HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-11 PC
Approved:
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2011
6:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Clayton Larson called to order the regular
Planning Commission meeting at 6:34 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present were: Chair Clayton Larson, Commissioners Roberta Thompson, Andy Holewa,
Clayton Zimmerman, Daniel Reiff, Samuel Scott and Angela Hames (alternate).
Absent: Commissioner Elizabeth Modesette (excused).
Also present were: City Planner Meagan Beekman; Councilmember Nick Tamble;
Councilmember Brenda Holden; Councilmember Ed Werner; Public Works Director
Terry Maurer, Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; and Recording
Secretary Tina Borg.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA – March 9, 2011
Chair Larson stated Commissioner Samuel Scott and Commissioner Roberta Thompson
took the Oath of Office prior to the start of the meeting.
The Agenda was approved as presented.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. March 9, 2011 – Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Commissioner Zimmerman stated on page 6, the fourth paragraph, the word “in” should
be added after the phrase “than there were” and in the last paragraph, the third sentence,
the word “Councilmember” should be changed to “Councilmembers.”
Commissioner Holewa moved, seconded by Commissioner Zimmerman, to approve
the March 9, 2011, Planning Commission Regular Meeting as amended. The motion
carried unanimously (7-0).
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2011 2
PLANNING CASES
A. Planning Case 11-005; Preliminary and Final Plat, and Master and final PUD;
Trinity Lutheran Church and the City of Arden Hills; 3245 New Brighton Road –
Public Hearing
City Planner Meagan Beekman stated the applicant, together with the City of Arden
Hills, has requested a Preliminary and Final Plat and Master and Final Planned Unit
Development (PUD) to allow for the subdivision of the property located at 3245 New
Brighton Road. The City is currently negotiating with the applicant to purchase the
subdivided parcel and permanently consolidate it with Hazelnut Park. She provided
additional background information.
City Planner Beekman stated the Planning Commission must make a finding as to
whether or not the proposed application meets the requirements of the Zoning Code, and
advances the surrounding neighborhood or the community as a whole. Staff offers the
following ten Findings for consideration:
General Findings:
1. Parks are a permitted use in the R-2 District.
2. The proposal is not anticipated to adversely impact nearby properties through
nuisance, noise, dust, glare, or unsightliness, and will not otherwise adversely impact
the health, safety, and welfare of the community. No construction activity is
anticipated as a result of this application, and the sale of the property to the City will
increase the City’s parkland and open space area.
3. The proposal would not increase parking and traffic on the site compared to existing
conditions. In addition, the City will continue to provide maintenance and snow
removal for the parking area subject to a successful signing of a purchase agreement
and closing.
4. The proposal is in keeping with many of the principles listed in the 2030
Comprehensive Plan to develop and encourage use of park space.
5. There are no delinquent property taxes, special assessments, interest, or City utility
fees due upon the subject parcel.
6. The utility, sewage, and pedestrian easement requirements are met by the proposed
plan.
Planned Unity Development Review Findings:
7. The Master and Final PUD process allows flexibility with the implementation of the
City’s subdivision and zoning regulations.
8. All Zoning requirements are met by the proposed plans with the exception of
landscaped lot coverage for Lot 1.
9. The land to be transferred to the City will remain as parkland and open space in
perpetuity.
10. No additional impervious surface will be constructed as a result of this application.
City Planner Beekman stated Staff recommends approval of Planning Case #11-005 for a
Preliminary and Final Plat, and Master and Final PUD at 3245 New Brighton Road
subject to the following four conditions:
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2011 3
3.A. Planning Case 11-005; Preliminary and Final Plat, and Master and final PUD; Trinity
Lutheran Church and the City of Arden Hills; 3245 New Brighton Road – Public Hearing
(continued)
1. The approval of the purchase agreement by the City Council.
2. The applicant shall file for the Final Plat with Ramsey County within 180 days of
City approval, or the approval for the Final Plat shall expire, unless extended by the
City Council prior to the approval’s expiration. Extension requests must be
submitted in writing to the City at least 45 days prior to the expiration date.
3. A shared parking lot agreement shall be signed by the property owners and the City
granting the City perpetual use of the Church’s parking lot for Hazelnut Park users,
and recorded with the County.
4. A parking lot maintenance agreement shall be signed by the property owners and the
City, and filed at the City.
Chair Larson opened the floor to Commissioner comments.
