed path be eliminated as it appeared to be
unnecessary, adding that it will be dark and lighting will become necessary for those walking the path as an issue of
safety. He suggested that the pathway be relocated across the street, where there will already be lighting available
from the townhomes being constructed.
Councilmember Robert stated that during the initial planning stages of this project, the Council acknowledged a
number of trade -offs needing to be made between the City and Presbyterian Homes to bring both the housing project
and the park to reality. She indicated that she feels that the park is getting squeezed way to small at this point. She
raised several issues, one being that the northeast parking lot appears to be expanded and with changed boundary
lines. She expressed that the 100 ft. set back from the water line should apply to all buildings and that the idea was
for the park to have a park feel and not be situated in someone's front yard. Trails were expected to go up 58t St. and
around, with a bridge over the wetland. She expressed that the trail going around the building if more likened to a
sidewalk,
With respect to the park needing to be larger some suggestions were made as to how to acquire more land for it;
including, VSSA allowing the City to purchase additional park land from them and then VSSA purchasing land from the
Senior High School. It was noted that Park Dedication for the project had not yet been determined.
Commissioner Dahlquist stated that what he is hearing from the residents near the project area is that they would like
to see an open area where they can go and that it was his opinion that the park land area, presently designated, does
not feel like an open space for the public, but rather like a campus for the buildings that are there. He inquired as to
the possibility of moving the cooperative building further north and opening the area up.
Planning Commission, 2
Skip Sorenson addressed the Commission on a number of items, VSSA would like a natural environment park. He
suggested a linear park, coming down from 58` St. so that people could access the park land area, He envisions a
resting area in the northerly area of 58` St., where people can gain access to the park, with benches and some prairie
grass. He indicated that it was his opinion that it would be in the best interest of the City to take this land over so
that they would have complete control of the wetland area. He stated that VSSA would be willing to change employee
parking lot set back from 85 feet to 150 feet. He stated that accessibility to the community is very important to
VSSA, including the trails and the parks. He stated that the wetland bridge would go across both ponds, He will
discuss the extension of the park into the duplex area with VSSA's development people. Mr. Sorenson noted that
VSSA has executed their purchase agreement on the land and that they would like to begin grading this Fall, Utilities
and Streets will most likely be postponed until 1999.
Barb Barry stated that they would be asking the City Council for permission to privately construct the roads and utilities
in the neighborhood. VSSA plans to make good use of the existing trees on the site while the mild weather holds. She
further stated that if the Winter weather proved to be mild that they would like to do what work they could on the
project and would like to see a model home in place for Spring, 1999.
Kurt Geisler indicated that they were open to discussion of a Southwest park quadrant linear park. He noted that
preliminary discussions were had with the school district regarding the property near the Senior High School and that,
at this time, the cost is prohibitive. He suggested that perhaps the City may consider purchasing the property and
trading it with VSSA for more park land.
Commissioner Dahlquist inquired as to the location of the cooperative building. Skip Sorenson indicated that
topography puts the building away from the traffic on 58` Street and relieved VSSA of the need for fill needed to
create an adequate base for construction,
Commissioner Dahlquist indicated that he felt that there were a lot of comments and that information received by the
Commission is not current nor does it include all of the necessary elements and suggested that it be sent back to City
Staff for refinement. Commissioner Schultz indicated that he would be willing to schedule other meetings with VSSA to
work through issues.
Commissioner Dahlquist noted that there were quite a number of roads indicated as private on the plans and
commented that he felt they could be worked in as long as the residents understand that they are private roads. Barb
Barry indicated that the boulevard and the lower ring road would be public and that since VSSA will own the entire area
and maintain it, there should be no problem with residents understanding and wanting to change gears from having
private roadways to public roadways, She further stated that VSSA would work with City officials as to accessibility and
safety.
Commissioner Dahlquist noted that the retaining wall shown is to be done with two lift and is to be landscaped as
directed by the City Engineer and that this is anticipated to be done this Fall. The retaining wall, designed by VSSA, is
to be a concrete modular wall. Mr. Sorenson indicated that this is maintenance free once it is constructed. The
purpose of the wall is to maintain the tree growth in the area. The City would maintain the wall after the property is
turned over.
The Commission as to a number of issues raised by all present for the Public Hearing discussion had general discussion.
Chair Hedlund asked some of the questions (1) Does the City want to keep the Northern part of the park? There
doesn't appear to be interest at this time. (2) Can the duplex /quad section suggested as part of Phase I be moved
into Phase II to allow VSSA to begin work? VSSA is willing to do this, (3) Should the City Engineer approve the retaining
wall design?
Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Vogt moved to close discussion at 8:05 p.m. Carried 4 -0.
Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Vogt moved to recommend that the City Council approve approval for Stage I of
Phase I of the General Plan of Development for VSSA subject to conditions outlined in City Planners memorandum of
motion. Carried 4 -0. This memorandum has been incorporated with the minutes of this meeting as an attachment
and is filed at the City Hall,
')Id Business:
A. Design Guideline The Commission reviewed the revised draft of the Design Guidelines for the City of Oak Park
Heights as prepared by the City Planner. The Commission indicated that public input is needed for these guidelines
Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Schultz, moved to schedule a Public Hearing, for consideration of the Design
Guidelines for the City of Oak Park Heights, on October 15, 1998. Carried 4 -0.
Planning Commission
Park Dedicatio the City Planner presented A brief history of the issue. Chair Hedlund and Commissioners Vogt and
Dahlquist indicated that they like the City of Eagan's process of receiving annual updates on park dedication.
