HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - 10-29-12 Special Work Session (5:15 pm) I't
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Approved:
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
OCTOBER 29,2012
5:15 PM—ARDEN HILLS COMMUNITY ROOM
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the Special City
Council Work Session meeting at 5:23 p.m.
Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden (arrived at 5:35
p.m.), Fran Holmes,Nick Tamble, and Ed Werner
Absent: None
Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Director of Finance and Administrative
Services Sue Iverson; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development
Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner Meagan Beekman; and Deputy City Clerk Amy
Died
1. AGENDA ITEMS
A. 1201 County Road E Concept PUD Discussion
City Planner Beekman stated that TAT Properties is requesting a concept review of a possible
Planned Unit Development (PUD) at 1201 County Road E, which is the former Holiday Inn
property. The applicant is proposing to repurpose the property as a mixed use complex with 75
units of multi-family housing and approximately 25,000 square feet of retail space.
City Planner Beekman indicated that the applicants have submitted a letter describing their
proposed use, as well as sketches of potential exterior building modifications. The proposed 75-
unit apartment complex would range in size from efficiency units up to 3-4 bedroom units. She
noted that the application also includes plans for a fitness area, lounge, theater room, gaming
room, and indoor bicycle storage. Retail space fronting County Road E is also part of the plan,
but a subdivision of the property is not being sought at this time.
City Planner Beekman stated that staff suggested recommendations to the developer in regard to
items that should be included with an application. She noted that staff would like Council
discussion and direction in terms of the application recommendations.
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 29, 2012 2
Rob Davidson, TAT Properties, stated that he has attempted to address the issues and concerns
that have been brought up over the last few months in regard to his PUD application. He noted
that the original application included 155 units, and that number has been reduced to 75. He has
proposed extensive exterior modifications to the west side of the building, which is the main
entrance of the former hotel. He stated that this product mix should be well-received by college
students.
Stu Nolan, TAT Properties, noted that they have listened to the feedback provided by the City
regarding their application and he feels they have found compromises that will satisfy the City's
concerns. He stated that the proposed additional requirements need to be discussed.
Mr. Davidson stated that there are concerns about the recommendations provided by staff. The
major concern is the proposal to relocate the drive lane, which would eliminate a left-in and left-
out at that access point. Relocating the drive lane would reduce the marketability of the property,
and he asked if that recommendation could be eliminated.
City Planner Beekman stated that the City would like to see a traffic analysis done to determine
if there are any traffic circulation issues. Although a subdivision of the property is not being
requested at this time, it is likely that one will be requested in the future. She noted that an
analysis will provide more information, and will answer the question of whether the benefits of
relocating the drive lane outweigh the negatives.
Mr. Nolan noted that moving the drive lane east would move it closer to the busier intersection.
Discussion ensued regarding the traffic flow in the area.
City Planner Beekman noted that Bolton & Menk are in Phase I of the B2 District Plan. As part
of that process, left-turn issues as well as the number of access points on County Road E and
Lexington Avenue, are being identified and evaluated. She indicated that the County would like
to minimize access points wherever possible. She stated that the former Carroll's Furniture
property, which has two access points, will likely be redeveloped, and this is an opportunity to
consolidate the three currently used access points into one.
Mr. Nolan stated that the traffic analysis would have to be done quickly if this project is going to
commence before the end of the year.
Discussion continued regarding the proposed layouts of the units within the building.
Councilmember Holden expressed concerns regarding the size of the four bedroom apartments
and asked that the Council reevaluate this part of the ordinance at a future work session.
Mayor Grant questioned how many tenants were expected in this development.
Mr. Davidson stated that approximately 200 tenants are anticipated.
Mr. Nolan noted that they plan to start marketing during the winter and will hopefully receive
feedback that will give them a good sense for the most popular units.
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 29, 2012 3
City Administrator Klaers asked about the possibility of free standing garages and
Councilmember Holden commented on the possibility of adding car ports.
Discussion continued regarding the types and number of parking spaces.
Mayor Grant stated that he has not heard any major objections to the topics discussed tonight, so
that is positive.
Councilmember Holmes stated that a lot of variances are being requested, and it is understood
that it is an older building, which presents challenges in terms of remodeling.
Councilmember Werner noted that there is no `phasing-in' with this proposal, which was a
concern with the original plan.
ADJOURN
Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council Work Session meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Patrick Klaers David Grant
City Administrator Mayor