HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-24-14-R �-SIZEN HILLS
Approved: January 12, 2015
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 24, 2014
7:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the regular City
Council meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Dave
McClung, 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; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; City Planner Ryan Streff;
City Attorney Joel Jamnik; and City Clerk Amy Dietl
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried
unanimously(5-0).
2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
None.
3. STAFF COMMENTS
A. TCAAP Update
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated Staff and consultants are scheduling
work for the regulations and policies component of the master planning process. The following
schedule allows City Council adoption of the TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) by the end of
February. Preliminary approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment to allow the beginning of
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 2
the adjacent city and Metropolitan Council review process could occur either on February 23,
2015, or shortly thereafter. A tentative meeting schedule is listed below:
November 24, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Review Single Family Zoning and Design Standards
December 1, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Council Chambers
• County Road H intersection (Infrastructure)
• Spine Road/County Road I/Thumb Road Update(Infrastructure)
• Stormwater Update (Infrastructure)
• Final Review Chapter 11 (Signage)
December 8, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Preview of Infrastructure Open House scheduled for December 9, 2014
• Master Plan Document
December 15, 2014, Regular Work Session at 5:00 pm, Council Chambers
• Panel Discussion with Multi-Family Developers
• Town Center and Neighborhood Transition Zoning
• Multi-Family Design Standards
January 5, 2015, Special Work Session at 6:30 pm(following JDA meeting), Council Chambers
• Design Standards for Retail, Office, Flex Office and Gateway Districts
• Exterior Materials
January 12, 2015, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Preliminary Plat Review (Infrastructure)
• Final Review Chapters 6-7 (Building Site Development Standards, Building Design
Standards)
January 20, 2015, Regular Work Session at 5:00 pm, Council Chambers
• JDA Approval Process
• Final Review Chapters 1-3 (Introduction, Components of the Code, Administration)
• Ramsey County Response to Draft TRC and Future Land Use Map
January 26, 2015, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Final Review Future Land Use Map
• Final Review Chapters 4-5 (Definitions, Permitted Uses)
February 2, 2015, Special Work Session at 6:30 pm(following JDA meeting), Council Chambers
• Final Gateway Planning Workshop
o Presentation of Final Draft of TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC)
o Final Comments and Revisions
February 17, 2015, Regular Work Session at 5:00 pm, Council Chambers
• Comprehensive Plan Amendment Discussion
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 3
February 18, 2015, Special Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 pm, Council Chambers
• Public Hearings
o Final Master Plan document
o TCAAP Redevelopment Code
o Future Land Use Map
February 23, 2015, Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm, Council Chambers
• Approval of Master Plan
• Adoption of TRC
Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that additional regular and special
work session meetings may be scheduled to discuss regulations and policies, the infrastructure
study, and other TCAAP issues. Topics for future meetings will be identified as those dates draw
nearer.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. October 13, 2014, Regular City Council
B. October 20, 2014, City Council Work Session
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a
motion to approve the October 13, 2014, Regular City Council meeting
minutes; and October 20, 2014, Work Session minutes as presented. The
motion carried unanimously (5-0).
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll
B. Motion to Acknowledge the Application of Catholic United Financial for an
Exempt Permit to Conduct a Raffle with the Drawing being March 19, 2015, with
No Waiting Period
C. Nextel Lease Termination Agreement
D. Resolution 2014-060 Accepting the Liability Coverage Limits from the League of
Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) for 2015
E. Resolution Authorizing the Application for Recycling SCORE Grant Funds from
Ramsey County
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize
execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
6. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 4
A. County Road E (B-2 District) Improvements — Public Hearing/Assessment
Hearing(Continued from November 10, 2014, City Council Meeting)
• Resolution 2014-055 Ordering the Improvement
• Resolution 2014-056 Adopting the Assessment Roll
• Resolution 2014-057 Approving the Plans and Specifications and
Ordering the Advertisement for Bids
Mayor Grant explained that this public hearing was opened on November 10"' and was
continued to today due to the weather that evening.
