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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-11 PC Approved: CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 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 6:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Present were: Chair Clayton Larson, Commissioners Roberta Thompson, Andy Holewa, and Clayton Zimmerman. Absent: Commissioners Samuel Scott and Angela Hames Also present were: City Planner Meagan Beekman; Councilmember Fran Holmes; Community Development Intern Mei-Ling Anderson; and Recording Secretary Debbie Wolfe. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 The Agenda was approved as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. August 3, 2011 – Planning Commission Regular Meeting Commissioner Zimmerman noted a correction on page 4, paragraph 11, line 3, the spelling of Mr. Joe Commers name. Commissioner Holewa moved, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, to approve the August 3, 2011, Planning Commission Regular Meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). PLANNING CASES A. Planning Case 11-019; PUD Amendment; Hood Packaging Corporation; 1887 Gateway Blvd – Public Hearing. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 2 Community Development Intern Mei-Ling Anderson stated the applicant has requested Planned Unit Amendment to install two double-walled silos and one containment tank to the southeast side of the building at 1887 Gateway Boulevard. Community Development Intern Mei-Ling Anderson reviewed Hood Packaging Corporation is a national company that manufactures various types of paper and plastic packaging products. The company is a conforming use in the G-B Zone. There are currently four storage tanks on the property that were built following the approval of two previous planning cases. This request would add one containment tank and two silos to the southeastern side of the property. The containment tank would be located between the proposed silos and the building. There would be a distance of 4 feet between the containment tank and the concrete pad on which the silos would sit. Community Development Intern Mei-Ling Anderson stated the two silos in the applicant’s request would be 24 feet tall and 12 foot in diameter, and would be placed upon a single 16 by 32 foot concrete pad. The applicant has indicated that the silos would be painted with a high solid polyurethane enamel (semi-gloss finish) to match the exterior of the main building on the property. The silos are needed to store plastic resin pellets that would be used to supply their new extrusion laminator. The pellets would reach the inside of the building through 6-inch steel piping, which would connect the silos to the extrusion laminator. The piping would lead the pellets directly to the hopper located above the machine. While the maximum capacity of each silo would be 65,000 pounds (1,858 cubic feet), the silos are not expected to hold more than 48,000 pounds of material at any one time. Community Development Intern Mei-Ling Anderson stated the applicant’s request also includes a 10,000 gallon containment tank. The tank would be approximately 13 feet tall, 12 feet in diameter, and would be made of white plastic. A new storage room is being constructed within the building to hold multiple 55-gallon closed drums containing ink. The room is designed to be explosion-proof since the ink has potential to be flammable. According to the Fire Marshal, the external containment tank must be able to hold the contents of one of the drums if there was a spill. In the event of an accident, the ink would be pumped into the proposed containment tank on the exterior of the building. Additionally, in the event of a spilled barrel, the containment tank would also need to be able to hold 30 minutes worth of water runoff from the sprinkler system in order to suppress a fire or other hazard. Community Development Intern Mei-Ling Anderson reviewed the southeastern side of the building contains approximately 1.7 acres (73,000 square feet) of paved surfaces and is used for storage and loading. As the silos and tank would be built on top of existing impervious surface, no change in impervious coverage would occur with this application. The addition of the three structures is not expected to impact access traffic circulation. There would not be any reduction in parking, as all parking is on the other side of the building. The applicant has submitted two letters addressing the details of the application, a site plan, and measurements of the proposed structures. Some of the plans for the silos and for the containment tank are presented separately, as the applicant is working with two different companies on these projects. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 3 Community Development Intern Mei-Ling Anderson reviewed the twelve findings of fact for consideration: General Findings 1. Hood Packaging Corporation is a conforming use in the Gateway Business Zone. 2. The PUD process allows for flexibility within the City’s regulations through a negotiated process with a developer. 3. The applicant proposes to add two storage silos and one containment tank to the southeast side of the building. Each silo is twenty-four feet tall, twelve feet in diameter, with a capacity to hold sixty-five thousand pounds. The containment tank is approximately thirteen feet tall, twelve feet in diameter, with a capacity to hold ten thousand gallons. None of the proposed structures will exceed the height of the building. 