HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-09-14 PC Minutes
Approved: May 7, 2014
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014
6:30 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 regular Planning
Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present were: Chair Clayton Larson, Commissioners Brent Bartel (arrived at 6:36 p.m.), Andrew
Holewa, Steven Jones (Alternate), Roberta Thompson, and Clayton Zimmerman.
Absent: Commissioners Angela Hames and Sam Scott.
Also present were: City Planner Ryan Streff; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; Public Works
Director, Terry Maurer; and Councilmember Fran Holmes.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA APRIL 9, 2014
Chair Larson
stated the agenda will stand as published.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 5, 2014 Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Holewa, to approve the
March 5, 2014, Planning Commission Regular Meeting as presented. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
PLANNING CASES
A.Planning Case 14-012; PUD Amendment Hood Packaging Corporation 1887
Gateway Boulevard Public Hearing
City Planner Streff
stated that the applicant has requested a Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Amendment to allow for the installation of one (1) double walled storage tank on the southeast
side of the building located at 1887 Gateway Boulevard.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 20142
City Planner Streff
explained that Hood Packaging Corporation is located at 1887 Gateway
Boulevard within the Gateway Business (GB) Zoning District. The property is generally
positioned north of Interstate 694, south of Highway 96, east of Interstate 35W and west of
Round Lake. Hood Packaging is a national company that manufactures various types of paper
and plastic packaging products. The applicant is requesting a Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Amendment to install one (1) doubled walled storage tank along the southeastern side of the
building. The proposed storage tank has the capacity of 2,500 gallons and is approximately five
and one half (5.5) feet in height, fifteen (15) feet in length by three and one half (3.5) feet in
diameter.
City Planner Streff
stated that the applicant has indicated that they are in the process of
installing an additional printing press to expand the types of products they manufacture. With the
new equipment coming online in the near future there is a need for an additional outside storage
tank. The proposed tank would be used to store ink and solvent waste that is produced by the new
flexographic printing process. According to the applicant, the waste materials that are produced
by their manufacturing process are stored onsite and then collected and transported off-site for
recycling.
City Planner Streff
commented that there are currently four (4) similar storage tanks and two
(2) silos on the property that were installed following the approval of three previous PUD
Amendments. The existing storage tanks are used for housing new and recycled solvent along
with waste ink and solvent that is produced during the manufacturing process. The two (2) silos
are used for storing plastic resin pellets that are used for the extrusion laminator. This request
would add one (1) additional storage tank to the southeastern side of the property. The proposed
storage tank would be located adjacent to the existing storage tanks and within the current
screening fence. The storage tank would be placed horizontally behind the existing tanks and
approximately seven (7) feet from the external wall of the building.
According to the applicant, the MPCA requires that the tanks on the property be double walled
and placed within a containment area on the exterior of the building. The containment area in the
event of an accident is required in order to hold the contents of the largest storage tank. The
applicant currently has a containment curbing system in place that has the ability to hold one-
hundred (100) percent of the contents of the largest tank on site. The applicants have a valid
license with Ramsey County for handling hazardous materials (waste ink and solvent) that are
produced. Hazardous waste materials can be handled in the GB Zoning District with the proper
licenses from the Ramsey County Public Health Department.
City Planner Streff
reported that the applicant has submitted a narrative of the project, a site
plan of the property, and the details of the storage tank.
City Planner Streff
stated that the property has been part of five previous planning cases. In
1997, the original PUD was approved in Planning Case 97-006. PUD Amendments in Planning
Cases 00-017 and 00-031 were approved in 2000, for minor changes to the exterior of the
building and to add storage tanks on the southeast side of the building. In 2007, a PUD
Amendment was approved in Planning Case 07-013 that allowed the installation of two
additional storage tanks within the previously approved screening area. Planning Case 11-019
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 20143
was approved by a PUD Amendment in 2011 and allowed the installation of two storage silos
and one containment tank.
Site Data
Future Land Use Plan: Light Industrial and Office
Existing Land Use: Light Industrial (office space, manufacturing, and
warehousing)
Zoning: G-B: Gateway Business
Current Lot Sizes: 8.93 Acres (388,991sf)
Topography: The building and parking area is generally flat. The
property slopes steeply towards Round Lake along the NE
side of the property, it also slopes towards Gateway
Boulevard along the SW side of the property.
