HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-15 PC Minutes
Approved: August 5, 2015
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015
6:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Vice Chair Angela Hames called to order the regular
Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present were: Vice Chair Angela Hames, Commissioners Brent Bartel, Andrew Holewa, Steven
Jones, Phillip Neururer, and Clayton Zimmerman.
Absent: Chair Roberta Thompson.
Also present were: Public Works Director Terry Maurer; City Planner Ryan Streff; Associate
Planner Matthew Bachler; and Councilmember Robert Woodburn.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA – JULY 8, 2015
Vice Chair Hames stated the agenda will stand as published.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 6, 2015 – Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Holewa, to approve the
May 6, 2015, Planning Commission Regular Meeting minutes as presented. The motion
carried unanimously (6-0).
June 3, 2015 – Planning Commission Work Session Meeting
Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Holewa, to approve the
June 3, 2015, Planning Commission Work Session Meeting minutes as presented. The
motion carried unanimously (6-0).
June 17, 2015 –Planning Commission Special Work Session Meeting
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 2
Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Holewa, to approve the
June 17, 2015, Planning Commission Special Work Session Meeting minutes as presented.
The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
PLANNING CASES
A. Planning Case 15-014; Conditional Use Permit – Verizon Wireless – 2 Pine Tree
Drive – Public Hearing
Associate Planner Bachler stated that Verizon has requested a CUP to install twelve wireless
panel antennas and related equipment on the existing Bethel University building at 2 Pine Tree
Drive. Verizon currently has antennas installed on the tower located at 1296 County Road F, near
the intersection of Hamline Avenue and Interstate 694. The purpose of the additional antennas at
2 Pine Tree Drive is to improve the provider’s wireless service in the southeast quadrant of the
City along County Road E between Lexington Avenue and Highway 51.
Associate Planner Bachler indicated that the proposed antennas would be attached to the
existing penthouse structure located on the roof of the principal building on the property. All
antenna equipment would be painted with a solid color to match the color of the existing
penthouse structure. The overall height of the existing building measured to the penthouse roof is
62.7 feet. The antennas would each measure eight feet in length and would not extend beyond the
penthouse roofline. Verizon would lease the required roof and utilities right-of-way space from
Bethel University. The applicant has submitted a letter from the Verizon engineer working on the
project, wireless coverage maps, and a complete plan set.
Associate Planner Bachler explained that the City previously approved a CUP in 2009 allowing
for the installation of a roof-mounted monopole and antennas for Clearwire Wireless at 2 Pine
Tree Drive (PC #09-020). The existing monopole extends 13 feet above the penthouse roof. The
Zoning Code requires a CUP for all new antenna installations in the City. The proposed antennas
would be an accessory use to the principal higher education and office uses on the property.
Site Data
Land Use Plan: Community Mixed Use
Existing Land Use: Office, Public & Institutional
Zoning: B-2, General Business District
Current Lot Sizes: 19.16 Acres
Topography: The property is a large, heavily wooded site, with rolling
topography.
Associate Planner Bachler reviewed the surrounding area and the Plan Evaluation.
Associate Planner Bachler indicated that the Planning Commission must make a finding as to
whether or not the proposed application would adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood or
the community as a whole based on the aforementioned factors. Staff offers the following
findings of fact for consideration:
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 3
General Findings:
1. The property at 2 Pine Tree Drive is located in the B-2 – General Business District.
2. Cellular towers and antennas are allowed as a conditional accessory use in the B-2
District.
3. The applicant has submitted documentation that addresses the use of the City’s water
tower sites. This documentation indicates that neither of the water tower sites would meet
the location needs to provide coverage in this area of the City.
4. The proposed antennas would be located on an existing structure.
5. The proposed antennas would be at a height of 62.7 feet.
6. The antennas would be located approximately 380 feet from the nearest property line.
7. The antennas would be painted to match the color of the structure to which they are
attached.
8. The City previously approved the installation of a roof-mounted monopole and antennas
on the property in Planning Case 09-020.
Conditional Use Permit Evaluation Criteria:
9. The proposed plan would not have any impact on traffic or parking conditions.
10. The proposed plan will not produce any permanent noise, glare, odors, vibration, smoke,
dust, air pollution, heat, liquid or solid waste, and other nuisance characteristics.