4. This proposal will not impact lot coverage requirements, nor will it encroach on setbacks. On the Conditional Use Plan Evaluation Criteria 5. The proposal will not impact traffic circulation or parking. 6. The proposal is not expected to alter existing noise, glare, odors, vibration, smoke, dust, air pollution, heat, liquid or solid waste, or other nuisance characteristics. The tanks and connecting pipes will be double-walled to contain the material. 7. The proposal will not impact drainage on the site. 8. The proposal will not impact population density on the site. 9. The proposed silos will be painted to match the color of the building while the containment tank is composed of white plastic. All proposed structures are unlikely to significantly impact the subject property or surrounding properties. 10. Park dedication requirements do not apply. 11. The proposal is not anticipated to create a negative impact on the immediate area or the community as a whole. 12. The proposal does not conflict with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Staff is recommending approval based on the findings of fact, subject to the following conditions: 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. The three tanks shall meet all applicable Building Code and Fire Code regulations. The applicant shall obtain all required permits prior to installation. 3. The three tanks and connecting systems shall comply with the odor, noise, and, other applicable Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in a revocation of a permit. 4. The silos shall be painted to match the color of the building. A call was received today from the Apache Group and they were concerned about the material used for the containment tank and did not want it highly visible. Chair Larson opened the floor to Commissioner Comments. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 4 Chair Larson referred to Section 1325.05 Subd 4.Q and whether staff feels the painting of the silos will be screened if painted the same color as the building. Commissioner Holewa asked to see the picture with the trash compactor. He asked if it could be wheeled away if desired. Commissioner Thompson asked the height of the containment tank. Community Development Intern Mei-Ling Anderson responded the containment tank is 13 feet high and the silos are 24 feet tall. She added the Apache Group would be east and it would be a straight on view. Mr. Michael Ramirez, Plant Manager, Hood Packaging Corporation appeared before the Commission. Chair Larson asked if there was a risk of the ink catching fire. Mr. Ramirez stated there would not be a risk. They have received recommendations from the Fire Marshall. Chair Larson asked why one picture shows the compactor in one location and in another picture it’s in a different location. Mr. Ramirez stated it has already been moved and it is a roll-off dumpster that is picked up approximately once a week. Commissioner Holewa asked if there was a power outage what would happen to the pumps going into the containment tank. Mr. Ramirez stated there would not be a way to pump it if the power went out and it would remain in the building. Commissioner Holewa asked if a power generator was owned. Mr. Ramirez stated they have not. Mr. Ramirez stated the room itself is 24 x 20 feet at a cost of over $100,000. There was a lot of engineering and money put into the storage room. Currently the drums are not secured properly and the new room would keep the fire containment and spill containment and increase their chemical storage capacity. Chair Larson stated in the past companies have used buried tanks which is not done as often these days. Commissioner Thompson asked about Mr. Ramirez’ response to the Apache Group’s concerns. Mr. Ramirez stated the silos would only be visible and the containment tank would probably not be seen. Commissioner Thompson asked if the screening code would be met. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated it’s an industrial area and she does not see it to be a problem. The Apache Group wanted their concerns to be part of the record. Chair Larson opened the public hearing at 6:49 p.m. There being no other comments, Chair Larson closed the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Commissioner Zimmerman moved and Commissioner Holewa seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 11-019 for a Planned Unit Development Amendment at 1887 Gateway Boulevard based on the findings of fact, submitted plans, and the four conditions in the September 7, 2011 planning case report. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 5 B. Planning Case 11-020; CUP Amendment and Variance; Mounds View High School, 1900 Lake Valentine Rd – Public Hearing City Planner Meagan Beekman stated the applicant has requested a Conditional Use Permit Amendment and Variance to construct a scoreboard on the north side of their baseball field. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated Mounds View High School received a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Amendment to construct a baseball field in the southwest corner of the school property in 2008. In 2009, Mounds View High School added bleachers, and a foul ball netting system to the baseball field. At this time Mounds View High School is proposing to construct a 192 square foot digital scoreboard. The scoreboard would be 24 feet in width, eight feet in height and mounted on ten foot high poles, making it eighteen feet in height. The scoreboard would be located facing the field on the north side of the existing ball field. The score would be located approximately 460 feet from the nearest property line, and approximately 540 feet from the nearest home. City Planner Meagan Beekman reviewed the Plan Evaluation. 