Chair Larson asked if the parking lot would be upgraded or the amount of impervious
surface reduced.
City Planner Beekman stated the size of the parking lot would not be reduced and the
City would maintain the current agreement regarding the parking lot which is $1000 per
year for snow removal and the City will occasionally fill pot holes in the parking lot and
stripe the lot as needed.
Chair Larson opened the public hearing at 6:38 p.m.
Chair Larson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make
comment.
There being no comment Chair Larson closed the public hearing at 6:39
Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Thompson seconded a motion to
approve Planning Case 11-005 for a Preliminary and Final Plat, Master and Final
PUD at 3245 New Brighton Road based on the findings of fact and the submitted
plans as amended by the conditions in the April 6, 2011, planning case report. The
motion carried unanimously (7-0).
B. Planning Case 11-006; Preliminary Plat and Comprehensive Plan Amendment;
PulteGroup and Alliant Engineering; 4500 Snelling Avenue North – Public Hearing
Chair Larson stated Commissioner Reiff recused himself from this discussion and vote.
Commissioner Reiff left the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
City Planner Beekman stated the applicant is requesting approval of a Preliminary Plat
and Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the property located at 4500 Snelling Avenue
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2011 4
3.B. Planning Case 11-006; Preliminary Plat and Comprehensive Plan Amendment;
PulteGroup and Alliant Engineering; 4500 Snelling Avenue North – Public Hearing
(continued)
North to subdivide the parcel into 39 conforming single-family lots. She provided
additional background information.
City Planner Beekman stated Staff offers the following sixteen findings of fact for this
proposal.
General Findings:
1. The Fox Ridge subdivision is comprised of 20.07 net acres.
2. The Fox Ridge subdivision property is zoned R-1, Single-family Residential.
3. The Fox Ridge subdivision property has a land use designation of Low Density
Residential in the City’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
4. The applicant is proposing to re-plat the property into 39 conforming single-family
lots.
5. The applicant is proposing to construct 39 conforming single-family homes.
6. The subdivision will connect to the City’s existing street system at three points:
Snelling Avenue N., Keithson Drive, and Royal Hills Drive.
7. The proposed development requires park dedication.
8. Ramsey County has an assessed market value for 2010 of $2,220,880.
9. The park dedication requirement for this application is six percent (6%) of the land in
dedication or a fee of six percent (6%) of the market value, or some combination
thereof.
10. The proposed plan meets all of the requirements of the City’s Zoning and Subdivision
Codes.
11. The proposed plan is not in conformance with the City’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan in
regards to density; 1.94 units per net acre are proposed where the Comprehensive
Plan requires a minimum of three units per net acre.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment Findings:
12. The application is proposing to amend the City’s Comprehensive Plan to add a land
use designation of Very Low Density Residential, which would be defined as 1.5 to
three units per net acre, and to re-designate the subject property to Very Low Density
Residential.
13. The proposed land use designation of Very Low Density Residential would be
compatible with the adjacent land uses.
14. The proposed redevelopment is a permitted use in the R-1 District.
15. The proposed CPA would advance the City’s goal to promote the development
properties that are in keeping with the character of existing and established
neighborhoods within the City.
16. The Metropolitan Council staff indicated their support for the proposed CPA.
City Planner Beekman stated upon review of the proposal, Staff is recommending
approval of the Preliminary Plat and Comprehensive Plan Amendment based on the
findings of fact subject to the following seventeen 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
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2011 5
3.B. Planning Case 11-006; Preliminary Plat and Comprehensive Plan Amendment;
PulteGroup and Alliant Engineering; 4500 Snelling Avenue North – Public Hearing
(continued)
the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and
City Council.
2. The applicant shall submit an application for Final Plat approval to the City within
180 days of the approval of the Preliminary Plat.
3. The Final Plat shall be amended as follows:
a. The lot frontage of Block 1, Lot 3 and Block 4, Lots 9 and 10 shall be
widened to a minimum of 105 feet.
b. The right of way adjacent to Block 1, Lots 10 and 11, shall be squared off to
bring the lot frontage on both lots to a minimum of 95 feet.
c. Access restrictions to Highway 96 shall be provided to the County.
4. Execution of the Final Plat shall be contingent upon the Metropolitan Council’s
approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
5. A development agreement shall be prepared by the City Attorney and subject to City
Council approval. The development agreement shall be executed prior to execution
of the Final Plat.