11. The proposed plan will not impact drainage.
12. The proposed plan will not impact population density.
13. The proposed antennas will likely only be visible from locations on the property and they
are not anticipated to have an impact on land use compatibility with uses and structures
on surrounding land or adjoining land values.
14. Park dedications are not applicable.
15. The proposed plan does not conflict with the general purpose and intent of the Zoning
Code or the Comprehensive Development Plan for the City.
Associate Planner Bachler stated that staff anticipates the proposed antennas will likely only be
visible from locations on the property itself and not from residential properties to the east and
south. The site is fairly wooded and has a rolling topography, which will provide screening of the
antenna installation. Additionally, the equipment will be painted to match the color of the
structure to which they will be attached further reducing their visibility. The proposed antennas
are not expected to present any conflicts with land uses in the vicinity. Based on the submitted
plans and findings of fact, staff recommends approval of Planning Case 15-014 for a Conditional
Use Permit at 2 Pine Tree Drive. If the Planning Commission recommends approval of this
request, staff is recommending the following four (4) conditions be included with the approval:
1. 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. A building permit shall be obtained for all proposed antennas and associate equipment
prior to installation.
3. A Conditional Use Permit drafted by the City Attorney shall be signed by the applicant
and the property owner prior to the issuance of any building permits.
4. The antennas and equipment shall be painted to match the color of the structure to which
they are attached.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 4
Associate Planner Bachler reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this
matter:
1. Recommend Approval with Conditions
2. Recommend Approval as Submitted.
3. Recommend Denial
4. Table
Vice Chair Hames opened the floor to Commissioner comments.
The Commission had no comments or questions.
Vice Chair Hames opened the public hearing at 6:42 p.m.
Vice Chair Hames invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make
comment.
Councilmember Woodburn reviewed several slides with the Planning Commission. He
understood that Bethel University was requesting an accessory use. He discussed the differences
between a principal and accessory use. He questioned if the accessory use of the 2 Pine Tree
Drive site was the college itself. He recommended that the zoning definitions be reviewed by the
Planning Commission.
Commissioner Jones believed that Bethel University was the principal use at 2 Pine Tree Drive
and that the proposed Verizon Wireless antennas would be an accessory use.
There being no additional comment Vice Chair Hames closed the public hearing at 6:48 p.m.
Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Bartel seconded a motion to recommend
approval of Planning Case 15-014 for a Conditional Use Permit at 2 Pine Tree Drive based
on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the four (4) conditions in
the July 8, 2015, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (6-
0).
B. Planning Case 15-015; Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA), Rezoning, and
Approval of TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) – City of Arden Hills – Public
Hearing
Mike Lamb, Kimley-Horn, discussed the work Kimley-Horn has completed to assist the City
with developing the TCAAP Master Plan. He explained how public comments were used to
assist in shaping and defining the Master Plan and the TRC. He then reviewed the comments
received from both the public and developers. He provided comment on the length of time it
would take to develop the TCAAP site to a high quality standard.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee had recommended the types
of athletic fields and amenities that should be included within the neighborhood parks and also
that these parks should be connected through a comprehensive trail network. He then discussed
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 5
the goals of Ramsey County for the TCAAP site. He appreciated the work of the City Planning
Commission and the Energy Resilience Advisory Board (ERAB) and noted how their efforts had
been incorporated into the TRC.
Associate Planner Bachler provided comment on the TCAAP Regulating Plan and the proposed
overall density in detail with the Commission. He then discussed the landscaping and open space
requirements. Staff then commented on building design requirements and the gateway design
enhancements. The recommendations made by ERAB regarding energy efficiency and
sustainability were reviewed. He discussed the unique characteristics of the TRC noting that it
focused on the physical form of development as the organizing principle of code. He explained
that the TRC addressed the relationship between building facades and the public realm, the form
and mass of buildings in relation to one another, and the scale and types of streets and blocks. It
was noted that the TRC offered greater flexibility in land use and development parameters than
typical zoning codes.
City Planner Streff indicated that the Comprehensive Plan is a policy document that reflects the
City’s value system and creates a framework for the future by providing an overall vision for the
City. As a guiding tool, the Plan provides a system for measuring progress and direction for
setting priorities in key areas critical to the efficient functioning of a community, such as land
use, housing, transportation, and public facilities. The Comprehensive Plan is implemented
through land use and development regulations, the budgeting process, and community and
economic development programs.
