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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-15-R .It �-fiI2EN HILLS Approved: March 9, 2015 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26,2015 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 Robert Woodburn Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Assistant City Engineer John Anderson; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner Ryan Streff; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; City Attorney Joel Jamnik; and City Clerk Amy Dietl PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIESANFORMATIONAL None. 3. STAFF COMMENTS A. TCAAP Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that a final draft of the TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) will be presented to the City Council on February 2, 2015. Ramsey County has requested that a "fit test" be completed prior to official approval of the TRC and Comprehensive Plan amendment. The County's stated purpose of the fit test is to: ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 2 • See how the neighborhoods meet the City's and County's shared vision; • Offer the market a more complete view of the TRC; and • Add financial perspective for the TRC and County marketing efforts through a market study. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that work on the fit study is expected to take approximately 60 days following the City Council's completion of work on the TRC. Ramsey County has offered to pay for this study. A revised meeting and approval schedule will be compiled. Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed the upcoming meeting schedule and noted that the Council would be meeting on the following dates: January 26, 2015, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room • Final Review Chapters 1-2 (Introduction, Components of the Code) • Review Land Use Map 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) Staff explained that additional regular and special work sessions will be scheduled to discuss the infrastructure study and other TCAAP issues. Mayor Grant asked if a consulting firm has been hired for the tit test. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that she did not believe that had been done yet. Councilmember Holden asked how long the fit study would take to complete and questioned if the Council would be a partner in this initiative and be allowed to review the information. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that she understood that the City would be a partner in the study. She explained that the County wanted the City to review the fit test results prior to approving the TRC. She anticipated that the information would be provided to the Council in a timely manner in order to keep the TRC approval process moving forward. Councilmember Holmes asked if the Council would have a 60 day hiatus of work sessions in order to wait for the fit test results. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that staff would be meeting with the County to discuss this matter further and when information was available, it would be forwarded to the City Council. She anticipated that work sessions would still be held to allow the Council to further discuss and review the TRC and other TCAAP-related items. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 3 Mayor Grant stated that the Council should continue to review the TRC while awaiting the results of the fit test. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. December 8, 2014, Special City Council Work Session B. December 15, 2014, Special City Council Meeting MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the December 8, 2014, special City Council work session minutes; and December 15, 2014, special City Council meeting 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 Approve Appointment of Recreation Programmer C. Motion to Adopt Resolution 2015-005 Entering Into a Limited Use Permit with MnDOT for Lexington Avenue Improvements D. Motion to Adopt Resolution 2015-006 Requesting a Municipal State Aid Advance to Fund Projects in 2015 E. Motion to Approve Appointment of Steve Heikkila as Chair of the Economic Development Commission(EDC) F. Motion to Approve Merrick, Inc. Gambling Permit MOTION: Councilmember McClung 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 A. 2015 Pavement Management Program—Grant Noble Neighborhood Assistant City Engineer Anderson stated that on December 8, 2014, the City Council received the feasibility report for the 2015 Pavement Management Plan for the Grant/Noble/Lake Lane Neighborhood Improvement Project and ordered a public hearing for January 26, 2015. He presented the Council with general information regarding construction, standards, and assessments that apply for this project. Following Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429, notice of the public hearing was posted twice prior to the meeting; this was done in the Bulletin on January 14 and January 21, 2015. A notice was also sent to each property proposed to be assessed as a part of this project. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 4 Assistant City Engineer Anderson reviewed the two options for the street improvement project as noted within the feasibility study. The first option, reconstruction, involves fully rebuilding the road base and surface and is the most intrusive option as well as the more costly option. The reconstruction option also includes the addition of concrete curb and gutter throughout the entire neighborhood. The second option, reclamation, involves pulverizing the existing bituminous surface and recycling that material to be used as an aggregate base. This option is less expensive and has less impact to the surrounding properties. The existing street has bituminous curb in some locations to direct drainage or support steep boulevard grades. Bituminous curb would not be possible to be replaced in the reclamation option due to the grades and the need to build the road surface up. Assistant City Engineer Anderson reported that based on the survey results received from area residents, 44% supported a reconstruction project and.47% supported reclamation, while 8% had no preference. Staff recommended that once the hearing is closed, the Council order the improvements and preparation of plans and specifications, while also providing direction on how the project should proceed; reconstruction or reclamation. Mayor Grant requested further information on the proposed drainage for this project. Assistant City Engineer Anderson commented that with the reconstruction option, the grade of the road could be altered and the drainage for the Grant and Noble neighborhoods could be addressed. If a reclamation project were chosen, the drainage would remain as is. Councilmember Holden asked if the street would be widened and if any trees would be lost. Assistant City Engineer Anderson stated that a tree survey was completed and no trees would be removed unless indicated by the survey and discussed with the homeowner. Councilmember McClung requested further clarification on the price differences between reclamation versus reconstruction. Assistant City Engineer Anderson discussed the pricing differences for the two alternative projects. Councilmember McClung questioned if the City would be receiving any economies of scale by bidding out two pavement management projects this spring. Assistant City Engineer Anderson anticipated that the City would receive more competitive bids this spring because of the economies of scale. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:47 p.m. Brent Bartel, 3377 Lake Johanna Boulevard, explained that his driveway abuts Lake Lane. He discussed the feasibility study findings and believed that a full reconstruction would better address the ponding concerns more than a reclamation project. He provided comment on the poor quality of the asphalt curbs currently in place and recommended that asphalt curbs not be pursued. He supported the extra$1,000 in assessments to have the concrete curbs installed. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 5 Kirk Soldner, 1923 Noble Road, explained that he has lived in his home since 1987. He believed that Noble Road has had a lack of maintenance. He appreciated the lower asphalt curb as it offered residents easier access to their lots. Robert Johnson, 1902 Noble Road, stated that he has lived in his home since 1989 and lives next to the walking path. He discussed how the water runs down the street to the walking path; then leaves the street and pools in his yard. He requested that this situation be addressed through the street improvement project. Robert Gibson, 1860 Lake Lane, reported that he has been a resident since 1975. He commented that he could support the concrete curb given the fact that the assessment amounts were so close. He encouraged the City to properly maintain the new roadway after it was completed. Steve Scott, 1870 Lake Lane, understood that Grant and Noble were in poor condition. He did not believe that Lake Lane had the same issues. He did not feel it was fair to assess each lot equally when the roadway conditions varied. He then discussed the lack of maintenance on these roadways and recommended that the City create a maintenance schedule for its streets. Mayor Grant requested comment from staff on the City's road maintenance program. Public Works Director Maurer discussed the City's current road maintenance program noting that the current Council has been aggressive in budgeting funds for crack filling and seal coating. He anticipated that the new streets would be seal coated after three to five years and then routine crack filling/seal coating would be completed on a seven to ten year cycle. Amy Fleury, 1936 Grant Road, commented that she lives on a corner property and the asphalt in front of her home is in poor condition. She supported concrete curbs and believed that this would hold up much better long-term. Chad Myers, 3441 Lake Johanna Boulevard, stated that he has lived in his home for the past year and a half. He supported the full reconstruction project with concrete curb and gutter. He believed this would better address the water and drainage concerns in his neighborhood. Paul Spencer, 1863 Lake Lane, supported concrete curb and gutter and wanted Lake Lane to look the same as the other roadways in his neighborhood. Carl Stampfle, 1935 Grant Road, indicated that he has lived in his home since 1975. He reported that he has standing water on the road in front of his home after every rain event. For this reason, he supported a full reconstruction project in order for the grading concerns on the roadway to be properly addressed. Vaughn Morin, 1889 Grant Road, asked if the sanitary sewer lines would be replaced. He commented that he replaced his line from the house to the street in 2011. He stated that he supported a reconstruction project. Public Works Director Maurer reported that sanitary sewer lines, from the main to the house, were the responsibility of the homeowner. He commented that the City was responsible for water ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 6 lines from the main to the curb stop. He encouraged Mr. Morin to coordinate a sewer line replacement with the City through this PMP project. Mayor Grant suggested that Mr. Morin contact City staff to discuss this matter further. Todd Durand, 1828 Lake Lane, discussed the existing bituminous curb. He explained that water has washed away the curb in some portions of the roadway which was making it difficult for the snow plow drivers. He recommended that the street project be a full reconstruction with concrete curb and gutters. Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:19 p.m. Councilmember Holmes discussed the drainage concerns surrounding the walking path and asked how staff would address this issue. Assistant City Engineer Anderson explained that staff has completed extra topography in this area and will have an extra drain installed in the appropriate area. Councilmember Holden requested that staff provide comment on how the construction timeline would be made known to the impacted residents. Assistant City Engineer Anderson explained the various ways staff and the contractor would be in communication with the residents regarding the construction timeline. MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Woodburn seconded a motion to Adopt Resolution #2015-007 — Ordering the Improvement and preparation of plans and specifications for a Reconstruction Project. Councilmember McClung supported the full reconstruction of the Grant and Noble neighborhood. He supported the concrete curb and gutter being installed noting that this would address the drainage issues along these roadways. He thanked the residents present for their input and noted that the Council was committed to properly maintaining its new roadways. Mayor Grant questioned if the new roadway would be crowned to encourage water to flow to the new concrete curb and gutters. Assistant City Engineer Anderson stated that this was the case. Mayor Grant commented that he would be supporting the full reconstruction project. The motion carried (5-0). 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case 14-032—Minor Subdivision and Variance—Arden Manor Associate Planner Bachler stated that Arden Manor-550 Associates has applied for a minor subdivision to sell a 2,673 square foot portion of the Arden Manor manufactured home park ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 7 property to the adjacent Big Ten Supper Club at 4703 U.S. Highway 10. A portion of the Big Ten parking lot encroaches on an area approximately 22 feet by 121 feet on the Arden Manor property along the southeast property line. Staff has reviewed historic aerial images of the area and estimates that the parking lot was expanded creating this encroachment sometime between 1991 and 2003. The purpose of the subdivision and lot consolidation is to address this encroachment through the sale of that portion of land where the encroachment has occurred to the Big Ten Supper Club. The subdivision would not result in the creation of any new developable parcels. The parties have signed a purchase agreement that will be carried out if the proposal is approved by the City Council. Associate Planner Bachler indicated that the Arden Manor manufactured home park operates under a series of Conditional Use Permits first approved by the City in 1971 that set minimum development standards specific to this property. The Conditional Use Permit requires Arden Manor to maintain minimum areas, setbacks, and structure coverage for each manufactured home lot. Additionally, a 20 foot landscaped buffer around the perimeter of the property is required to be maintained. The proposed lot line adjustment would not result in the Arden Manor property being out of compliance with these previous agreements. Associate Planner Bachler stated that with the proposed subdivision and lot consolidation, the Big Ten Supper Club property would be in conformance with the Neighborhood Business District requirements for lot size and dimension and structure setbacks. However, a variance is needed in this case because the subdivision would result in a reduction in the nonconforming landscape coverage on the property and the continuance of a nonconforming parking area setback. Associate Planner Bachler reported that a minimum landscape lot coverage of 35 percent is required for properties in the Neighborhood Business District. The existing landscaped area on the lot is 6,710 square feet, or 14.1 percent of the total lot area. Approximately 88 percent of parcel to be consolidated with the Big Ten property is covered by bituminous surface and as a result, overall landscape coverage on the property would decrease to 13.9 percent. Associate Planner Bachler explained that Section 1325.06 of the Zoning Code requires that an off-street parking area containing four or more parking spaces be located a minimum of five feet from any side or rear lot lines. The existing parking area for the Big Ten property encroaches into this required five foot setback along the northwest and southeast side lot lines and the southwest rear lot line. With the expansion of the lot boundaries, the parking lot would continue to encroach along the southeast lot line. Associate Planner Bachler reported that the Planning Commission reviewed Planning Case 14- 032 at their regular meeting on January 7, 2015. The Planning Commission offers the following findings of fact for consideration: Subdivision Findings: 1. Arden Manor-550 Associates is the owner of the property located at 4605 Prior Avenue, which is operated as the Arden Manor Manufactured Home Park. 2. John Welsch is the owner of the property located at 4703 U.S. Highway 10, which is operated as the Big Ten Supper Club. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 8 3. A portion of the parking lot located at 4703 U.S. Highway 10 encroaches across an area approximately twenty-two (22) feet wide by one hundred and twenty-one (121) feet long onto the property at 4605 Prior Avenue. 4. Arden Manor-550 Associates has requested a Minor Subdivision and Lot Consolidation to address the encroachment through the sale of the 2,673 square foot portion of land where the encroachment has occurred to John Welsch. 