City Planner Streff
reviewed the surrounding area, the Plan Evaluation and the PUD
Amendment regulations.
City Planner Streff
provided the Findings of Fact for review:
General Findings:
1. That a PUD Amendment is required to add the additional storage tank to the property.
2. Hood Packaging Corporation is located at 1887 Gateway Boulevard and is a conforming
use within the Gateway Business Zoning District.
3.
process with the developer or land owner.
4. The applicant proposes to add one storage tank to the southeast side of the building where
there are currently four (4) similar tanks installed.
5. The tank would be placed horizontally behind the screening fence approximately seven
(7) feet from the outside wall of the building.
6. The double walled constructed tank is made from 100% steel with a capacity of 2,500
gallons and is approximately five and one half (5.5) feet in height, fifteen (15) feet in
length by three and one half (3.5) feet in diameter.
7. This proposal will not impact lot coverage requirements, nor will it encroach on setbacks.
On the Conditional Use Plan Evaluation Criteria:
8. The proposal will not impact traffic circulation or parking.
9. The proposal is not expected to create noise, glare, odors, vibration, smoke, dust, air
pollution, heat, liquid or solid waste, or other nuisance characteristics. The tank is made
with double walled construction to contain the material stored. The containment area has
been constructed per the MPCA regulations.
10. The proposal will not impact drainage on the site.
11. The proposal will not impact population density on the site.
12. The proposed storage tank would be placed within the existing screening fence that is
constructed with galvanized chain-link fencing and tan colored slates. The proposed tank
would not be taller in height than the existing screening fence. The use as proposed is
compatible with other uses and structures on surrounding properties.
13. The proposed storage tank is unlikely to significantly impact land values on the subject
property or on neighboring properties.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 20144
14. Park dedication requirements do not apply.
15. The proposal is not anticipated to create a negative impact on the immediate area or the
community as a whole.
16. The proposal does not conflict with the general purpose or intent of the Zoning Ordinance
or Comprehensive Plan for the City.
City Planner Streff
stated that based on the submitted plans and the findings of fact, staff
recommends approval of Planning Case 14-012 for a Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Amendment at 1887 Gateway Boulevard. Staff recommends the following five (5) conditions be
included with the approval:
1. That the project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended
by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by
the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City
Council.
2. That one (1) additional double walled storage tank shall be permitted on the property and
installed within the existing screening fence.
3. That the storage tank shall be completely concealed behind the screening fence.
4. That the storage tank shall meet all applicable Building, Fire and Mechanical Codes and
all County and MPCA regulations. The applicant shall obtain all required permits prior to
installation.
5. That the system to be installed shall comply with the odor, noise, and other applicable
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regulations. Failure to comply with these
regulations may result in a revocation of a permit.
City Planner Streff
reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this matter:
1. Recommend Approval with Conditions
2. Recommend Approval as Submitted
3. Recommend Denial
4. Table
Chair Larson
opened the floor to Commissioner comments.
Commissioner Thompson
questioned if the City monitored the odor or smell emitted from the
storage tanks.
City Planner Streff
commented this was not monitored by the City but would be complaint
based. However, the storage tank would be inspected by the City when installed and if there
were any issues they would be addressed at that time.
Commissioner Zimmerman
asked if Hood Packaging would be hiring additional employees.
Ted Hegstrom
, Hood Packaging Corporation, stated his company would be hiring eight to ten
new employees.
Commissioner Jones
questioned if the new storage tank would be tied into the existing systems.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 20145
Mr. Hegstrom
stated this was the case.
Chair Larson
opened the public hearing at 6:41 p.m.
Chair Larson
invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment.
Chair Larson
There being no comments closed the public hearing at 6:42 p.m.
Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Thompson seconded a motion to
recommend approval of Planning Case 14-012 for a Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Amendment at 1887 Gateway Boulevard based on the findings of fact and the submitted
plans, as amended by the five (5) conditions in the April 9, 2014, report to the Planning
Commission. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
nd
B.Planning Case 14-013; Preliminary & Final Plat Gateway 2 Addition Public
Hearing
City Planner Streff
stated that the City of Arden Hills is requesting approval of a Preliminary
and Final Plat of the Gateway 2nd Addition to correct and/or combine particular parcels located
in close proximity to the intersection of Round Lake Road and Gateway Court. The request
includes the replat of two properties that are located at 4300 Round Lake Road and 1987
Gateway Court along with new right-of-way and easement areas. The property is generally
located north of I-694, south of Highway 96, east of I-35, and west of Old Highway 10/Round
Lake. The replatting will ensure that the City has adequate right-of-way and easements for street
and utility access and maintenance.
City Planner Streff
indicated that the City has been working with Egan, Field & Nowak (EFN),
Inc. to replat the area so that concerns with adequate right-of-way areas and drainage and utility
easement areas are addressed before the City commences the reconstruction work of Round Lake
Road and Gateway Court in 2014. The replat of this property will allow the City to acquire
additional right-of-way along Round Lake Road and Gateway Court, while vacating a portion of
the right-of-way that is within the parking lot of 1987 Gateway Boulevard. In addition, the replat
of this area will allow the City to obtain crucial drainage and utility easements need for
maintenance purposes and at the same time vacating portions that are no longer needed by the
City. The City Council will review the right-of-way and easement vacation request at the time of
the Final Plat review.
City Planner Streff
noted the Public Works Director has provided a memo detailing the project
for the Planning Commission, along with a Preliminary and Final Plat.
Site Data
Future Land Use Plan: Light Industrial and Office
Existing Land Use: Light Industrial (office space, manufacturing, and
warehousing)
Zoning: G-B: Gateway Business
Current Lot Sizes: 4300 Round Lake Road = 11.57 Acres &
1987 Gateway Boulevard = 7.90 Acres
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 20146
Topography: The right-of-way and easement areas are fairly flat
City Planner Streff
reviewed the surrounding area, the Plan Evaluation and the Plan Review.
City Planner Streff
provided the Findings of Fact for review:
General Findings:
1. The City of Arden Hills is requesting approval of a Preliminary & Final Plat of the
Gateway 2nd Addition in order correct and/or combine parcels into a single plat.
2. The property proposed to be replatted is within Gateway Business (GB) Zoning District
near the intersection of Round Lake Road and Gateway Court.
3. That the Final Plat will provide for adequate right-of-way and drainage and utility
easements.
4. The replat should not impact lot coverage requirements or create additional
nonconformities.
5. The park dedication fee does not apply to the application.
6. The drainage areas and stormwater pond areas are included with the utility easements that
will be dedicated to the City.
7. The Preliminary and Final Plat has been submitted to Ramsey County for their review.
8.
Ordinances.
9. Comprehensive Plan.
City Planner Streff
stated based on the submitted plans and the findings of fact, the Preliminary
and Final Plat are in conformance with the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, therefore, staff
recommends approval of Planning Case 14-013 for a Preliminary and Final Plat for the Gateway
2nd Addition subject to the four (4) conditions of approval:
1. That the project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended
by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by
the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and/or
the City Council.
2. That the drainage and utility easement shall be expanded from six (6) feet to twelve (12)
feet along the eastern property line of Block 1, Lot 1, Gateway 2nd Addition.
3. That the comments provided from Ramsey County shall be included in the Final Plat.
4. That the City shall approve the vacation of a segment of the Gateway Court right-of-way
and existing drainage and utility easements as noted on the plans prior to the execution of
the Final Plat. New right-of-way and drainage and utility easements will be created with
the Final Plat.
City Planner Streff
reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this matter:
1. Recommend Approval with Conditions
2. Recommend Approval as Submitted
3. Recommend Denial
4. Table
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 20147
Chair Larson
opened the floor to Commissioner comments.
Chair Larson
requested further information on the existing nonconformities on this site.
City Planner Streff
explained the minimum landscaping requirements were not being met for
the property at 1987 Gateway Boulevard based on the size of the lot.
Commissioner Holewa
asked if a park dedication fee was paid when the property was originally
platted.