City Planner Streff explained that the Arden Hills 2030 Comprehensive Plan was officially
approved in September 2009. While the Plan was being prepared, the City was also engaged in a
community planning process to better define how the surplus land on the TCAAP property
should be redeveloped. Since a final plan was not approved at the time the Comprehensive Plan
was adopted, the Plan only included an overall vision for the redevelopment and preliminary
elements of the potential reuse plan. The intent was for the City to amend the Comprehensive
Plan once a final TCAAP redevelopment plan was approved so that any required data, such as
future land use designations, housing densities, transportation infrastructure, and parks and open
space resources, could be included in the relevant chapters of the Comprehensive Plan.
City Planner Streff commented that as part of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, a change
in land use designation from Mixed Business and Mixed Residential to Neighborhood
Residential, Neighborhood Transition, Town Center, Campus Commercial, Retail Mixed-Use,
Office Mixed-Use, Flex Office, Public and Institutional, Utility, and Parks and Open Space is
being proposed. In order to proceed with these changes, the City’s Future Land Use Map would
be amended to re-designate the property to reflect the changes in land use classifications. The
proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment also includes updates to the following chapters and
appendixes within the Comprehensive Plan to ensure compatibility with the TCAAP Master
Plan:
Chapter 5 provides a history of the former TCAAP site, the decommissioning process, and the
transfer of federal land for redevelopment purposes. This chapter has been updated to provide an
overview of the current master planning process, the status of the environmental remediation
being undertaken on the site, and the expected construction schedule for public utilities and
roadways and private development
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 6
Chapter 6 outlines the City’s policies regarding land use. This chapter evaluates existing land
uses and sets a vision for how the community should change over time. The Future Land Use
Map and land use classifications have been updated to include the land use districts identified in
the TRC. The section on development capacity and net residential density has also be revised to
reflect the forecasted number of residential acreage and units for the TCAAP site.
Chapter 7 provides information on the City’s current housing stock, existing housing issues, such
as diversity and affordability, and projected future housing needs. This chapter has been updated
to included information on the projected household forecast numbers for the City based on the
Metropolitan Council’s regional forecast for 2040, and the expected number of housing units and
different types of housing products that will be accommodated on TCAAP.
Chapter 9 discusses the existing regional and local park and recreation system and the proposed
upgrades to the City’s parks and pathways. This chapter has been updated to include the
proposed trail improvements and required public parks and open spaces for the TCAAP
redevelopment. Updates were also made based on the approved 2013 Rice Creek North Regional
Trail Corridor Master Plan.
Chapter 11 evaluates the City’s existing transportation system, looking at issues such as traffic
volumes and capacity, relevant transportation studies, and multimodal transportation. The chapter
also proposes a future transportation system plan. A detailed traffic study was completed as part
of the TCAAP AUAR and a summary of this study has been included in Chapter 11. Road
construction and improvements to be completed in conjunction with the TCAAP redevelopment
have been incorporated into the future transportation system plan. The multimodal transportation
section has been updated to include the Metropolitan Council’s current consideration of
extending the A-line BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) route to TCAAP.
Chapter 13 summarizes the separate management plans the City has in place for water supply,
sanitary sewer, and stormwater. The public facilities management plans have been updated as
needed to include the recommendations from the approved AUAR. This chapter includes an
overview of the proposed regional stormwater management plan for the TCAAP development.
Appendix E discusses the existing and future sanitary sewer plans for the City. This appendix
outlines the existing sanitary sewer system, intercommunity services, sewer volume forecast,
sanitary sewer service districts, projected sewage flows, individual sewage treatment systems,
infiltration/inflow, and the proposed capital improvement program to complete the sewer
improvements.
Appendix H in the Comprehensive Plan outlines all zoning districts within the City. In order to
update the Comprehensive Plan the new zoning districts proposed in the TRC have been
included in Appendix H.
City Planner Streff noted that the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) will be
contingent on final approval from the Metropolitan Council. In this case, the Metropolitan
Council will make the final determination on the CPA, though they provide great deference to
the City as long as the proposed land use change does not have a negative impact on a regional
system (i.e. transportation, sanitary sewer, and regional parks). The designated review period for
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 7
CPA applications is 60 days. Once the Metropolitan Council completes their review, they will
notify the City of their decision.
