Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-20-14-WS ,.It -fiIZEN�HILLS Approved: November 24, 2014 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 20,2014 5:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the City Council work session at 5:02 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden (arrived at 5:10 p.m.), Fran Holmes, Dave McClung (arrived at 5:04 p.m.), and Ed Werner Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Assistant City Engineer John Anderson; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; City Planner Ryan Streff; and City Clerk Amy Dietl Mayor Grant requested the Council have a TCAAP density discussion this evening. 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. TCAAP 1. County Road H Discussion Assistant City Engineer Anderson indicated that Ramsey County is taking the lead on the County Road H/Interstate 35W Interchange Design. The County has assembled a project management team (PMT) and is moving ahead with preliminary design of the interchange. He explained that Beth Engum with Ramsey County Public Works was in attendance to give a short presentation regarding the project design, and to collect feedback from the Council. Beth Engum, Ramsey County, reviewed the preliminary design for the County Road H intersection in detail with the Council. She discussed how traffic would flow through the intersection and into the thumb parcel. Councilmember Holden asked if the roundabout would have an inner and outer lane. Ms. Engum reported that this was the case. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 20, 2014 2 Further discussion ensued regarding the proposed intersection and trail system. Mayor Grant questioned if the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) supported the proposed intersection. Ms. Engum indicated that the RCWD has been supportive of the proposed plans for the County Road H intersection. Councilmember McClung asked if the City and County had enough funding to complete the intersection in one phase. Ms. Engum explained that the County was proposing to complete the project in one phase in 2016. She stated that she would be back in December to further discuss the plans for this intersection with the Council. She noted that the County would be holding a TCAAP open house on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Marsden Room. Councilmember Holden inquired how the cost sharing for this intersection would work. Ms. Engum reported that the cost sharing for County Road H would be similar to the County Road 96 intersection. Heather Worthington, Ramsey County, advised that the County would be requesting additional funding from the legislature in 2015. An additional $6.5 million would be requested. 2. Spine Road Discussion City Administrator Klaers stated that at the September 8th work session, Kent Carlson from Anderson Companies, indicated that a depth of 664 feet would be needed for double loading buildings in the flex zone. If this was what the City desired, then part of the Spine Road would need to be moved to the east. At that time, most of the Council felt that this idea was worth investigating. City Administrator Klaers explained that at the September 29th work session, Jon Horn from Kimley Horn, gave a verbal update on their analysis and the pros and cons for relocation of the Spine Road. Based on a number of site constraints and impacts to the wetlands on the site and future land uses, it was the recommendation of the City staff, the County staff, and the consultants to not move the Spine Road. At that work session, the Council asked if a smaller section of the Spine Road could be moved to the east to accommodate a limited amount of double loading in the flex zone. Heather Worthington, Ramsey County, reported that City and County representatives and the consulting team met with the Port Authority to discuss commercial lot depth requirements. She indicated that the County does not see a need to double load the lots, as single loaded lots would be marketable. She explained that the County was in favor of keeping the Spine Road alignment as proposed. Councilmember Holden asked how the County came to this decision. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 20, 2014 3 ' Ms. Worthington indicated that the site already has some areas where double loading can be accommodated and after much discussion on how moving the road would impact the wetlands and the planned land uses on the east side, the County, City and consulting group had come to a consensus not to realign the Spine Road. Councilmember Holmes recalled that the City was in favor of double loaded lots for aesthetic purposes. She was concerned over how this area of TCAAP would develop, the overall appearance of this area, and how visible the loading docks and the trailers would be from the Spine Road and the highways. Ms. Worthington commented that this appearance issue was discussed by the Port Authority. She explained that the buildings could be oriented in a U shape to allow them to have frontage along Highway 10 and the Spine Road. This would allow for the docks to be placed in the center. Mayor Grant was interested in seeing a Class A office building in this area with high quality jobs. Councilmember McClung stated his concerns over the appearance of the office/flex space developments and reported that a Class A office building may still require a loading dock. Mayor Grant thanked Ms. Worthington for her report and the Council for their comments on this topic. 3. Initial Density Discussion Mayor Grant requested that the Council hold an initial discussion on density for the TCAAP site. He questioned what the Council's vision was for the Hill, Creek and Town neighborhoods. Councilmember McClung commented that he did not want high density multi-family in the Creek. He suggested that the Council consider how much flexibility developers should be allowed to have within the three neighborhoods. Councilmember Holden suggested that the Council add density language to the Code to address the Council's concerns. Mayor Grant agreed stating that more than just setbacks had to be addressed in the Code in order to achieve the type of neighborhoods the Council had in mind. City Planner Streff explained that developers would be allowed to develop cottages or townhomes if their plans aligned with the TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC). He indicated that staff could review the Code further to incorporate more language on design, style and types of homes. Mayor Grant wanted to ensure that the City's vision for the housing mix is considered within the TRC. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 20, 2014 4 Councilmember McClung commented that a housing overlay district could be considered for the Creek and Hill neighborhoods. Mike Norton, JDA Legal Counsel, did not believe that the Council could control density by zone. Rather, this could be addressed by building mix, height, and setbacks. Councilmember McClung commented that the City could set a number of units per neighborhood in order to create an agreeable density range. City Administrator Klaers stated that the land use map and master plan was proposing to have predominantly single family homes in the Creek and the Hill with some townhomes or cottages along the side. Staff is evaluating how many large and small lots can be platted to see how this impacts density. At this time, the Creek neighborhood was proposed to have about 200 lots and the Hill would have about 400 lots. He noted that Town Center would have roughly 600 apartment units and 300 townhome units. He noted that none of these numbers have been finalized. Councilmember Holden wanted to see the zoning and mix of homes on TCAAP match the findings within the recent Maxfield study. Mayor Grant stated that it would be difficult for staff to not recommend future developments if the developer met all TRC requirements. City Planner Streff indicated that the density on TCAAP would also have to meet the City's Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember McClung commented that the Council was concerned with having too many similar looking units within each of the neighborhoods. He explained that the Council wanted to see some diversity between the neighborhoods, while also having different units mixed within each neighborhood. Mayor Grant expressed concern that none of the planning documents for TCAAP prohibited the site from having 2,500 residential units. He suggested that the City more clearly define its vision and what this means for density and draft language to support this vision. City Administrator Klaers appreciated the comments and direction provided by the Council. He stated that he would report back with density ranges. 