Public Works Director Maurer stated the Council was being asked to Order the Improvement,
Adopt the Assessment Roll; and Approve the Plans and Specifications and Order the
Advertisement for Bids for the County Road E (B-2 District) improvements. He discussed the
proposed improvements for the corridor, along with Connelly Avenue and Pine Tree Drive
improvements in detail with the Council. It was noted the roadway surface would be milled,
overlaid and restriped. Staff provided comment on the trees and lighting that would be installed
along the County Road E.
Public Works Director Maurer explained the project would cost just under $2 million and the
County would be covering $1.4 million of this expense. The City would be responsible for
$547,824 of the project costs and of that amount, $188,584 would be assessed to benefiting
property owners. He reported that the assessment amounts would be spread out over seven years
with a 4.2% interest rate.
Public Works Director Maurer reviewed the project timeline and recommended the Council
order the improvements,plans and specifications and assessment roll.
Councilmember Holden asked if staff received an email from Ted Brausen.
Public Works Director Maurer stated he had not and requested Councilmember Holden
forward this correspondence to staff.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.
Dan Flaherty, 1273 West County Road E, did not believe the Connelly Avenue portion of the
project was necessary. He stated the striping of the street centerline addressed the traffic
concerns.
There being no further comments, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:19 p.m.
Councilmember Holmes explained she visited Connelly Avenue on several different occasions.
She thought that the new striping nicely defined the roadway. She recommended that the
Connelly Avenue assessment be removed from the proposed project and assessment roll.
Councilmember Werner concurred with this recommendation.
Councilmember Holden asked if the Sheriff had any concerns with the traffic at this intersection.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 5
Public Works Director Maurer reported that after speaking with the Sheriff's Department there
were few accidents in the general area and none that could be attributable to the current driveway
locations. He indicated the Sheriff had no recommendations for improvements needed in this
area.
Mayor Grant did not want to see the City over engineer this roadway. He believed that the new
striping has addressed the traffic concerns for these two adjacent businesses.
Councilmember McClung supported removing the proposed improvements for Connelly
Avenue from the County Road E project and assessment roll. He reported that these
improvements and the assessment for this work could be revisited if a need arose in the future.
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution #2014-055 — Ordering the Improvement removing
the proposed improvements for Connelly Avenue.
Councilmember Holmes explained the Council has discussed this project in detail at several
meetings.
Councilmember McClung believed the project would be a positive improvement for the B-2
District businesses and for all Arden Hills residents.
The motion carried (5-0).
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution #2014-056 — Adopting the Assessment Roll
removing the Connelly Avenue portion of the proiect. The motion carried (5-
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution 92014-057 — Approving the Plans and
Specifications and Ordering the Advertisement for Bids as amended removing
the Connelly Avenue portion of the proiect. The motion carried (5-0).
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. TCAAP Energy Integration and Resiliency Framework — Policy White Paper
Review
City Planner Streff stated on August 4, 2014, the Joint Development Authority (JDA) appointed
an Energy Resilience Advisory Board (ERAB) for the redevelopment of the TCAAP property.
The role of the ERAB is to assist staff and consultants in the development of an Energy
Integration and Resiliency Framework (EIRF) and Policy White Paper for TCAAP. It is intended
that this team will establish a foundation for cost effective, energy efficient alternatives and
opportunities for TCAAP over the next 50 years. A project team led by Ever-Green Energy,
Burns and McDonnell, Center for Energy and Environment, and Fresh Energy was selected to
prepare the EIRF and Policy White Paper.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 6
City Planner Streff commented that over the past few months, during the first phase, the ERAB
has assisted in the preparation of the Policy White Paper. This document was developed from
discussion with the ERAB along with input from both City and County staff. A presentation of
the Policy White Paper was given to the JDA at their November 3, 2014, meeting. After review
and comment the JDA formally accepted the Policy White Paper and expressed their support for
the ERAB as they continue to work on the EIRF.