1. Zoning Code Regulations A. Lot Coverage – Meets Requirements – This project would not result in an increase of impervious coverage. B. Setbacks – Meets Requirements – The proposed scoreboard would be located approximately 460 feet from the rear property line. C. Height – Variance Required – Accessory structures are permitted up to fifteen feet in height. The proposed scoreboard would be eighteen feet in height, which is a standard height for scoreboards; however, a variance would be required to allow the additional three feet of height. The posts would need to be custom made to accommodate a height of fifteen feet, and given the location of the scoreboard in relation to the field and bleachers it would not be as visible at a reduced height. The applicant is requesting a variance to construct the scoreboard at eighteen feet rather than fifteen feet. D. Landscaping – Meets Requirements – The applicant is not proposing to remove any vegetation on the site. 2. Sign Code Regulations – The Sign Code allows permanent signage to be located on scoreboards, provided that it does not exceed 30 percent of the total scoreboard area if it is visible from adjacent property. The scoreboard is proposed to have approximately 48 square feet of permanent signage on it, approximately 25 percent of the scoreboard face. 3. Conditional Use Permit Amendment Criteria – Section 1355.04 Subd 3 of the Arden Hills Zoning Code lists the criteria for evaluating a Condition Use Permit Amendment. When evaluating conditional use permits, the Planning Commission and City Council should consider the effect of the proposed use upon the health, safety, convenience, and general welfare of the owners and occupants of the surrounding land, in particular, and the community as a whole, in general, including but not limited to the following factors: ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 6 1. Existing and anticipated traffic and parking conditions. 2. Noise, glare, odors, vibration, smoke, dust, air pollution, heat, liquid, or solid waste, and other nuisance characteristics; 3. Drainage; 4. Population density; 5. Visual and land use compatibility with uses and structures on surrounding land; adjoining land values; 6. Park dedication where applicable; and the 7. Orderly development of the neighborhood and the City within the general purpose and intent of this ordinance and the Comprehensive Development Plan for the City. City Planner Meagan Beekman reviewed the Variance Evaluation Criteria. City Planner Meagan Beekman offered seventeen findings of fact for the Planning Commission’s consideration: General Findings: 1. The applicant is proposing a construct a 192 square foot digital scoreboard. 2. Mounds View High School operates under a Conditional Use Permit in the R-1 Zoning District. 3. Athletic fields and accessory equipment are permitted under the original CUP for Mounds View High School. 4. The scoreboard would be located approximately 460 feet from the rear property line. 5. The proposed application will not exceed the lot coverage limits for the property. 6. The proposed application meets all setback requirements. 7. The applicant is not proposing to remove any vegetation from the site. On the Conditional Use Permit Amendment: 8. The proposed project is not expected to have any significant impact on traffic or parking conditions since no change in the school population is expected. 9. The proposed project will not produce any permanent noise, glare, odors, vibration, smoke, dust, air pollution, heat, liquid, or solid waste. 10. The proposed project will not impact storm water runoff since impervious surface is not significantly increased and no grading is taking place. 11. The proposed project is not expected to have any impacts on school population or density. 12. The proposed project will not impact visual and land use compatibility with surrounding land because of the great distance between the location of the scoreboard and the nearest property. 13. The park dedication fee is not applicable to this application. 14. The proposed project does not conflict with the City’s Comprehensive Plan or the intent of the Zoning Code. On the Variance Request: 15. The proposed project is in harmony with the purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance because scoreboards are permitted accessory uses with athletic fields. 16. The proposed project is consistent with Comprehensive Plan because the property in question is guided for its current and proposed use as a high school. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 7 17. The proposed project is reasonable because scoreboards are addressed in the Code as reasonable uses with educational athletic facilities. 18. The property is unique because of its size, the considerable setback from adjacent properties, and its use as a high school in a residential district. 19. The proposed project will not alter the essential character of the locality because the scoreboard will be located 460 feet from the nearest adjacent property. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated based on the submitted plans and findings of fact; Staff recommends approval of Planning Case #11-020 for a Conditional Use Permit Amendment to construct a scoreboard on the north side of the existing baseball field at Mounds View High School. The recommendation for approval is subject to the following four conditions: 1. The applicant shall continue to abide by the conditions of all previous permits and reviews. 