6. The applicant shall submit a park dedication, subject to the approval of the City
Council, equal to six percent of the total land area, which is currently appraised at
$2,220,880, cash payment in lieu, or some combination thereof. The City shall use
the park dedication to expand the City’s Parks, trails, and recreation system.
7. The applicant shall submit a financial surety, subject to the approval of the City
Attorney, for 125 percent of the cost of the landscaping improvements prior to the
issuance of any development permits.
8. The applicant shall submit a financial surety, subject to the approval of the City
Attorney, for 100 percent of the cost of site grading, retaining walls, utilities, and
street improvements prior to the issuance of development permits.
9. The proposed project may require permits, including but not limited to, MPCA-
NPDES, Rice Creek Watershed, Minnesota Department of Health, MPCA-Sanitary
Sewer Extension, Ramsey County and City Right of Way, and City Erosion and
Sediment Control permits. Copies of all issued permits shall be provided to the City
prior to the issuance of any development permits.
10. Final grading, drainage, and utility plans shall be subject to approval by the Public
Works Director and City Engineer prior to the issuance of any development permits.
11. The plans shall be subject to Fire Marshal approval before development permits are
issued.
12. The applicant shall complete grading activity and install the first lift of bituminous
surfacing prior to the issuance of any building permits.
13. Sanitary sewer and water are to be accepted by the City and ready for hookup prior to
the issuance of any building permits.
14. The applicant shall submit a Development Plan, subject to the approval of City Staff,
prior to the issuance of any building permits. The Development Plan shall provide
as-built grading information together with the style and minimum elevations for the
house on each lot.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2011 6
3.B. Planning Case 11-006; Preliminary Plat and Comprehensive Plan Amendment;
PulteGroup and Alliant Engineering; 4500 Snelling Avenue North – Public Hearing
(continued)
15. There shall be no construction traffic out of the sire at Royal Hills Dr/Arden View Dr
or Keithson Dr. All construction traffic shall enter and exit the site from Snelling
Avenue N, with the exception of the homes to be constructed along Arden View Dr.
16. A copy of the home owners’ association (HOA) documents shall be kept on file with
the City, and shall clearly stat that the HOA shall be responsible for maintenance of
all retaining walls associated with the approved grading plan, as well as any outlets
located with the subdivision.
17. The applicant shall be responsible for implementing the landscaping plan. All
landscaping materials shall be put in place as the approved grading plan is completed
with the exception of required front yard trees, which shall be the responsibility of the
applicant to install at the time each house is constructed.
Chair Larson opened the floor to Commissioner comments
Chair Larson asked if it would be likely, the Met Council would approve a request to add
the Very Low Density Residential category and land use change proposed by this
application.
City Planner Beekman stated Staff has been in contact with the Met Council and they
defer these types of requests to the judgment of the City but they have indicated they
would be comfortable with approving this request. Met Council is concerned with waste
water systems and this is why they would like to see a higher density but they felt that the
development of TCAAP and the overall density of Arden Hills made this request
acceptable. She also stated other cities have requested to have similar categories added
to their comprehensive plans. The request to amend the Comprehensive Plan cannot be
made until after City Council approval. Once this is approved by the City then the
request will either be reviewed administratively, which will take approximately 14 days,
or it could be forwarded to their Council, and this process could take up to 60 days.
Chair Larson asked when the 331 caliper inches of trees would be planted. He also
clarified the five trees that are proposed for each lot will be planted at the time those lots
are developed.
Commissioner Holewa noted his objection to pushing the density lower based on
development on the TCAAP property that may or may not happen.
Mr. Matt Pacyna, Senior Traffic Engineer with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. reviewed the
existing traffic conditions in the neighborhoods surrounding the Pulte Homes proposed
development site and the developed trip generation estimates based on a complete build
out of the proposed site. He outlined the two alternatives for roads, and how they would
affect traffic. All intersections will continue to operate at acceptable levels with both
alternatives.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2011 7
3.B. Planning Case 11-006; Preliminary Plat and Comprehensive Plan Amendment;
PulteGroup and Alliant Engineering; 4500 Snelling Avenue North – Public Hearing
(continued)
Commissioner Holewa asked if the traffic study took into account the proposed fly over
at Highway 10 and County Road 96.