City Planner Streff indicated that during the second phase, the ERAB along with City and
County staff will evaluate the most relevant energy opportunities for the TCAAP property. It is
anticipated that the second phase will be completed by the end of March 2015.
Greg Mack, Project Manager for the ERAB, reviewed the work being completed by the ERAB
for the TCAAP site. He explained that the JDA appointed the ERAB and he introduced the
members serving on this group, noting Lyle Salmela was serving as the Chair of the Board. He
thanked Councilmember Holden for serving as the Council liaison.
Lyle Salmela, 1480 Arden Vista Court, thanked the Council for supporting him on the ERAB.
He discussed the challenges facing the ERAB when addressing the concept of sustainable energy
on the TCAAP site. He noted that solar and geothermal energy may be a possibility for the site.
Michael Hearne, Ever-Green Energy, explained that he was excited to be a part of the ERAB and
their efforts to determine the future energy needs for TCAAP. He discussed how the White Paper
was created by the ERAB with the assistance of local stakeholders. He indicated the Energy
Integration and Resiliency Framework was designed to build upon the White Paper
recommendations, while looking forward 50 years.
Mr. Hearne stated the energy vision for TCAAP will be to have a vibrant development that
leverages long term energy conservation and resilience to attract investment and partnerships that
achieves sustainable benefits for Arden Hills and the surrounding community. He then reviewed
the guiding principles set by the ERAB along with the group's next steps.
Mayor Grant requested that Mr. Hearne introduce his partners or colleagues to the Council.
Mr. Hearne introduced Sarah Lynch from Fresh Energy, along with Janie Edwards and Megan
Hoy from the Center for Energy and Environment. He reported he was also working with Burns
&McDonald out of Kansas City, who were unable to attend the meeting this evening.
Councilmember Holden referred to the actions and items that can be addressed by the Council
up front for TCAAP. She encouraged the Council to review these items within the White Paper
and consider what actions should be taken. She hoped to have the site be a nationwide leader for
its energy conservation.
Mayor Grant explained the Council would continue to work on the planning for TCAAP, along
with its infrastructure, utilities and energy use.
Councilmember McClung thanked the ERAB and its consultants for the report.
Mr. Mack discussed how community education would be important to demonstrate the
possibilities of what could be for the TCAAP site. He encouraged the Council to remain flexible
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 7
throughout the planning process. He stated that many more people need to be invited to the table
in order to fully discuss the opportunities available within the TCAAP redevelopment. He then
reviewed the ERAB's next steps.
Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that the vision of the ERAB could be
considered by the Council within the draft TRC.
Mayor Grant asked if the Council had any feedback for the ERAB.
The Council supported the current vision and direction of the ERAB.
Mayor Grant looked forward to the future work of the ERAB and thanked all who contributed to
the White Paper.
B. Planning Case 14-027 — Variance — Transwestern Management — 1160 Grey
Fox Road
City Planner Streff stated that Transwestern manages the property located at 1160 Grey Fox
Road, which is zoned B-3 Service Business District. The property is generally positioned north of
the Canadian Pacific Rail Line, south of Grey Fox Road, east of Dunlap Street North and west of
Lexington Avenue.
City Planner Streff explained that the applicant is proposing to add an additional parking area
consisting of thirty-three (33) parking spaces to the property. The new parking area would be
located along the western property line and adjacent to the property located at 1230 Grey Fox
Road. Transwestern has reviewed the parking needs with the tenant and it has been deemed that
the current parking area is insufficient based on the number of parking spaces required for their
use. Based on the review performed by Transwestern fifty-three (53) parking spaces are needed
for their use, however, only thirty-three (33) parking spaces can be constructed on this site. The
remaining twenty (20) spaces being requested by the tenant are being proposed off-site in the Site
Plan Review and Variance request in Planning Case 2014-028.