City Planner Streff
indicated that the trail along Round Lake on the east side of the property
was constructed by the property owner in lieu of park dedication.
Associate Planner Bachler
reported the trail was not located on land owned by the City.
Commissioner Holewa
requested that further information regarding this trail be provided to the
City Council.
Public Works Director Maurer
further discussed the Preliminary and Final Plat for the
nd
Gateway 2 Addition with the Planning Commission. He indicated the driving force for this
additional right-of-way
and easements in this area for proper maintenance.
Chair Larson
questioned where the existing trail was located.
Public Works Director Maurer
noted the trail was located at the rear of the property. He noted
a trail would be built along Round Lake Road by the City through the improvement project.
Chair Larson
opened the public hearing at 6:57 p.m.
Chair Larson
invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment.
Chair Larson
There being no comment closed the public hearing at 6:58 p.m.
Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Bartel seconded a motion to recommend
nd
approval of Planning Case 14-013 for a Preliminary and Final Plat of Gateway 2
Addition located at Round Lake Road and Gateway Court based on the findings of fact
and the submitted plans, as amended by the four (4) conditions in the April 9, 2014, report
to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
C.Planning Case 14-001; Zoning Code Amendment Parks and Open Space District
Rezoning Public Hearing
Associate Planner Bachler
stated that the Planning Commission is being asked to consider
approval of Ordinance 14-004 in Planning Case 14-001 for an amendment to Section 1315.01
(Official Zoning Map) of the Arden Hills City Code.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 20148
Associate Planner Bachler
reported that on November 25, 2013, the City Council approved
Ordinance 2013-011, which established a Parks and Open Space District in the Zoning Code.
Since then, staff has evaluated parcels within the City that should be rezoned as Parks and Open
Space District based on the purpose of this zoning classification.
Associate Planner Bachler
indicated that the primary purpose of the Parks and Open Space
District is to establish land use regulations that support the public parks and open spaces
managed by the City of Arden Hills and Ramsey County. In addition, the Zoning Code states that
properties zoned Parks and Open Space work to conserve environmental resources, promote
ecological stewardship, and provide areas that support community health through the provision
of active and passive recreational opportunities.
Staff has identified 38 parcels in the City that are appropriate for rezoning as Parks and Open
Space. Of these parcels, 28 are owned by the City of Arden Hills. Twenty are currently used as
r parcels owned by
properties are 1750 Parkshore Drive on the southern end of Round Lake; 3772 Brighton Way
east of New Brighton Avenue and adjacent to Tony Schmidt Regional Park; 3151 Lake Johanna
and 3208 Hamline Avenue North, which is a wetland parcel situated between Highway 51 and
Lake Josephine.
Associate Planner Bachler
explained that the remaining ten parcels are owned by the Ramsey
County Parks and Recreation Department and are all included in the County park system. Eight
of these properties comprise the Tony Schmidt Regional Park. The remaining two, the Marsden
Archery Range and Rice Creek North Regional Trail, are on land formerly part of the Arden Hills
Army Training Site.
Associate Planner Bachler
commented that the proposed rezoning only includes land owned by
the City of Arden Hills or Ramsey County. The Parks and Open Space District cannot be applied
to privately owned land.
Associate Planner Bachler
stated that in September of 2009, the City Council adopted the
w
Currently, public parks and open space areas are integrated into residential or business-oriented
zoning districts as permitted or conditional uses. Minnesota State law mandates that local zoning
codes are consistent with adopted comprehensive plans. The proposed Parks and Open Space
District rezoning would help the City meet this requirement. Further, the rezoning will assist in
the implementation of goals identified in the Land Use, Parks and Recreation, and Protected
Resources chapters in the Comprehensive Plan.
Associate Planner Bachler
indicated that the remaining parcels designated as Parks and Open
Space on the Future Land Use Map that are not included in the proposed rezoning do not meet
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 20149
the stated purpose of the Parks and Open Space District. These parcels are owned by several
entities, including the City, Ramsey County, the State of Minnesota, and private property
owners/homeowners associations. Existing uses on these properties include municipal utilities,
stormwater easement ponds, private open spaces, and single family homes.