Mr. Pacyna stated the traffic analysis was analyzed with the proposed fly over and the
estimates provided are a worst-case scenario.
Mr. Ian Peterson, VP Pulte Homes, provided an overview of the housing industry, as it is
today and the development that Pulte Homes has done over the last two years. He
outlined three amendments he would like to make to the conditions being proposed by
the City. He clarified there are currently five lots in the development area that already
meet the City’s requirements for having a building permit issued and he asked that these
be clarified in Condition 12. He also stated with Condition 16 the outlot on parcel 8 in
the subdivison will not be part of the Home Owners Association (HOA) but will transfer
to the neighboring property and they will maintain this area. He also requested Condition
17 should include the two trees in the back of each property to be installed at the time
each home is constructed. The other landscaping within the landscaping plan would be
completed by the fall of 2011.
Mr. Jeremy Deer, Senior Scientist with Malcolm Pirnie, stated they have been in
communication with Rice Creek Water Shed and they are recommending approval of the
proposed plan. Any wetland that may be impacted during the construction will be
restored to the condition it was prior to the development. City Staff has requested
retaining walls be set back a minimum of five feet from the wetlands. At this time Pulte
is proposing a minimum of five feet where there is a roadway and retaining walls and an
average of a thirty-foot set back in other areas. He also stated Pulte is requesting
additional guidance regarding how the City would like to have the wetland buffer area
protected since the City did not have a requirement.
Chair Larson stated signs had been mentioned and proposed but this was something that
could be talked about.
Commissioner Holewa asked how far the structure would be from the wetlands on Block
4, Lot 18 if the home were constructed in the corner closest to the wetlands.
Mr. Clark Wicklund, Vice President for Alliant Engineering, Inc., stated the retaining
wall is set 5-feet from the wetland edge and the proposed structure is 5-feet to 12.5 feet
from the edge of the retaining wall.
Commissioner Holewa asked when construction would be expected to start and when the
proposed development would be fully occupied.
Mr. Peterson stated construction is expected to start June 1, 2011 with a goal to have a
home in the fall Parade of Homes. Pulte’s goal would be to sell 20 homes per year,
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2011 8
3.B. Planning Case 11-006; Preliminary Plat and Comprehensive Plan Amendment;
PulteGroup and Alliant Engineering; 4500 Snelling Avenue North – Public Hearing
(continued)
which would have a full development within two years. He clarified all the roads, water,
sewer, landscaping, and utilities.
Commissioner Zimmerman asked what the best method would be for protecting the
wetlands and the buffer area since the City did not have regulations in place.
Mr. Deer stated the wetland buffer area is an area that is hard to enforce. One method
would be to have the area outlined on the plans. Other methods include having a
monument along the property line; have restrictive covenants on the lots; or establish a
conservation easement. Conservation easements would be recorded with the County and
Pulte would include this in the information that homeowners receive and sign for. Pulte
would like to have guidance on what the City would like to do before anyone moves into
the development. This will ensure the necessary restrictions are provided to all the
homeowners.
Commissioner Hames asked how many feet from the property line the curb is for the
house located at the corner of the proposed curve on Keithson Drive.
City Planner Beekman stated the City right-of-way will abut the property line. The house
is located 10 feet from the property line and the edge of the road is an additional 25 feet
from the property line. The City has asked that this road be moved as far to the south as
possible.
Chair Larson clarified the Planning Commission is advisory to the City Council and does
not take into consideration the financial merits or the competency of the builder or
developer and these things will not be considered when approving or disapproving the
proposed development. The proposal is evaluated based on the City’s Zoning Code,
ordinances, statutes, and regulations.
Chair Larson opened the public hearing at 7:38 p.m.
Chair Larson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make
comment.
Mr. Ron Nelson, 4504 Keithson Drive, Arden Hills, stated the residents on Keithson
Drive have retained a lawyer and he provided a letter to the Planning Commission to
have entered into the record. He requested the Planning Commission table this item and
continue the public haring until the residents have had a chance to review all the reports
that have been released over the last two to three days in regards to the drainage, wetland
delineation, and traffic. He asked if the proposal is approved if there would be a
condition added that provided for additional comments from the residents. This public
hearing may be the last chance residents have to voice their concerns over the proposed
development. He provided the Planning Commission with a history and background of
Keithson Drive.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2011 9
3.B. Planning Case 11-006; Preliminary Plat and Comprehensive Plan Amendment;
PulteGroup and Alliant Engineering; 4500 Snelling Avenue North – Public Hearing
(continued)
Chair Larson accepted the letter from the attorney and clarified the Planning Commission
will not comment on it at this time.