5. The two parties have signed a purchase agreement that will be carried out if the Minor Subdivision and Lot Consolidation is approved by the City Council. 6. The property at 4605 Prior Avenue is located in the R-3 Townhouse & Low Density Multiple Dwelling District. The site operates under a Conditional Use Permit and the proposed lot line adjustment would not result in the property being out of compliance with previous agreements. 7. The property at 4703 U.S. Highway 10 is located in the N-B Neighborhood Business Zoning District. The property is considered to be nonconforming due to an encroachment into the required off-street parking area setback and landscape lot coverage. 8. The resultant parcel at 4703 U.S. Highway 10 would be in conformance with the minimum lot dimension, lot area, and structure setback requirements for the Neighborhood Business Zoning District. 9. With the expansion of the lot boundaries at 4703 U.S. Highway 10 the parking lot would continue to encroach along the southeast lot line and the overall landscape lot coverage would decrease from 14.1 percent to 13.9 percent. 10. The resultant parcels abut on and have access to an existing public street, road, thoroughfare or highway. 11. The subdivision will not involve the opening, widening or extension of any public or private street, road, thoroughfare or highway and will not involve the dedication, reservation or construction of any type of public utility. 12. The subdivision will not obstruct future streets which have been planned by the City. 13. The subdivision will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to adjacent tracts in the area in which the subdivision tract is located. 14. The registered land survey conforms to all requirements. 15. The resultant parcel at 4605 Prior Avenue will be in conformance with the Zoning Code and the existing Conditional Use Permit that the property operates under. 16. The resultant parcel at 4703 U.S. Highway would not be in conformance with the Zoning Code and a variance is needed. 17. A twenty (20) foot wide sanitary sewer easement will be provided across the property at 4703 U.S. Highway 10 where an existing sanitary sewer line is located. 18. No grading plan is required for the proposed subdivision. 19. The proposed subdivision is not subject to the City's park dedication fee. Variance Findings: 20. The proposal is in harmony with the purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance as the Ordinance generally allows flexibility for unique situations when impacts to surrounding properties are minimized. 21. The proposal is consistent with the Arden Hills Comprehensive Plan as it allows the reasonable use of a residential and commercial property. 22. The proposed variance would have no appreciable impact on the site conditions as the parking area in question has already been constructed. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 9 23. The proposed subdivision and lot consolidation is unlikely to have negative impacts to the property or to the neighborhood as a whole. 24. The proposed subdivision and lot consolidation and requested variances do not appear to be based on economic considerations alone. Associate Planner Bachler explained that the Planning Commission reviewed this request and recommended approval (5-1, Holewa) of Planning Case 14-032 for a Minor Subdivision, Lot Consolidation, and Variance at 4605 Prior Avenue and 4703 U.S. Highway 10, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans in the January 26, 2015, Report to the City Council, as amended by the following three (3) conditions: 1. The applicant shall file a copy of the City Council resolution approving the subdivision and lot consolidation with Ramsey County and a copy shall be provided to the City on or before November 1, 2015, as in accordance with relevant State and County statutes. 2. The applicant shall file the twenty (20) foot wide sanitary sewer easement as depicted on the survey with Ramsey County and a copy of the document shall be provided to the City within ninety (90) days of the final approval date. The easement document shall be approved by the City Attorney before filing with the County. 3. Monuments or stakes shall be placed and installed at all corners and angle points of the resultant parcel at 4703 U.S. Highway 10. Councilmember Holden asked if the property could support all drainage for the site. Associate Planner Bachler explained that if Arden Manor or the Big Ten Supper Club were to propose new or additional improvements, staff would have to reevaluate the existing drainage on the site and how the new development would impact the existing drainage. Mayor Grant questioned if any permits were issued for the paved surface. Associate Planner Bachler did not believe that any permits were issued for the parking surface extension by the City or through the Rice Creek Watershed District. MOTION: Councilmember Woodburn moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 14-032 for a Minor Subdivision, Lot Consolidation, and Variance at 4605 Prior Avenue North and 4703 U.S. Highway 10, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the three (3) conditions in the January 26, 2015, Report to the City Council. The motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2015-008 — A Minor Subdivision and Lot Consolidation for 4605 Prior Avenue North. The motion carried (5-0). B. Planning Case 14-035—Site Plan Review— 1203 County Road E Associate Planner Bachler stated that Frattallone's Hardware Inc. recently purchased the property at 1203 County Road E in order to remodel the former furniture store building on the site ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 10 for use as