Associate Planner Bachler
provided the Findings of Fact for review:
1. The proposed amendment would create greater consistency between the City Zoning
Code and the adopted Future Land Use Map.
2. The proposed amendment advances the Co
assists in providing a balanced mix of residential, park, open space, and commercial land
uses within the City.
3.
because it helps to protect and maintain access to lakes, marshes, and wooded areas for
active and passive recreation.
4.
ural resources, including trees,
lakes, wetlands, and other unique or significant natural resources.
Associate Planner Bachler
stated that staff recommends approval of Ordinance Number 14-004
in Planning Case 14-001 for an amendment to Section 1315.01 Zoning Map of the Arden Hills
Zoning Code as presented in the April 9, 2014, Report to the Planning Commission.
Associate Planner Bachler
reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this
matter:
1. Recommend Approval as Submitted
2. Recommend Approval with Changes
3. Recommend Denial
4. Table
Chair Larson
opened the floor to Commissioner comments.
Commissioner Holewa
indicated this was an important step for the City as it would designate
parks as park land and not residential property. He thanked staff for their efforts on the zoning
code amendment.
Commissioner Jones
commented there were a large number of parcels proposed to be park land
and he requested the number be tightened up. It was his opinion that several of the parcels could
be used for future development instead of park land.
Associate Planner Bachler
commented that the rezoning would create consistency between the
official always
consider rezoning a parcel in the future if a different land use were to be proposed.
Commissioner Holewa
asked if the Ramsey County parkland adjacent to the TCAAP
redevelopment site was included in this rezoning.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 201410
Associate Planner Bachler
stated this land was not included in the proposed rezoning. He
reported that Ramsey County was in discussion with the Army to have additional land
incorporated into the Rice Creek Regional Trail. Once land has been transferred, the land
acquired by Ramsey County would be rezoned Parks and Open Space District.
Commissioner Holewa
was pleased that the City was taking the proposed action to protect its
City parks.
Commissioner Bartel
questioned if each parcel was owned by the City or Ramsey County.
Associate Planner Bachler
reported that this was the case and that out of the 38 parcels, 28 were
owned by the City and the remaining 10 were owned by Ramsey County.
Chair Larson
opened the public hearing at 7:14 p.m.
Chair Larson
invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment.
Karen Cloutier
, 1890 Jerrold Avenue, asked if the property on the southeast corner of Hazelnut
Park could be broken off and developed for residential homes.
Chair Larson
stated this property was currently zoned residential and the rezoning would
classify this property as Parks and Open Space. He explained that if a development were
considered in the future, this would require another rezoning.
Councilmember Holmes
clarified that the City had purchased a portion of land from Trinity
Church and this land was now part of Hazelnut Park.
Chair Larson
There being no additional comment closed the public hearing at 7:19 p.m.
Commissioner Jones
had concerns with the number of parcels that were being turned into Park
and Open Space. He requested that staff clean up the legal descriptions. He suggested that the
rezoning be broken up into several actions and that it not be approved under one broad motion.
Associate Planner Bachler
stated that the City was still working on the legal descriptions for the
parcels owned by Ramsey County. He explained the City Attorney supported the Planning
Commission reviewing and approving the rezoning with the understanding the legal descriptions
would be completed by staff prior to the case being reviewed by the City Council.
Commissioner Jones
discussed the lot comprising Tony Schmidt Park and suggested this parcel
be broken down into smaller lots.
Chair Larson
commented that although the Ordinance was in draft form, he could support
dation to rezone the 38 parcels with the understanding staff would be revising
the legal descriptions prior to review by the City Council.
Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded a motion to
recommend approval of Ordinance Number 14-004 in Planning Case 14-001 for an
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 201411
amendment to Section 1315.01 Zoning Map of the Arden Hills Zoning Code as presented
in the April 9, 2014, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried 5-1 (Jones
opposed).
D.Planning Case 14-002; Zoning Code Amendment Conservation District Rezoning
Public Hearing
Associate Planner Bachler
stated that the Planning Commission is being asked to consider
approval of Ordinance 14-005 in Planning Case 14-002 for an amendment to Section 1315.01
(Official Zoning Map) of the Arden Hills City Code.