Commissioner Vogt expressed that he would like more time to review the park dedication material further.
Commissioner Schultz stated that he would like to hear the feelings of the Parks Commission on the issue.
Chair Hedlund, seconded by Schultz, moved to table this issue and directed staff to prepare a draft ordinance for the
October 15, 1998 Planning Commission meeting, at which time they will revisit the issue. Carried 4 -0.
B. Zoning Action Property Notification Sig ns: The City Planner presented cost estimates for the signs based on size and
design. Chair Hedlund stated that it was his understanding that the Commission directed staff to determine sign
specifications and order at its meeting of August 20, 1998.
Chair Hedlund, seconded by Dahlquist, moved to direct City Staff to handle the matter of selecting and ordering the
zoning action property notification signs, Carried 4 -0.
New Business:
A. Burger King Administrative Assistant Mesko introduced Greg Klohn, to the Commission, as a representative for Burger
King. She explained that Mr. Klohn was present to provide the Commission with a minor design modification for the
Burger King store being constructed on Neal Ave. N. Mr. Klohn provided the Commission with a drawing of the design
modification.
Chair Hedlund inquired as to why this was being presented to the Commission, noting that the Commission has
received no information regarding the project as development discussion was had prior tot he Commission being
formed. Mesko indicated that Mr. Klohn was presenting this for their information only and that the Commission was
not expected to make any recommendation and that Mr. Klohn would be presented the design modification request to
the City Council at its September 22, 1998 meeting.
Formational: Commissioner Vogt mentioned that the situation with the tax reduction for Andersen Window Corporation and
ow it has affected the budgeting process for the City of Bayport. He stated that this may be the kind of thing the City should
keep an eye on for the future.
Adjournment: Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Schultz, moved to adjourn the regular meeting and move onto the
Comprehensive Plan Discussion and Update Workshop. Carried 4 -0, Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Next Regular Meeting: October 15, 1998 - 7;00 p.m. - Oak Park Heights City Hall
Respectfully submitted,
Ju`ieA. Hultman
Community Development/
Recording Secretary
NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED C . ONSULTANTS
INC: G_
N C OMMUNITY PLANNING - DESIGN - MARKET RESEARCH
TO,- Julie Hultman
F ROM - Stephen Grittma
DATE September 18,1998
RE: Oak Park Heights - Planning Corn m ission/VSSA
FILE NO: 798,02 - 98-02
Following is how I think the Planning Commission's intended motion should read, Brad
and I have looked this over compared to our notes, and we believe we've got the bulk of
it. Feel free to amend it as you see fit, or give Brad or myself a call if you would like to
*iscuss
Planning Commission approved a motion to recommend approval for Stage 1 of Phase I
of the General Plan of Development PUD for VSSA, subject to the following conditions:
I
I . Approval is granted for the following
Phase 1 amended to exclude the four twinhome buildings and one
quadraminium building in the southwest portion of the proposed Phase I site
plan. (See Exhibit A, amended)
b. Preliminary Plat for the location of the model twinhome and public street
rights of way, with the remainder of the plat to platted as outlots subject to
further plan development.
C. Grading and Drainage Plans for Phase 1, with the exception of the proposed
90 unit cooperative building and the proposed 17 acre main "Haase Park
area (see Exhibit B)
d. Utility and Street Plans for the area shown in Exhibit B, as designed by
Bonestroo, Rosene and Anderlik.
e. Concept Approval of I the Preliminary Site Plans, subject to comments noted
below regarding park and trail development.
5775 WAYZATA BOULEVARD, SUITE 555 ST, LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA 554 1 6
PHONE 5 1 2-595-9635 . FAX 6 1 2-595 -9837
SEP-1e-199e 18:a7 NAC 612 595 9937 P-03/05
f. Construction Permit for Stage 1, Phase I Grading, Drainage, Utilities,
Streets, and one model home as identified in the areas shown on Exhibit A.
SEP --18 -1998 10:0? NAC 612 595 9837 p, 04i
1 cc)
6 ° �I
LL
W � I O
00
050) 0
�z
n
Co
of q Q
O
?� J
I� o
\ oa O
s
n
M
�s,.+xn r+� Y� � I ._ � ! i' ... �, ���..,+.r y J w� r �� .r.,. ` �i1..� ^ A @. �.� F'I 7. V. �� �. ': �.. � _.:� - . "•� ... .. �.�,;,.
SEP -18 -1998 10 :08 NAC 612 595 9837 P.05i05
®® anaua1oo71•P 'oa�gy .. &�"i':4%51= 3 ^,:'.� ::.::'. :a� .°°
O °f OO�G�
I
O �� r
�a o I
IiFl -1 I � ' I L
/ \ / I � ` O • �; `.w' "vH i � •' a` : i I �. � �� 1.
c p
° � v tir
lu
R ti
T O
op I
J v
L1 Q I i `� O� ^• i � � � o
l�J v
00 �.
j r 0 -
CC— i (�
' I _ ,_J d
O L► // .(D
, U N,
\
"4•v. ! a �, '. '/ T; y -c pry L `a a �Nx d i 1 ;.r'h'. �r,�r ., r , . �._,,..`..
+k�i.ln:,+�^.ti.::..r..... Cdr °�.acY�J�d.iLl�..G.: h'ti;�3 -romf I���i•!�.i' a�ix.. �S/ �i�+. U, � [�L�'.u�i..�C....yv.1...,. >•.ru A =-
TOTAL P.05