Ms. Toni Tredal, 4521 Keithson Drive, Arden Hills, reviewed the Arden Hills
Comprehensive Plan and what is important to the City and how this is different from
what Pulte is proposing in this development. She expressed concerns about the economy
and Pulte as a builder in general. She does not believe the character of the Pulte homes is
complimentary and the set backs are too dissimilar from one side of the street to the other
and this will devalue the homes that are currently located in this area.
Mr. Mark Majors, 4521 Keithson Drive, Arden Hills, expressed concerns about the Fox
Ridge development because it is proposing a non-conforming side yard setback and the
roads are being built too close to existing homes. He stated the proposed building pad for
Lot 18, Block 4 is too close to the wetlands and this lot should not be built on.
Mr. David Bartlett, 4503 Keithson Drive, Arden Hills, reviewed alternative suggestions
including a reduction of entrances because Keithson residents want to preserve their dead
end street. Pulte could provide a cul-de-sac on the east end of the proposed plan.
Residents want to maintain the character of their residential neighborhood and the
dissimilar properties, lot sizes, different set backs, and the styles of the homes in the
proposed development do not maintain this character. He also requested that Lot 18 of
Block 4 be removed from the plan. This home would be too close to the wetlands and if
Keithson is left as a dead end there will be no access to this home. He encouraged the
Planning Commission to consider the property values of those homes already existing in
this area.
Ms. Gail Vanbuskirk, 1390 Arden View Drive, Arden Hills stated her two concerns with
this development were the drainage of the water and how this will affect the roads and
driveways and the Condition 15 regarding the construction traffic using Arden View
Drive while building the homes along Arden View Drive. This road is being repaved this
year and residents are being assessed for this. She asked how this type of traffic would
affect the road condition. She stated this proposal is being rushed through the process
and she would like to see the City look further into the environmental impacts from this
proposed development.
Chair Larson stated it had been determined that the channel in this area was man made
and a pipe will be used under the road. There will also be retaining walls in this area to
maintain the integrity of the road and separate the wetlands.
City Planner Beekman stated the intention of Condition 15 is to restrict all construction
traffic to the Snelling Avenue access point only. The use of Arden View Drive is for the
construction of just the five homes along Arden View Drive. Staff can make this
condition more specific.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2011 10
3.B. Planning Case 11-006; Preliminary Plat and Comprehensive Plan Amendment;
PulteGroup and Alliant Engineering; 4500 Snelling Avenue North – Public Hearing
(continued)
Mr. Mike Giel, 4534 Keithson Drive, Arden Hills, expressed concerns about the traffic.
He asked if the traffic study took into account events at North Heights because this does
have an impact on traffic in this neighborhood currently. The proposed Pulte
development will compound the traffic problems that are currently experienced by
residents.
Mr. Lassina stated the traffic study did not take into consideration any traffic movement
from North Heights due to events that are held there.
Mr. Kurt Lawrence, 4516 Keithson Drive, Arden Hills, sated residents have not heard
any comments from the Planning Commission regarding a possible cul-de-sac on
Keithson Drive. He stated he would like to hear comments from the Planning
Commission and have this item voted on.
Ms. Jeanine Yates, 1394 Arden View Drive, Arden Hills, expressed concerns about the
traffic from North Heights Church and the overall increase in traffic through the
neighborhood. This increase is significant and could be dangerous.
Mr. Ron Reimann, 1518 Arden View Drive, Arden Hills, stated there is a fair amount of
elevation in this area and he would like to recommend more trees be planted along the
south side of the development. He asked if there would still be a pond located along the
south side. He also asked what the set backs were for the homes that are closest to Arden
View Drive.
Mr. Peterson stated the pond has been moved north of its current location.
Chair Larson clarified that all the proposed homes will meet the City’s standards for
setbacks.
Mr. Lawrence pointed out there had been some talk about developing the old Arden Hills
City Hall property but there had been traffic concerns about this location. He asked what
the Planning Commission was planning to do about the traffic from this proposed
development.
Chair Larson stated the County Traffic Engineer had stated the traffic with the
development of this property would be bad due to the construction of I694.