Associate Planner Bachler
reported that on November 25, 2013, the City Council approved
Ordinance 2013-010, which established a new Conservation District in the Zoning Code. Since
then, staff has evaluated parcels within the City that should be rezoned as Conservation District
based on the purpose of this zoning classification.
Associate Planner Bachler
indicated the Conservation District is meant to be applied to the
Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS). While the property is now under federal ownership
and being leased to the Minnesota National Guard, the City recognized that portions of AHATS
could be sold to private parties in the future and developed based on the underlying zoning
classifica
these lands to ensure that any future development on AHATS maintains a sustainable level of
public expenditures for utilities and services.
Associate Planner Bachler
explained that AHATS is comprised of a total of eight separate
parcels. Staff has identified four of these parcels as being appropriate for rezoning as
Conservation District at this time. These parcels approximately cover the area bound by County
Road I on the north, Lexington Avenue on the east, Highway 96 on the south, and on the west, by
a line extending directly north from Snelling Avenue North to County Road I.
Associate Planner Bachler
commented that the remaining four parcels are located on the
western half of AHATS, adjacent to the TCAAP redevelopment site and the Rice Creek North
Regional Trail. The Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department is currently working with
the federal government to have additional land on these four parcels transferred to the County to
be incorporated into their park system. Specifically, these acquisitions would expand the existing
boundaries of the Rice Creek North Regional Trail property and add a wildlife corridor along the
eastern boundary of the TCAAP site extending south to Highway 96. These additional lands were
identified in the Amendment to the Rice Creek Regional Trail Master Plan, which was approved
by the City Council on June 24, 2013.
Associate Planner Bachler
explained that following the completion of the land transfer, the City
will work with Ramsey County to rezone the property acquired by the County as Parks and Open
Space District. That land remaining under federal ownership would be rezoned Conservation
District at that time as well.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 201412
Associate Planner Bachler
noted that in 1999, the City amended the Zoning Code to include a
new Civic Center District located along the north side of Highway 96, between Snelling and
Lexington Avenue. When the zoning map was amended, the Civic Center classification was
extended beyond the property boundaries for Arden Hills City Hall and the Ramsey County
Public Works Department to partially include a portion of one of the AHATS parcels. The
proposed amendment would rezone that area of this parcel now zoned Civic Center as
Conservation District.
Associate Planner Bachler
stated that in September of 2009, the City Council adopted the
Arden Hills 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The plan outlines general vision and goals, which are
ies. The adopted Future Land Use Map designates
1,449 acres on AHATS as Park Preserve. This land use is defined in the Comprehensive Plan as
Associate Planner Bachler
reported that a majority of the AHATS site is now zoned R-1 single-
family residential. Minnesota State law mandates that local zoning codes are consistent with
adopted comprehensive plans. The proposed Conservation District rezoning would help the City
meet this requirement. Further, the rezoning will assist in the implementation of the goals
identified in the Land Use and Protected Resources chapters in the Comprehensive Plan.
Associate Planner Bachler
provided the Findings of Fact for review:
1. The proposed amendment will create greater consistency between the City Zoning Code
and the adopted Future Land Use Map.
2.
assists in providing a balanced mix of residential, park, open space, and commercial land
uses.
3.
lakes, wetlands, and other unique or significant natural resources.
Associate Planner Bachler
stated staff recommends approval of Ordinance Number 14-005 in
Planning Case 14-002 for an amendment to Section 1315.01 Zoning Map of the Arden Hills
Zoning Code as presented in the April 9, 2014, Report to the Planning Commission.
Associate Planner Bachler
reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this
matter:
1. Recommend Approval as Submitted
2. Recommend Approval with Changes
3. Recommend Denial
4. Table
Chair Larson
opened the floor to Commissioner comments.
Commissioner Zimmerman
asked if the City was putting the cart before the horse on this
matter. He stated the City was dealing with the Federal Government on the TCAAP property.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 201413
Associate Planner Bachler
stated that the Arden Hills Army Training Site was federally held
land. However, one of the main reasons for the rezoning was to create consistency between the
official zoning map and the Comprehensive Plan. In addition, the City does not want to
run the risk of federal land being sold for residential development.