2. 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. 3. The applicant shall obtain all necessary permits from the City. 4. The applicant shall obtain all necessary permits from the Rice Creek Watershed District, MPCA, and other governmental entities and provide the City with copies of such permits prior to the City issuing any building permits. Chair Larson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Holewa asked to see the location picture and asked where north was in the picture. City Planner Meagan Beekman indicated the location on the picture. Commissioner Holewa asked if the scoreboard would be lighted towards the nearest home. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated Mounds View High School only has daytime games. Commissioner Zimmerman asked if the lights were LED. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated they are. Mr. Robert Madison, Activities Director at Mounds View High School appeared before the Commission. He stated with the grade of the houses nearby it would be difficult for the scoreboard to be seen by the residents. That was the reason they selected that location. Commissioner Holewa asked if Mr. Madison spoke with the neighbors. Mr. Madison stated he did not receive any concerns from the neighbors. Mr. Madison stated some trees will be planted along the perimeter. They will be planting 4 foot spruce trees which when mature should cut down on sound from the field. Chair Larson opened the public hearing at 6:59 p.m. Mr. Charles Fisher, 1750 Gramsie Road, stated they live in the neighborhood of the school. If it were a choice between athletics and academics he would choose academics. He does not have a concern with the scoreboard. He supports the school. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 8 Chair Larson closed the public hearing at 7:01 p.m. Commissioner Zimmerman asked if the variance request is covered and City Planner Meagan Beekman stated it is covered in the Findings of Fact. Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Thompson seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 11-20 for a Conditional Use Permit Amendment and Variance at 1900 Lake Valentine Road based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans as amended by the four conditions in the September 7, 2011 planning case report. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS REPORTS A. Report from the City Council Councilmember Holmes updated the Planning Commission on City Council activities. Councilmember Holmes stated the City, together with the County, hosted an open house for residents to learn more about the stadium proposal in Arden Hills. Representatives of the Vikings were also there to present their stadium plan. Several County Commissioners attended as well. Approximately 100 residents attended the event, though many were from surrounding communities, in addition to Arden Hills. Councilmember Holmes reported the City Council unanimously approved Planning Case 11-016 for the Arden Plaza Redevelopment. The Planning Commission recommended approval for this item at their August 3, 2011 meeting. Staff is now working on the development agreements, which will go back to the Council for approval in the next few weeks. Councilmember Holmes noted at a Council work session there was discussion about drainage after the last storm. There will be some drainage studies done. They also discussed property tax and the budget. She stated everyone’s property taxes will increase this year. Councilmember Holmes noted the McDonald’s redevelopment is nearly complete. A mid-September opening is planned (September 14, 2011). The City will be hosted a State of the City Address on Wednesday, September 14th from 7:30 to 9:30 am at the North Heights Lutheran Church on Highway 96. The event is geared towards the business community, but all residents are also welcome to attend. The Celebrate Arden Hills Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 17th from 3:00 pm to dusk at Tony Schmidt Regional Park. All residents are welcome to attend. Commissioner Holewa asked who was handling Highway 10/96. Councilmember Holmes stated the County is handling that as the County received the funding. Commissioner Zimmerman asked about the flooding issues by the townhomes. He understands part of the problem was due to mounds of dirt and silt filters. Commissioner ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 9 Zimmerman asked if it would still be a problem. Councilmember Holmes stated the public works department and townhome owners stated there may be problems and it still needs to be looked at. She stated the storm water pipes could not be made larger. Councilmember Holmes stated they are doing a study to see how it can improve without larger pipes. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated the storm water pipes do not run along the road and are located behind the townhomes. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated better retention is needed which is unrelated to the construction on the roads. B. Planning Commission Comments and Requests Chair Larson reminded residents of the State of the City Address on Wednesday September 14th from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Chair Larson noted they are looking for another Planning Commissioner and an alternate. ADJOURN Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Holewa, to adjourn the September 7, 2011, Planning Commission Meeting at 7:15 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (4-0).