City Planner Streff stated the City must also allow adjacent governments, affected special
districts, and affected school districts up to 60 days to review the proposed amendment. This
waiting period allows interested agencies to review and comment on the amendment before the
Metropolitan Council review. Given these requirements, the City expects to receive the final
determination from the Metropolitan Council for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment in
November of 2015.
City Planner Streff reported that in order to formally adopt the TCAAP Master Plan within the
City’s governing documents, the following items included in Planning Case 15-015 require
approval:
• Comprehensive Plan Amendment to reflect the policies and goals included in the separate
components of the TCAAP Master Plan.
• Rezoning of the 427-acre TCAAP parcel based on the zoning designations included in the
Regulating Plan Map.
• Zoning Code Amendment to adopt the TCAAP Redevelopment Code as Section 1380 of
the Arden Hills Zoning Code.
City Planner Streff explained that the Planning Commission must make a finding as to whether
or not the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and TCAAP Redevelopment
Code (TRC) meet the City’s vision for the area or if these changes would adversely affect the
surrounding neighborhood or the community as a whole. Staff offers the following eight (8)
findings of fact for this proposal:
General Findings:
1. The proposed CPA, Rezoning, and TRC advance the City’s Comprehensive Plan to
develop and maintain a land use pattern that strengthens the vitality, quality, and
character of the residential neighborhoods, commercial districts and industrial areas,
while protecting the community’s natural resources to develop a sustainable pattern for
future development.
2. The proposed CPA, Rezoning, and TRC advance the City’s Comprehensive Plan to
develop TCAAP in a way that accommodates a mix of land uses that is sensitive to the
natural environment, economically sustainable and a benefit to the community.
3. The proposed CPA, Rezoning, and TRC advance the City’s Comprehensive Plan to
promote the development, redevelopment and maintenance of a viable, innovative, and
diverse business environment that serves Arden Hills and the metropolitan area.
4. The proposed CPA, Rezoning, and TRC advance the City’s Comprehensive Plan to
develop and maintain a strong, vital, diverse, and stable housing supply for all members
of the community.
5. The proposed CPA, Rezoning, and TRC advance the City’s Comprehensive Plan to
enhance the health, safety, and well-being of all who live, work, and play in the City.
6. The proposed CPA, Rezoning, and TRC advance the City’s Comprehensive Plan to create
a comprehensive, maintained, and interconnected system of parks, pathways, and open
spaces, as well as a balanced program of recreational activities for residents of all ages,
incomes and abilities.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 8
7. The proposed CPA, Rezoning, and TRC advance the City’s Comprehensive Plan to
preserve, protect, and restore the community’s natural resources, including open spaces,
lakes, wetlands, other significant natural features, and historic resources.
8. The proposed TRC implements the vision for a walkable, mixed-use, resilient, and
vibrant TCAAP development.
City Planner Streff stated that staff recommends approval of Planning Case 15-015 for a
Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and adoption of the TCAAP Redevelopment Code
(TRC) as Section 1380 of the Zoning Code, as presented in the July 8, 2015, Report to the
Planning Commission.
City Planner Streff reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this matter:
1. Recommend Approval as Submitted.
2. Recommend Approval with Additional Comments.
3. Recommend Denial.
4. Table.
Vice Chair Hames opened the floor to Commissioner comments.
There were no comments or questions from the Commission.
Vice Chair Hames opened the public hearing at 7:26 p.m.
Vice Chair Hames invited anyone for or against the request to come forward and make
comment.
Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough, 815 Montana Avenue, St. Paul, discussed
the County’s thoughts on TCAAP. He looked forward to seeing the TCAAP site dramatically
improved in the near future. He had some concern with the City’s proposed density and
encouraged the Planning Commission to consider increasing flexibility in the TRC to allow for
1,700 units. It was the County Board’s feelings that the increased flexibility in density would
attract national developers. He explained that the A-Line BRT was not proposed to extend to the
TCAAP property at this time; however, the Metropolitan Council is considering this extension.
He stated he would continue to work on this issue with the Metropolitan Council.
Ramsey County Commissioner McDonough discussed the importance of private development.
He stated that he was a strong supporter of creating 4,000 jobs on the TCAAP site. This will be
accomplished through long-term investment. He provided comment on the strength of
Minnesota’s work force. He appreciated the joint work that has been done by the City and
County to date. It was his hope that the City and the County could move forward together with a
strong shared vision for TCAAP.