Commissioner Holewa
did not object to the rezoning at this time.
Chair Larson
asked if the City received any comments from the Army.
Associate Planner Bachler
reported the City did not receive any comments from the Army.
Chair Larson
opened the public hearing at 7:41 p.m.
Chair Larson
invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment.
Chair Larson
There being no comment closed the public hearing at 7:42 p.m.
Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Thompson seconded a motion to
recommend approval of Ordinance Number 14-005 in Planning Case 14-002 for an
amendment to Section 1315.01 Zoning Map of the Arden Hills Zoning Code as presented
in the April 9, 2014, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously
(6-0).
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
Chair Larson
indicated the Commission and staff picnic would be held on July 22, 2014 at 6:00
p.m. at Cummings Park.
REPORTS
A.Report from the City Council
Councilmember Holmes
updated the Planning Commission on recent City Council activities
stating that at the March 10, 2014, City Council Meeting the Council voted to approve (5-0)
Planning Case 14-010 for an amendment to the Final PUD for Phase I of the Lexington Station
redevelopment project. The amendment allows for modifications to the design of the Phase I
building. The Planning Commission reviewed this case at their March 5, 2014, regular meeting
and recommended approval.
The City Council also approved (5-0) Planning Case 13-019 for an accessory structure at the
Gradient Financial property at 4105 Lexington Avenue. This case was tabled at the City Council
meeting on November 25, 2013, to allow the applicant additional time to research appropriate
building materials for the accessory structure. The Planning Commission reviewed Planning
Case 13-019 at their November 9, 2013, regular meeting and recommended approval.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 201414
On March 31, 2014, the City Council voted to approve (5-0) Ordinance Number 2014-003 to
amend the minimum unit size standards under the Multi-family Dwelling Units Additional
Conditional Use Permit Criteria in the Zoning Code. The amendment decreases the minimum
size of efficiencies units to 550 square feet, and increases the minimum size of two-bedroom and
three-bedroom units to 950 square feet and 1,200 square feet, respectively.
Councilmember Holmes
the reuse of the
Furniture property. She indicated the Council has had several special Work Sessions to discuss
the redevelopment of the TCAAP site.
B.TCAAP Update
City Planner Streff
stated that the City and Ramsey County are working together on a Request
for Proposals for an infrastructure study that will consider roadways, utilities, surface water
management, and grading. Ramsey County will be the lead agency for the contract that will
include analysis and preliminary design for the Spine Road and other infrastructure. City utilities
will be included in the study, and the City will be asked to enter into a cost-sharing agreement for
its portion of the contract. Staff expects that the RFP will be released in early April, and a
consultant will be selected by mid-May.
City Planner Streff
explained that special and regular City Council work session meetings have
been scheduled to discuss issues related to the Master Plan and City infrastructure. Discussion
topics are tentatively planned as follows:
March 31, 2014, Special Work Session following the regular meeting
April 14, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm
for Trunk Utilities
April 21, 2014, Regular Work Session at 5:00 pm
ls for Surface Water Management
April 28, 2014, Special Work Session following the regular meeting
-35W/Highway 96 Intersection Design Recommendation
Staff anticipated that additional regular and special work session meetings will be scheduled to
discuss TCAAP issues. Future meeting topics will be defined as those dates draw nearer.
Chair Larson
asked how much SAC credit exists on the TCAAP site.
City Planner Streff
stated there was a considerable amount of SAC credit on the property.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION April 9, 201415
Commissioner Zimmerman
questioned if the proposed Goodwill store was still being
considered by the City.
City Planner Streff
indicated this proposal was denied by the City Council. He commented that
litigation was pending on this case.
Commissioner Holewa
noted the Friends of the Park tree sale was taking place at this time. He
encouraged all residents to participate in the tree sale. Further information was available at City
ADJOURN
Commissioner Holewa moved, seconded by Commissioner Zimmerman, to adjourn the
April 9, 2014, Planning Commission Meeting at 7:56 p.m. The motion carried unanimously
(6-0).