4. Discuss Sign Standards (Chapter 11) City Planner Streff stated that the City Council previously discussed Chapter 11 (Sign Standards) of the TRC at their work session on September 15, 2014. Staff is requesting additional feedback from the Council specifically on the proposed dimensional standards and prohibited sign types. City Planner Streff explained that one of the principal differences between the sign standards included in the Arden Hills City Code and the TRC is the formula used for allotting signage per ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 20, 2014 5 property. The existing Sign Code divides the City into nine separate Sign Districts based on land use classification and type of frontages. Generally, properties in commercial districts with frontage on major arterials are permitted more signage than similar commercial properties on collector streets or properties in industrial and residential areas. In comparison, the TRC bases permitted signage on the size of the building and length of property frontage, as well as on land use classification. Permitted wall signage is determined by calculating the linear feet of the building's frontage multiplied by a certain ratio. Similarly, the allowed sign copy area on freestanding signs is determined by applying a ratio to the linear feet of property frontage along a street. City Planner Streff stated that as proposed, the TRC sign standards would permit certain sign types currently prohibited under the Arden Hills Sign Code. The TRC allows for the use of building projecting signs, roof signs, and tenant blade signs. The existing Sign Code prohibits both projecting signs and roof signs. Once adopted, for development in TCAAP, the TRC will supersede any regulations found in the Arden Hills Code, including restrictions on certain sign types. Staff reviewed the comments received from the Council to date regarding sign standards. Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the fact that I-35W and Highway 10 were being viewed the same as Highway 96 with regard to sign standards. She indicated that the speed limit was different between these roadways, along with the volume of traffic. She recommended that the Highway 96 signs be reduced to 70% of what would be allowed along 1-3 5W and Highway 10. City Planner Streff reported that staff had flagged this portion of Code and would be reviewing the highway monument signs for Highway 96 in further detail. He reviewed the sign sizes that would be allowed along the Spine Road and Highway 96. Councilmember Holmes did not want to see sign standards vary too greatly from the current City sign standard. Mayor Grant stated that he was not in favor of allowing tenant canopy signs. Councilmember McClung commented that he would not support building projecting signs in the neighborhood transition, retail mixed use, neighborhood or the overlay district. Councilmember Holden recommended that the sign code address proper and appropriate sign building materials. City Planner Streff commented that staff would review this matter further. Councilmember Holden indicated that the Council may have to review the current City sign standard after decisions were made on the TCAAP Sign Code in order to keep requirements consistent. Councilmember Holmes recommended that roof signs not be allowed. She suggested that monument signs not be too large. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— OCTOBER 20, 2014 6 Further discussion ensued regarding the items prohibited within the current Sign Code. Councilmember Holden discussed the use of sandwich board signs. She asked if the City would allow"H" signs (political style signs). City Planner Streff reviewed the temporary sign language in further detail with the Council. Councilmember Holden expressed concern with clear plastic signs noting that these often became cloudy in a short period of time and require maintenance. She suggested that the signs remain upscale with no marquees. Councilmember McClung supported theater as a permitted use in the Town Center. Councilmember Holden did not recommend private banners be hung on TCAAP properties. Councilmember Holmes suggested that the language be amended to read that banner signs may not be hung from utility poles. Associate Planner Bachler stated that the existing sign code does not allow banner signs to be attached to utility poles. Councilmember McClung suggested that the language regarding banner signs on TCAAP mirror current City Code. The Council asked for more information on wall signs and the 12% maximum recommendation. The Council agreed to not allow marquee signs in the CC and OMC zoning districts. The Council agreed to not allow banners to be hung from catenaries or utility poles. The Council asked staff to further investigate what other cities do with menu signs. There was Council consensus to restrict the height of the base of corridor monument signs. Staff would discuss this matter with neighboring communities and would report back to the Council. There was Council consensus to prohibit streaming and video (dynamic display) signs. Mayor Grant suggested that the use of LED lights be limited within the sign code. 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES Councilmember Holmes commented that she finally understood how the JDA and the City Council would work together to develop TCAAP. She stated that she didn't fully support the governance and the fact that the JDA could go 10% above or below the TRC standards without seeking City approval. She thought that the variance procedure should remain in place due to the fact this was the way the City has been operating for the past 50 years. She did not believe that Council review of all TCAAP developments would slow down the approval process. Mr. Norton stated that he did not believe that the 10% rule would be used all that often. He understood that there was a dynamic tension between the City and the JDA, which was the reason ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 20, 2014 7 why Brad Lonberger (Gateway Planning Group) had proposed that the Special Project District required a 4/5's vote from the JDA. He discussed the 60-day rule and reiterated that the current governance documents do not provide for the City to review each development request. Councilmember Holmes recommended that all setbacks in the Town Center and shopping areas be 5-5-5 or 15 foot setbacks in total. This proposed setback would allow for pedestrian traffic, trees, lighting, sandwich signs, planters, and outdoor seating. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council work session at 8:12 p.m. � t %G- d-- Amy Dietl David Grant City Clerk Mayor