Commissioner Zimmerman questioned what type of additional housing units the County
wanted to see on the TCAAP site in order to reach 1,700 units.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 9
Ramsey County Commissioner McDonough wanted to see additional life-cycle housing, work
force housing and affordable housing on TCAAP. He did not have a recommendation as to
which type of housing should be added, but wanted to see a wide range of housing types.
Commissioner Holewa asked if 1,700 units were needed for the Metropolitan Council to extend
the A-Line BRT route to TCAAP.
Ramsey County Commissioner McDonough stated this density would get the TCAAP site
closer to the Metropolitan Council’s minimum requirements.
Commissioner Holewa inquired what the County Commissioner wanted from the Planning
Commission.
Ramsey County Commissioner McDonough encouraged the Planning Commission to increase
the density on TCAAP in order to increase the flexibility for future development.
Vice Chair Hames noted that the Planning Commission was a recommending body only and
indicated that the final decision would rest with the City Council.
Commissioner Bartel asked how the County arrived at the 1,700 number.
Ramsey County Commissioner McDonough reported that the AUAR prescribed this number
and the transit piece was another factor. He provided further comment on how a strong work
force, increased density, and transit were interconnected.
Jim Ostlund, 1576 Royal Hills Drive, noted that he lived less than 1/3 of a mile away from
TCAAP. He supported the increased density as recommended by Ramsey County. He indicated
that he volunteered on ERAB and believed that additional density would improve the economics
of the TCAAP development.
Lyle Salmela, 1480 Arden Vista Court, believed the goal for TCAAP was to develop mixed land
uses that were sensitive to the natural environment, economically sustainable, and a benefit to the
community. He provided the Commission with a handout and suggested that building orientation
only apply to commercial buildings. He reviewed several language changes within the TRC that
addressed building orientation, building materials and encouraged energy efficiency. He
believed that water should be considered Open Space as it was an asset to the TCAAP site.
Mr. Salmela suggested that Chapter 12 of the Comprehensive Plan, which addresses
Environmental Conservation and Sustainability, should be updated as part of the Comprehensive
Plan Amendment. He explained he assisted in rewriting this Chapter in 2008. He believed that
TCAAP should be mentioned in Section 12.2 along with the ERIF. He provided further
comment on the LEED certified building variability proposed within TCAAP. It was his opinion
that Jackson Meadows was a great development for the City to style TCAAP after. It was his
hope to that TCAAP would have high quality architectural design.
There being no additional comment Vice Chair Hames closed the public hearing at 7:59 p.m.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 10
Commissioner Bartel asked how many acres on TCAAP would be developed for residential
housing units.
Associate Planner Bachler stated that 151 acres were zoned for residential uses.
Commissioner Bartel indicated that with 1,431 proposed units on 151 acres this created a
density of approximately 9+ units per acre. He asked how this compared with the remainder of
Arden Hills.
Associate Planner Bachler reported that staff had looked at several neighborhoods in Arden
Hills and that the average gross density ranged from 1.75 to 3 units per acre.
Commissioner Bartel summarized that the proposed density on TCAAP was three times higher
than the density of all other Arden Hills neighborhoods. He inquired what research the City had
done to come up with the proposed 1,431 units.
Associate Planner Bachler explained that the City Council met with multi-family and single
family residential developers while drafting the TRC. He stated that the feedback from the
development community influenced the residential density ranges included in the TRC.
Commissioner Bartel questioned what the potential negative impact would be to increase the
density from 1,431 to 1,700 units. He asked why the Council had put a cap on the density.
Associate Planner Bachler noted that the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR)
completed for TCAAP reviewed two development scenarios: the Zoning Scenario, which
included up to 1,500 residential units, and the Maximum Development Scenario, which included
up to 2,500 residential units. The AUAR proposed infrastructure improvements to serve the
needs of either scenario. He indicated that the total number of 1,431 units was based on the
maximum density allowed in each residential zoning district.
Commissioner Holewa understood that density was one of the most discussed issues by the City
Council. He stated that a few Councilmembers wanted less density, while others wanted more
and 1,431 units was the compromise.
Commissioner Zimmerman questioned how the City would adjust the density in the future if a
master developer wanted to build 1,700 units on TCAAP.
City Planner Streff commented that if a developer wanted to increase the density beyond 1,431
units, a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) would be required in order to support the
developer’s proposed development. He stated that this CPA would be reviewed and approved by
the Planning Commission, City Council, and the Metropolitan Council.