City Planner Streff commented that as indicated by the applicant, the new parking area would be
constructed along the western property line and over an existing infiltration basin used to collect
runoff from the two parking lots surrounding the drainage area. A replacement sub grade
infiltration basin is being proposed for the area beneath the new parking area. This basin would
outlet into the newly constructed retention pond proposed at the northern end of the property. The
storm water management plan for this area has been reviewed and conditional approval granted
by the Rice Creek Watershed District. The Assistant City Engineer has also given conditional
approval of the Grading and Erosion Control Plan contingent on the approval of this planning
case (Attachment 1).
City Planner Streff stated that the applicant has indicated that the new parking area would have
access from both the subject property and the adjacent property to the west located at 1230 Grey
Fox Road. Both of these parcels are owned by the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company.
The City would require that a cross access easement agreement be filed with Ramsey County in
order to permit access to the new parking area from 1230 Grey Fox Road.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 8
City Planner Streff reviewed the Plan Evaluation and Variance Evaluation Criteria in detail with
the Council.
City Planner Streff offered the following eighteen (18) Findings of Fact:
General Findings
1. That the property is located in the B-3 Service Business Zoning District.
2. That the lot is 333,523 square feet in size with approximate dimensions of 430 feet in
width, and 745 feet in depth.
3. That the property consists of a principal building of 132,247 square feet in size.
4. That the property is accessed off of Grey Fox Road.
5. That the Zoning Code requires that there are 133 parking spaces for this use.
6. That the parking lot currently contains 148 parking spaces.
7. That the new parking area will consist of 33 new parking spaces.
8. That after completion of the parking lot expansion project the property will contain 181
parking spaces.
9. That the new parking area will have access from the adjoining property to the west along
with access from the existing parking lot.
10. That a variance is being requested to further reduce the amount of landscaping coverage
from 24.06%to 20.32% and to increase the impervious coverage from 75.94%to 79.68%.
11. That a variance is being requested to permit 100% of the parking within the side yard of
the property.
Variance Findings:
12. That when compared to other properties in the direct vicinity this parcel may not be
considered unique to the surrounding area because of similar nonconforming site
conditions. It is unclear if the proposal is in harmony with the purpose and intent of the
Zoning Ordinance as the Ordinance generally allows flexibility for unique parcels and
situations when impacts to surrounding properties are minimized.
13. That the proposal is consistent with the Arden Hills Comprehensive Plan as it allows for
the reasonable use of property within the B-3 Service Business Zoning District.
14. That surface parking lots are permitted within the B-3 Service Business Zoning District.
15. That the lot is currently fully developed making an expansion of the surface parking lot to
other areas on the property very limited due to the size of the current building and existing
parking area.
16. That the proposed parking area would be visible from neighboring properties; however,
increased landscaping and tree plantings will help soften the impact of the additional
parking area on surrounding property owners.
17. That the proposed parking area is unlikely to have negative impacts to the property or to
the neighborhood as a whole.
18. That the proposed plans and requested variance for the additional parking area does not
appear to be based on economic considerations alone.
City Planner Streff explained the Findings of Fact for this Site Plan Review and Variance do not
directly support a recommendation for approval or denial. However, if the City Council chooses
to either approve or deny, the Findings of Fact would need to be amended to reflect these reasons.
He reported that during their meeting on November 5, 2014, the Planning Commission did not
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 9
approve, deny or table this request. Both the motion to approve and the motion to table resulted in
a split vote (3-3). Therefore, the Planning Commission forwarded this Site Plan Review and
Variance request to the City Council with no recommendation. If the City Council approves the
Site Plan Review and Variance, staff has offered the following eight (8) conditions:
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 the variance shall permit the reduction of landscaping coverage from 24.06% to
20.32% and increase the impervious coverage from 75.94%to 79.68%.