administrative offices and storage. The existing building is a one story split-level with 23,155 square feet of space on the main level and an additional 18,661 square feet in the basement area. Frattallone's is proposing to renovate 12,770 square feet on the main floor for general office space and 8,746 square feet of space in the basement area for storage space for off-season items for the hardware store operations. The remaining 20,300 square feet in the building would remain unoccupied at this time. The renovations do not include alterations to the exterior of the site other than resurfacing and restriping the existing parking area. A fifteen-foot wide one way traffic lane is proposed with vehicles entering at the eastern access driveway and exiting at the west end of the parking lot. Associate Planner Bachler indicated that the property is located in the City's B-2 General Business District. The Zoning Code requires that proposals for new construction, redevelopment of a site, and significant modifications to existing sites in this district to use the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process. However, minor internal alterations to buildings and the maintenance of existing exterior feature such as fagades, signage, landscaping, and parking lots are not considered to be significant modifications and are exempt from the PUD process. The City has also adopted design standards for properties in the B-2 District. The standards in this section only apply to building or site elements being developed or significantly altered and are not applicable in this case. Associate Planner Bachler explained that the applicant has requested a Site Plan Review for a reduction in the number of required parking stalls for the proposed use of the building. Under the City's Zoning Code, the number of spaces required for a specific use may be reduced through the Site Plan Review process if documentation can be provided that a lesser number of spaces will actually be needed. Associate Planner Bachler noted that the Zoning Code requires that a minimum of one parking stall be provided for every 250 square feet of gross floor area for office uses. Based on the proposal for 12,770 square feet of office space, 51 stalls would be required. For warehousing uses, one stall is required per 1,000 square feet of floor area. The additional 8,746 square feet used for storage would require 9 stalls for a combined total of 60 required parking spaces for both uses. The proposed site plan includes a total of 26 parking spaces for a parking deficiency of 34 stalls. Associate Planner Bachler stated that it is unclear the total number of existing stalls within the parking area because the striping on the surface has faded. As part of a variance request that was approved by the City in Planning Case 75-009, the property was permitted a reduction in the required number of parking spaces from 89 to 41 stalls. However, as noted by the property owner in their application, in order to satisfy the City's dimensional requirements for individual parking spaces, only 26 spaces can be accommodated within the boundaries of the existing parking lot. Associate Planner Bachler commented that the applicant has provided a letter explaining why a reduced number of parking stalls will be sufficient for the proposed uses on the site. Frattallone's intends to only have 13 administrative staff working at the site and does not foresee growing their staff to more than 25. The applicant also does not expect the storage use to have an impact on the parking needs for the site. The storage area in the building will be used for keeping winter materials in the summer months and lawn and garden equipment during the winter. Loading and ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 11 unloading of materials will only occur seasonally with little or no freight traffic for the remaining part of the year. Associate Planner Bachler indicated that the City Code typically requires that the difference in the number of spaces provided and those required be shown on the site plan as "proof of parking" that can be constructed if the need for additional spaces arises. The proposed site plan does not include a proof of parking area. Since this property is already fully developed, the additional 34 required parking stalls could not be accommodated on the site unless a portion of the existing building were to be taken down. Associate Planner Bachler reported that the Planning Commission reviewed Planning Case 14- 035 at their regular meeting on January 7, 2015. The Planning Commission offers the following findings of fact for consideration: 1. The property at 1203 County Road E is located in the B-2 General Business District. 2. The existing building on the property is a one story split-level with 23,155 square feet of space on the main level and an additional 18,661 square feet in the basement area. 3. The owner is proposing to renovate 12,770 square feet on the main floor for general office space and 8,746 square feet of space in the basement area for storage use. 4. The remaining 20,300 square feet of space in the building will remain unoccupied. 5. The proposal does not include any significant modifications to the exterior of the site. 6. The proposal includes restriping the existing parking area with a total of twenty-six (26) parking stalls that are in conformance with the City's dimensional standards. 7. The proposed site plan adequately addresses the Zoning Code requirements for internal traffic and circulation. 8. Based on the proposed mix of office and warehousing uses in the building, sixty (60) parking stalls would be required. 9. The proposed site plan has a deficiency of thirty-four(34)parking stalls. 