Commissioner Zimmerman inquired if the 1,700 units was necessary for BRT.
City Planner Streff stated the Metropolitan Council was having a conversation to see if it was
feasible to extend the A-Line to TCAAP. He reported that staff was unaware of the number of
units needed to secure the extension of this line.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 11
Ramsey County Commissioner McDonough commented that 1,700 units was not the focus of
Metropolitan Council. However, there were a certain number of units that the Metropolitan
Council was interested in seeing before they would invest in infrastructure within TCAAP. He
encouraged the City to consider 1,700 units as this would make the development more
competitive to receive additional transit lines when compared to other developments in the metro
area.
Commissioner Bartel questioned how long it would take to amend the Comprehensive Plan to
allow a developer to construct 1,700 units.
City Planner Streff stated this was a lengthy process and estimated that this would take at least
120 days given the Metropolitan Council review process.
Vice Chair Hames indicated the recommendation was to approve the document as presented by
staff. She believed that the research that went into the document and the proposed density levels
should stand. She again reviewed the density levels for the remainder of Arden Hills.
Commissioner Bartel appreciated the comments that were voiced this evening, but he supported
the density levels as recommended by staff and the City Council.
Commissioner Holewa suggested that Paragraph E be added to Section 1.1 in the TRC, as
outlined in the public comments he provided in Attachment M. He read the paragraph in full for
the Commission.
Vice Chair Hames discussed the prime amenities that were available on the TCAAP site, such
as the beautiful landscape, the wildlife corridor and its location in the metro area.
Commissioner Jones supported additional flexibility with regard to density. He understood that
a BRT line would not be built on day one, but would be considered over time.
Commissioner Zimmerman moved and Commissioner Jones seconded a motion to
recommend approval of Planning Case 15-015 for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment,
Rezoning, and Adoption of the TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) as Section 1380 of the
Zoning Code, as presented in the July 8, 2015, report to the Planning Commission, with the
public hearing comments forwarded to the City Council for consideration.
Commissioner Zimmerman encouraged the City and the County to continue its conversations.
He wanted to see the two bodies come together to form a united front as this development
continues to move forward.
Commissioner Holewa supported 1,700 units on TCAAP.
Vice Chair Hames explained that the Jackson Meadows development has received some
unwanted attention from the public and has experienced some surveillance issues, both of which
should be noted for the record.
The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 12
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
None.
REPORTS
A. Report from the City Council
Councilmember Woodburn updated the Planning Commission on City Council activities from
the May 26, 2015, Regular Meeting. The City Council unanimously approved Planning Case 15-
009 and Planning Case 15-012, both of which received a recommendation for approval from the
Planning Commission on May 6, 2015. Planning Case 15-009 was a request from Bethel
University for a Conditional Use Permit Amendment for the construction of a soccer facility
building on the Ona Orth Athletic Field complex. Planning Case 15-012 was a request from
Caribou Coffee for a PUD Amendment to allow for the construction of a drive-thru lane and
pick-up window at their store located at 3673 Lexington Avenue North.
Councilmember Woodburn indicated that the City Council voted to deny (4-1, Holmes)
Planning Case 15-008 for a PUD Amendment for the installation of accent lighting at the
Holiday service station at 1920 W. Highway 96. The City Council determined that even though
the intensity of the light source would be mitigated if a dimmer module were to be installed, as
recommended by the Planning Commission, the contrasting color and extent of light along the
full length of all sides of the canopy and building roof line would still maximize visibility and
distraction to neighboring residential properties. The Planning Commission unanimously
recommended approval of this case at their meeting on May 6, 2015.
Councilmember Woodburn reported that at the June 29, 2015, City Council Regular Meeting,
the City Council unanimously approved Planning Case 15-010 for a Minor Subdivision at 3517
Siems Court. The subdivision will allow the property owner to sell a 5,540 square foot portion of
land to the adjacent property owner at 3535 Siems Court. This case was reviewed by the
Planning Commission on May 6, 2015, and received a unanimous recommendation for approval.
B. Planning Commission Comments and Requests
None.
C. Staff Comments
None.
ADJOURN
Commissioner Jones moved, seconded by Commissioner Holewa, to adjourn the July 8,
2015, Planning Commission Meeting at 8:24 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).