Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-14 PC Work Session Minutes Approved: February 5, 2014 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014 8:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Clayton Larson called to order the work session meeting at 8:45 p.m. ROLL CALL Present were: Chair Clayton Larson, Commissioners Brent Bartel, Andrew Holewa, Sam Scott, and Roberta Thompson. Absent: Commissioners Clayton Zimmerman and Angela Hames. Also present were: Council Liaison Fran Holmes; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; and City Planner Ryan Streff APPROVAL OF AGENDA JANUARY 8, 2014 The Agenda was approved as presented. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. TCAAP Master Plan City Planner Streff reported that the City Council reviewed the first draft of the TCAAP Master Plan on December 16, 2013. Consultants presented information on the process through which site characteristics and potential land use scenarios were considered and how options were eliminated, combined, or adjusted to maximize assets and minimize the impact of constraints in the development of the draft Master Plan. City Planner Streff reported that following the December 16, meeting, the City Council scheduled a special work session for December 26, 2013, to give the consultants an opportunity to respond to Council questions regarding the draft plan prior to additional meetings being held. Scheduled public meetings include the TCAAP Joint Development Authority meeting on January 6, the Planning Commission meeting on January 8, and the TCAAP Open House on January 22. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION JANUARY 8, 20142 , presentations are included with the staff memo to the Planning Commission, along with a Kimley-Horn memo addressing traffic and transportation questions. At the December 26, 2013, special City Council work session, the Council identified a list of Master Plan discussion items. The Council is seeking JDA, Planning Commission, and public feedback on these discussion items and on all aspects of the Master Plan. The Council will consider feedback prior to making changes to the draft plan in February/March. Council Liaison Holmes explained that the City Council welcomes any and all comments on the draft Master Plan from the Planning Commission. The City Council reviewed the draft Master Plan at two work sessions in December 2013, and noted that the following areas of the draft Master Plan need additional discussion: 1. Wetlands, central water feature, and surface water management 2. Roundabout and connection to County Road H 3. Residential densities and mix of housing types 4. Green space and active recreation areas 5. Flex space development Andrew Dresdner , Cuningham Group, presented the Planning Commission with detailed information on the TCAAP Master Plan. He reviewed what the consultants have heard thus far, the existing conditions on the site, and how the City can move forward with sound planning and design. A proposed layout for the TCAAP site, with three distinct neighborhoods was reviewed. The proposed density and housing styles were discussed. Staff then asked the Commission for comments or questions. Chair Larson opened the floor to Commission questions. Council Liaison Holmes noted the proposed Master Plan was very preliminary. She commented the lot sizes within the neighborhoods are yet to be determined. Commissioner Scott asked if there was contamination on the primer-tracer area. Chair Larson understood that this area did have contamination. Commissioner Holewa suggested the City consider harnessing energy from the water on site. He indicated it would be interesting to see smaller sized lots in comparison to the current single- family residential lots in Arden Hills. He was supportive of providing workforce housing options on the site. Commissioner Thompson wanted to see the site take advantage of the water energy on site as well. She wanted to see the TCAAP site be pedestrian friendly. She encouraged staff to consider smaller housing options for empty nesters and not simply large single-family homes. This would allow residents to age in Arden Hills. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION JANUARY 8, 20143 Chair Larson discussed the demographics in Arden Hills. Council Liaison Holmes requested further information on the proposed roundabout. Mr. Dresdner discussed the location of the proposed roundabout and discussed how traffic would move through this intersection. Chair Larson stated he did not want to see the development cut off on the south end as this would be a detriment. Commissioner Thompson did not oppose the roundabout, as they keep traffic moving and have a way of slowing traffic. Council Liaison Holmes questio ability to move traffic in and out of the TCAAP site. She wondered if people would want to live on the TCAAP property if they had to use a roundabout daily to enter and exit the site. Commissioner ThompsonChair Larson and did not see this being a problem. Commissioner Holewa encouraged the City to consider how bicycle and pedestrian traffic would move through the TCAAP site while drafting the Master Plan. Commissioner Thompson suggested a small hotel/retreat center be considered on the TCAAP site. Mr. Dresdner indicated this could be considered. Council Liaison Holmes invited the Planning Commissioners to attend the TCAAP Master Plan nd Open House on January 22. Chair Larson thanked everyone for their input this evening. He suggested all further comments or questions be directed to Community Development Director Hutmacher. ADJOURN Chair Larson adjourned the work session meeting at 10:19 p.m.