Mr. Dave Young, 4444 Snelling Avenue North, Arden Hills, expressed concerns about
the drainage. He stated if Pulte builds to the contour and plans submitted there should
not be any drainage problems.
Chair Larson closed the public hearing at 8:30 p.m.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2011 11
3.B. Planning Case 11-006; Preliminary Plat and Comprehensive Plan Amendment;
PulteGroup and Alliant Engineering; 4500 Snelling Avenue North – Public Hearing
(continued)
Chair Larson clarified the continuation of Keithson Drive would be 30-35 feet from the
corner of the house located at 4503 Keithson Drive.
Mr. Wicklund stated this is correct. Currently the north curb edge is 20 feet from the
right-of-way and this will be adjusted to 25 feet. From the north edge of right-of-way to
the house is an additional 10 feet.
Chair Larson asked if the roads close proximity to Mr. Bartlett’s property would cause
any problems.
Mr. Wicklund stated there are no anticipated problems with this section of road. He
stated the GeoTech Report for the soils on this site show suitable material to work with
and they will be able to get this material to a tolerance that can support a road. He
clarified that soil borings have been taken throughout the site and they have not found
any problems with peat that were reported by residents. Ron Intertech did six
geotechnical borings and a contracting did twelve test kits and all the material appears to
be suitable for construction.
Commissioner Hames stated the residents had stated their homes had been built on
wetlands and she asked to clarify that the proposed development would not be building
on the wetlands and the wetlands are delineated separate from the home sites.
Mr. Wicklund stated this was correct. No portion of this project would be built in
wetlands.
Commissioner Thompson asked about the wetlands on Lot 18, Block 4 and the concerns
expressed by the residents.
Mr. Wicklund stated the rear yard would be kept for the area behind it to drain through
this lot. He clarified that both Rice Creek Watershed District and the City have
requirements in their subdivision ordinances and design standards for poor elevations
related to drainage ways and minimal slopes in rear yards. Pulte also has established
criteria for these areas. The front portion of the lot will be built up and the slope to the
rear of the property will be more gradual. The City could set up a drainage easement for
this area so that in future years the landscaping is not changed to affect the drainage. He
also stated there would be a retaining wall built on the east side of this lot, outside of the
wetlands, to address the erosion problems that have occurred on this property.
Public Works Director Terry Maurer stated the City would be requesting a drainage
easement be put in the proper location to accommodate the grading and allow for the
correct drainage in this area. He stated he would recommend the City request a letter of
credit to ensure all the improvements are done, reviewed and accepted by the City. The
City will have an inspector on the site to ensure the project is being completed according
the plans and specifications submitted to the City.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2011 12
3.B. Planning Case 11-006; Preliminary Plat and Comprehensive Plan Amendment;
PulteGroup and Alliant Engineering; 4500 Snelling Avenue North – Public Hearing
(continued)
Commissioner Scott stated he agreed with the development having three entrance points
and will make the traffic flow easier in this area.
Commissioner Zimmerman stated he supports the lower density because this helps to
preserve open space in the City.
Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded a motion to
approve Planning Case 11-006 for a Preliminary Plat and Comprehensive Plan
Amendment at 4500 Snelling Avenue North, based on the findings of fact, submitted
plans, and the seventeen conditions in the April 6, 2011, planning case report with
the following amendments: Condition 12 clarify the construction traffic that can be
on Arden View Drive, Condition 16 there will not be any outlots within this
development so this can be removed from the condition, and Condition 17 add the
two rear trees to be installed at the time the home is built and an additional
condition to add monument signs to designate the wetland areas.
Chair Larson stated the existing pond and the corner of the Mr. Bartlett’s property could
use additional trees for screening.
City Planner Beekman stated the City Attorney would incorporate these
recommendations into the development agreement.
The motion was called to a vote.
The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
None.
REPORTS
A. Report from the City Council
The Planning Commission was provided a memo, which outlined the City Council
activities.
B. Planning Commission Comments and Requests
Commissioner Holewa stated the Friends of the Park tree sale was still going on and
residents could still purchase and donate trees to the City’s parks.
Councilmember Holden stated the Northwest Youth and Family Services luncheon will
be held on the first Wednesday in May.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2011 13
ADJOURN
Commissioner Holewa moved, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, to adjourn
the April 6, 2011, Planning Commission Meeting at 8:59 p.m. The motion carried
unanimously (6-0).