3. That the applicant shall submit a financial surety in the amount of 125 percent of the
estimated costs of landscaping prior to the issuance of a grading permit. The financial
surety shall be in the form of a letter of credit issued by a FDIC-insured Minnesota bank.
The purpose of the letter of credit is to ensure that landscaping is completed in the event
that the developer defaults on the approved plan. The City will hold the letter of credit for
two years after the installation of landscaping. The letter of credit should not expire during
the two-year period.
4. That the final tree and landscaping plan shall be approved by the City before the issuance
of the grading permit to ensure that the plan meets the landscaping regulations stated in
Section 1325.05 of the City Code.
5. That any newly created parking space or parking area shall meet the parking regulations
stated in Section 1325.05 of the City Code.
6. That a Grading and Erosion Control Permit shall be issued by the City before the
commencement of any construction, grading or disturbance of soil within the parking lot
area.
7. That a cross access easement agreement shall be filed with Ramsey County in order to
permit access to the new parking area from 1230 Grey Fox Road.
8. That the project shall be approved by the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD).
Councilmember Holden asked who would be responsible for maintaining the current swale
located between the two properties.
City Planner Streff indicated that the property owner currently maintains the swale between
1230 Grey Fox Road and 1160 Grey Fox Road.
John Thompson, Transwestern, explained that Traveler's Insurance has occupied this site (1160
Grey Fox Road) for the past 25 years. He reviewed the landscaping and beautification efforts that
Traveler's has made along Dunlap Avenue. He noted that Taylor Corporation was interested in
renting a portion of this property which has led to the need for additional parking. He reviewed
how water currently runs off of the site, along with how the runoff would be managed through the
proposed holding pond. He noted that he recently signed a 5 year renewal with Taylor
Corporation with the understanding that the parking would be approved.
Councilmember Holmes requested further information on Venture Solutions.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 10
Frances Path, Vice President of Operations for Venture Solutions at 1170 Grey Fox Road,
explained that her organization completes compliance mailings for regulatory, 529 or HIPA
statements. She reported 850 million pieces would be mailed out of their facility in 2014.
Mayor Grant requested further information on how the water runoff from the additional 33
parking spaces would make its way from the parking lot to the holding pond.
Steve Gaybauer, Clark Engineering, introduced himself to the Council and explained there were
two storm inlets within the 33 parking stalls. He indicated the water would run through these
inlets to the infiltration basin. He pointed out the location of the two inlets in the parking lot,
noting that a 1, 2, 10 and 100 year rain event could be managed by the site.
Mayor Grant commented that the City Engineer has reviewed the plans and has recommended
approval, along with the Rice Creek Watershed District.
Councilmember Werner questioned if the site was currently short on parking.
Mr. Thompson explained that the additional parking would be necessary after Taylor
Corporation purchases an adjacent property and expands their business.
Ms. Path commented that Taylor Corporation was currently short on parking and was utilizing 10
to 20 spaces at Cub Foods.
Councilmember Holden asked if the infiltration basin piping would run under the green space or
the parking lot.
Mr. Gaybauer reported the piping would run under the parking lot and curbing.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a
motion to approve Planning Case 14-027 for a Site Plan Review and Variance
to expand the existing parking lot at 1160 Grey Fox Road, based on the
findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the eight (8)
conditions in the November 24, 2014, Report to the City Council.
Mayor Grant believed that the site would benefit from the additional parking as it was clearly
located in a business district and the City changing its regulations a few years ago had caused this
property to be non-conforming.
The motion carried (5-0).
C. Planning Case 14-028 —Variance—Transwestern Management—3728 Dunlap
Street North
City Planner Streff stated that Transwestern manages the property located at 3728 Dunlap Street
North, which is zoned B-4 Service Business District. The property is generally positioned north of
Grey Fox Road, south of Red Fox Road, east of Dunlap Street North and west of Lexington
Avenue.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 11
City Planner Streff indicated that the applicant is proposing to add an additional parking area
consisting of twenty (20) parking spaces to the property. The proposed parking area would be
constructed just south of the existing building and north of Grey Fox Road with access provided
from Grey Fox Road. This new parking area would be an extension to the west of the existing
parking area.
