08-07-24 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – August 7, 2024 6 Commissioner Bjorklund commented on the park dedication fees that would have to be paid by the developer and discussed how these fees could be used for future park enhancements. Chair Weber indicated he could not find anything that supported a curb extension or bump out limits right turns. He recommended the people driving out of this development be forced to go to Highway 96 and not towards the church and Snelling Avenue. He discussed the noise study that was completed by MNDOT in 2023. He reported Highway 10 was at 71.2 decibels which is incredibly high. He stated there would be no outdoor enjoyment for the future tenants on this lot and he recommended this property not be considered for multi-family housing. He commented on how the tree loss on this property would further impact the noise going to surrounding properties. He then reviewed the concerns that were raised regarding this application in public comments submitted to the Planning Commission which included issues with noise, traffic, over saturation of senior living and congestion. He was of the opinion this project does not meet the long-term vision for the City. He did not recommend a high density residential project be sandwiched next to single family residential homes. Commissioner Wicklund moved and Commissioner Bjorklund seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 24-015 for a Preliminary Plat and Rezoning for the parcel at 1700 West Highway 96 based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the conditions in the August 7, 2024, report to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Bjorklund asked where the conditions were for this Planning Case. Commissioner Wicklund reviewed the two conditions for approval, as drafted by staff. Commissioner Bjorklund suggested another condition be added to require the applicant to record an access agreement for this plat. Commissioner Wicklund anticipated this would be addressed within the final plat. Commissioner Bjorklund agreed with this course of action. The motion carried 6-1 (Chair Weber opposed). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Introduction to Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Revisions Community Development Director Jagoe provided a brief overview of the memo from Jason Zimmerman with HKGi as an introduction to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance review. She discussed how City staff would be working with HKGi to revise the City’s Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances over the next 18 months. She reviewed the team members from HKGi that would be working with staff, which included Jason Zimmerman and Rita Trapp. She stated HKGi representatives held a kickoff meeting with the City Council in July. She explained HKGi would be diagnosing current ordinances in order to reorganize content to have a user friendly approach. Draft codes would then be drafted and final ordinances would then come before the Planning Commission/City Council for consideration, adoption and implementation. It was noted a draft community engagement plan was being drafted by HKGi and stated pop up events were being planned for the public. She then discussed the roles of the City Council and Planning