10. Under the Zoning Code, the number of spaces required for a specific use may be reduced by the City Council if the property owner provides documentation that a lesser number of spaces will actually be needed than normally required. The difference in the number of spaces provided and those required needs be shown on the site plan as "proof of parking" and shall be constructed if and when the need for such additional spaces arises. 11. The applicant has stated that thirteen (13) administrative staff would work at the site and future staffing would not exceed twenty-five (25). The applicant also does not expect the proposed accessory warehousing use to have an impact on the parking needs for the site. 12. The proposed site plan does not include any proof of parking spaces. 13. The property is already developed and the required additional thirty-four (34) parking stalls could not be accommodated on the site. 14. In order to satisfy the Zoning Code parking requirements, parking stalls could be secured on a site within eight hundred (800) feet of the main entrance to the principal building. A properly drawn legal instrument between the parties would need to be executed and filed with the City and County, as determined by the City Attorney. Associate Planner Bachler explained that the Planning Commission reviewed this request and unanimously recommends approval of Planning Case 14-035 for a Site Plan Review at 1203 County Road E to reduce the number of required parking spaces for the proposed use of the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 12 property, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans in the January 26, 2015, Report to the City Council, as amended by the following five(5) conditions: 1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the submitted plans 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. Final building plans shall be subject to approval by the City Building Official and the Fire Marshal prior to the issuance of a building permit. 3. If the property owner applies for building permits to remodel the remaining unoccupied area of the existing building, the City reserves the right to evaluate parking on the site at that time. 4. If it is determined that the provided off-street parking is not sufficient, the property owner will be required to construct an adequate number of parking stalls on the site or to secure off-site parking stalls located within eight hundred (800) feet of the main entrance to the building. Any agreement for use of off-site parking will be documented with a legal instrument approved by the City Attorney. 5. The property shall not be used for warehousing and distribution uses beyond the proposed storage for off-season items for the Frattallone's Hardware Inc. store operations. Councilmember Holden asked how the parking lot would be improved. Associate Planner Bachler explained that the parking lot would be resurfaced and restriped. He reported that the new lighting and tree plantings will be installed in association with the County Road E improvement project. Councilmember Holden questioned if the Site Plan approval would remain with the property. Associate Planner Bachler stated that the reduced number of parking stalls would remain only with the proposed use. If the property was sold and the use changed, another Site Plan Review process may be required. Councilmember Holden inquired if a building permit would be required if the office or unoccupied warehouse space were remodeled. Associate Planner Bachler stated that a building permit would be required. Mayor Grant recommended that Condition#3 be revised and that a Site Plan Review be required if any changes were made to the building. Councilmember Woodburn suggested that Condition#5 be removed. Associate Planner Bachler indicated that warehousing was only allowed as an accessory use in the B-2 Zoning District, which led staff to include Condition #5 in its recommendation for approval. He commented that if warehousing were to become a more significant component or use of the building, it could move away from being an accessory use to a principle use. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 13 Further discussion ensued regarding the materials that would be stored in the warehousing area of the building. Councilmember Woodburn stated that he was struggling with why seasonal storage would be allowed over another type of storage. Councilmember Holmes indicated that the applicant has only requested storage of off-season merchandise. Mayor Grant asked that a representative of the applicant address the Council. Tom Frattallone, 1900 Emerson Avenue South, explained that his family has done business in Arden Hills for the past 40 years. He reported that he negotiated the purchase of the Carroll's Furniture building. He explained that spring and winter seasonal items would be stored at this site. Councilmember McClung discussed the County Road E improvement project. He asked if there would be space on this property for a sidewalk. Public Works Director Maurer commented that the decorative lighting and trees would be included along the property, but there was not enough room for a sidewalk. Councilmember Holmes recalled that she encouraged the applicant to speak with staff regarding this matter at the Planning Commission meeting. She expressed concern as to why there was no cooperation from the applicant. Associate Planner Bachler indicated that there has been no further discussion between the applicant and staff regarding this matter. City Attorney Jamnik clarified that the City did not have proper easements for a sidewalk. Councilmember Holden asked how many parking stalls were located in the existing parking lot. Associate Planner Bachler commented that the City previously approved a Site Plan that included 41 stalls. However, he was not aware of the number of existing stalls. He noted that the proposed site plan would have 26 parking stalls. Mayor Grant discussed the proposed office and warehousing uses for the property at 1203 County Road E. He recommended that if the additional unoccupied space on the site were to be used for warehousing that the site be reconsidered to be solely a warehousing use. Councilmember Holden questioned why the applicant proposed to have 26 parking stalls and inquired if Frattallone's would be expanding its office needs in the future. Mr. Frattalone indicated that 26 stalls could adequately fit into the parking lot. He discussed his vision for the future and anticipated that he would have 17 or 18 employees in the next 10 years. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 14 Councilmember Woodburn asked why staff did not find it necessary to have a sidewalk running through this property. Mr. Frattalone noted that this was not part of the Site Plan Review process. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he would be reaching out to the applicant when they begin redoing their parking lot. Councilmember Holden inquired if the applicant was willing to talk to the City about a sidewalk. Mr. Frattalone indicated that this was an oddly developed property given the size of the structure with its limited parking. He advised that he was one of the few people that could use the office and storage space with the limited number of parking stalls. He had an issue with being forced to place a sidewalk on the property given its current restraints. MOTION: Councilmember Woodburn moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 14-035 for a Site Plan Review at 1203 County Road E to reduce the number of required parking spaces for the proposed use of the property, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the five (5) conditions in the January 26, 2015,Report to the City Council. Mayor Grant suggested Condition #3 be amended to read that a Site Plan Review will be required. AMENDMENT: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to revise the language on Condition #3 to read that a Site Plan Review will be required. The amendment carried (5-0). Councilmember Holden asked if Frattalone's began using additional space than what was being requested, if the applicant would have to notify the City. Associate Planner Bachler stated that this was the case. Councilmember Holden recommended that if any additional storage space were used over and above 9,000 square feet that the applicant be required to make a request to the City. City Attorney Jamnik advised that the Council could amend Condition #3 to include this language. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Woodburn seconded a motion to amend Condition #3 to include the following language: that if any additional storage space were used over and above the 9,000 square feet that the applicant be required to make a request to the City. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 15 Councilmember Holmes did not support this amendment and believed that Frattallone's could use the property as they wished. Associate Planner Bachler reiterated that warehousing was only allowed as an accessory use in the B-2 zoning district. The amendment carried 4-1 (Holmes opposed). Councilmember Holden asked how proof of parking would be managed by the applicant. City Attorney Jamnik explained how the applicant would be responsible for securing proof of parking with neighboring properties if their parking needs were to change. The amended motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to extend the meeting 15 minutes. The motion carried 4-1 (Holden opposed). 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. 2015 PMP Final Plans and Specifications—Elfering and Associates Proposal Public Works Director Maurer discussed a proposal from Elfering and Associates and requested that the Council grant approval to assist staff with completing the 2015 PMP final plans and specifications for the Crystal/Venus and Grant/Noble/Lake Lane neighborhood projects. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to accept the proposal from Elfering and Associates to assist John Anderson, Assistant City Engineer, with the preparation of plans and specifications and the bidding process for the 2015 PMP (Crystal/Venus and Grant/Noble/Lake Lane neighborhoods combined for bidding purposes) at hourly rates not to exceed $160,000 in total cost. The motion carried (5-0). 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Holmes noted that she would be out of town for work until March 10h. She stated that she would try and sit on the Council work sessions via phone. She requested that a Councilmember attend the February and March Planning Commission meeting in her absence. Councilmember Woodburn volunteered to attend the February and March Planning Commission meetings. Councilmember Holden asked what was happening with the gateway sign at Cleveland and County Road D. Public Works Director Maurer reported that staff would discuss this further with the Council at their February 9th work session. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 26, 2015 16 Mayor Grant stated that the Roseville School Board has requested a representative from the City attend a focus group on Thursday, February 5th at 6:00 p.m. It appears that the district's superintendent is retiring and a focus group is being formed to discuss this matter. Seeing no volunteers,he indicated that he would attend the focus group. Councilmember Holden reported that she would not be able to attend the February 91h Council work session and regular meeting. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 10:15 D.M. Amy Dietl U David Grant City Clerk Mayor