City Planner Streff explained that the proposed parking area to be constructed at 3728 Dunlap
Street North would be utilized by the tenant at 1160 Grey Fox Road in order to meet their parking
needs. As stated in Planning Case 14-027, Transwestern has reviewed the current parking needs
of the tenant at 1160 Grey Fox Road and determined that parking at this site alone is not adequate
for the tenant's use of the property. Based on the review performed by Transwestern, fifty-three
(53) additional parking spaces are needed for the use at 1160 Grey Fox Road. If the Site Plan
Review and Variance in Planning Case 14-027 is approved for an additional thirty-three (33)
parking spaces then the site at 3728 Dunlap Street North would only require a parking area for
twenty (20) additional parking spaces. Transwestern attempted to fit all the parking spaces within
the parcel located at 1160 Grey Fox Road, however, only thirty-three (33) parking spaces could
be constructed on the site.
City Planner Streff reported that in order to address storm water issues a bio-retention basin has
been proposed to capture the additional runoff from the new parking area. The storm water
management plan for this area has been reviewed and conditional approval granted by the Rice
Creek Watershed District. The Assistant City Engineer has also given conditional approval of the
Grading and Erosion Control Plan contingent on the approval of this planning case (See
Attachment I).
City Planner Streff commented that both of the parcels discussed in this case and in Planning
Case 14-027 are owned by the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company. The City would
require that a cross access easement agreement be filed with Ramsey County in order to permit
access to the new parking area from Grey Fox Road for the employees at 1160 Grey Fox Road. A
parking easement over the dedicated twenty (20) parking spaces would also be required by the
City in order to permanently permit the use of these parking spaces by the tenant of 1160 Grey
Fox Road.
City Planner Streff reviewed the Plan Evaluation and Variance Evaluation Criteria in detail with
the Council.
City Planner Streff offered the following seventeen (17) Findings of Fact:
General Findings
1. That the property is located in the B-4 Retail Center Zoning District.
2. That the lot is 116,244 square feet in size with approximate dimensions of 270 feet in
width, and 430 feet in depth.
3. That the property consists of a principal building of 44,590 square feet in size.
4. That the property has access off of both Dunlap Street North and Grey Fox Road.
5. That the Zoning Code requires that there are 45 parking spaces for this use.
6. That the parking lot currently contains 53 parking spaces.
7. That the new parking area will consist of 20 new parking spaces. These spaces will be
utilized by the tenant located at 1160 Grey Fox Road.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 12
8. That after completion of the parking lot expansion project the property will contain 73
parking spaces.
9. That the new parking area will have access from the adjoining parking area to the east
with access from Grey Fox Road.
10. That a variance is being requested to reduce the amount of landscaping coverage from
15.75%to 10.98% and to increase the impervious coverage from 84.25%to 89.02%.
Variance Findings:
11. That when compared to other properties in the direct vicinity this parcel may not be
considered unique to the surrounding area because of similar nonconforming site
conditions. It is unclear if the proposal is in harmony with the purpose and intent of the
Zoning Ordinance as the Ordinance generally allows flexibility for unique parcels and
situations when impacts to surrounding properties are minimized.
12. That the proposal is consistent with the Arden Hills Comprehensive Plan as it allows for
the reasonable use of property within the B-4 Retail Center Zoning District.
13. That surface parking lots are permitted within the B-4 Retail Center Zoning District.
14. That the lot is currently fully developed making an expansion of the surface parking lot to
other areas on the property very limited due to the size of the current building and existing
parking area.
15. That the proposed parking area would be visible from neighboring properties; however,
increased landscaping and tree plantings will help soften the impact of the additional
parking area on surrounding property owners.
16. That the proposed parking area is unlikely to have negative impacts to the property or to
the neighborhood as a whole.
17. That the proposed plans and requested variance for the additional parking area does not
appear to be based on economic considerations alone.
City Planner Streff explained that the Findings of Fact for this Site Plan Review and Variance
do not directly support a recommendation for approval or denial. However, if the City Council
chooses to either approve or deny, the Findings of Fact would need to be amended to reflect these
reasons. He reported that during their meeting on November 5, 2014, the Planning Commission
did not approve, deny or table this request. The motion to approve resulted in a split vote (3-3).
Therefore, the Planning Commission forwarded this Site Plan Review and Variance request to the
City Council with no recommendation. If the City Council approves the Site Plan Review and
Variance, staff has offered the following nine (9) conditions:
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 the variance shall permit a reduction in the amount of landscaping coverage from
15.75% to 10.98% and increase in the amount of impervious coverage from 84.25% to
89.02%.
3. That the applicant shall submit a financial surety in the amount of 125 percent of the
estimated costs of landscaping prior to the issuance of a grading permit. The financial
surety shall be in the form of a letter of credit issued by a FDIC-insured Minnesota bank.
The purpose of the letter of credit is to ensure that landscaping is completed in the event
that the developer defaults on the approved plan. The City will hold the letter of credit for
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 13
two years after the installation of landscaping. The letter of credit should not expire during
the two-year period.
4. That the final tree and landscaping plan shall be approved by the City before the issuance
of the grading permit to ensure that the plan meets the landscaping regulations stated in
Section 1325.05 of the City Code.
5. That any newly created parking space or parking area shall meet the parking regulations
stated in Section 1325.05 of the City Code.
6. That a Grading and Erosion Control Permit shall be issued by the City before the
commencement of any construction, grading or disturbance of soil within the parking lot
area.
7. That a cross access and easement agreement shall be filed with Ramsey County in order to
permit access to the new parking area from Grey Fox Road for the employees at 1160
Grey Fox Road.
8. That a parking easement over the dedicated twenty (20) parking spaces shall be filed with
Ramsey County in order to permanently permit the use of these parking spaces by the
tenant of 1160 Grey Fox Road.
9. That the project shall be approved by the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD).
Mayor Grant requested further information on the landscape plan.
City Planner Streff reviewed the landscape plan as presented by Clark Engineering noting
additional trees were being proposed along Grey Fox Road.
Councilmember McClung encouraged the applicant to place additional landscaping along the
building fagade.
City Planner Streff shared several photos of the building elevations and noted the existing
landscaping along the building fagade.
Chris Hanson, Transwestern, discussed the proposed landscaping in further detail with the
Council. He noted tall grasses were being proposed along the parking lot.
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to
approve Planning Case 14-028 for a Site Plan Review and Variance to expand
the existing parking lot at 3728 Dunlap Street North, based on the findings of
fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the nine (9) conditions in the
November 24, 2014, Report to the City Council.
Mayor Grant asked if the Findings of Fact needed to be addressed prior to approval.
City Planner Streff explained that Variance Finding #11 should be addressed by the Council,
and if the Council believed this was a unique parcel in this Zoning District.
Mayor Grant commented that the building was conforming when it was built and no longer
conformed due to changes made to the Zoning District. He believed the request would allow the
building to be used in a reasonable manner.
The motion carried (5-0).
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 24. 2014 14
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
10. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember McClung explained he attended the Ramsey County League of Local
Government's Annual Meeting and heard a presentation on the recent election.
Councilmember Werner appreciated the new free plantings in Valentine Park.
Councilmember Holmes commented on November 18th and November 19th the Pavement
Management Plan for 2015 was discussed. She thanked staff for the thorough presentations made
both evenings.
Mayor Grant wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to
adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
Ma or Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:14 p
Amy Dietl David Grant
City Clerk Mayor