HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-22-21-R --Aq)EN HILLS
Approved: December 13, 2021
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 22,2021
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(attending via Zoom) and Steve Scott
Absent: None
Also present: City Administrator Dave Perrault; City Planner Jessica Jagoe; City
Attorney Joel Jamnik; City Clerk Julie Hanson and HR Green Consultant John Morast
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. A roll call vote was
taken. The motion carried (5-0).
2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, stated on October 11 he asked the Council why it
opposes more density and affordable housing in Rice Creek Commons. He discussed the previous
response by the City Attorney and reiterated he wanted to know why the City Council opposed
more density. He encouraged the Council to provide validation on its position.
Lynn Diaz, 1143 Ingerson Road, stated according to a Star Tribune article from September 19 the
housing shortage in the Twin Cities was now the worst in the nation. She discussed various
aspects of affordable housing in the area. She questioned what the Council would do to promote
affordable housing in Arden Hills in order to live up to Met Council obligations.
3. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES
No
ne.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 22, 2021 2
4. STAFF COMMENTS
None.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. October 25, 2021, Regular City Council
B. November 1, 2021, Special City Council
C. November 8, 2021, Special City Council Work Session
D. November 8, 2021, Special City Council
Councilmember Holden noted she had discussed a change to the October 25 Regular City
Council meeting minutes with the City Clerk.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve the October 25, 2021, Regular City Council meeting
minutes as amended, and the November 1, 2021, Special City Council meeting
minutes, November 8, 2021, Special City Council Work Session meeting
minutes; and November 8, 2021, Special City Council meeting minutes as
presented. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried (5-0).
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll
B. Motion to Approve resolution 2021-064 Accepting the Liability Coverage Limits
from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust(LMCIT) for 2022
C. Motion to Approve Resolution 2021-065 Accepting Donations from Arden Hills
Foundation
D. Motion to Approve Professional Services Agreement for Reconstruction Design
and Construction Administration Services — HR Green — Arden Manor Park
(CDBG) and Floral Park Hardcourt Improvements
E. Motion to Approve Appointment of Building Official
F. Motion Authorizing the City Administrator to Purchase Recycling Carts
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize
execution of all necessary documents contained therein. A roll call vote was
taken. The motion carried (5-0).
7. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 22, 2021 3
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution 2021-066 — Site Plan Review — 4200 Round Lake Road (Scannell
Properties)—PC 21-025
City Planner Jagoe stated Scannell Properties was approved Resolution 2020-045 for a
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) subject to 35 conditions on October 12, 2020 that was part of a
Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the subject property in order to operate an office and
warehouse facility. The approximate 21 acre site is located south of the cul-de-sac on Gateway
Boulevard and north of Interstate 694 and east of 35W. The Subject Property had been vacant
since 2006 with wetlands located adjacent to Interstates ("35W and 694").
City Planner Jagoe explained the site is highly visible from 694 and 35W. Separate access points
to the site are provided via Gateway Boulevard for employee parking and deliveries. The site
development will include office space, warehousing, ground level unloading access with 38 dock
doors located on the north side of the building, and at-grade office parking lots located on the
south side of the building.
City Planner Jagoe reported one of the conditions from Resolution 2020-045 stated "Site Plan
approval shall be required for the construction of the proof of parking area". This proof of parking
area was shown on Site Exhibit EX-1 (Exhibit D) as part of the PUD Review. The Applicant has a
prospective tenant that will occupy 2/3rd's of the building which also necessitates the need for
construction of this future parking area. Therefore, the Applicant is pursuing the Site Plan Review
for expansion of the parking area.
City Planner Jagoe reviewed the Plan Evaluation in further detail with the Council and offered
the following Findings of Fact:
1. The Applicant has submitted an application for Site Plan Review to construct additional
parking previously identified as "proof of parking" at the subject property 4200 Round
Lake Road.
2. The Subject Property is located with the Gateway Business ("GB") District and is guided
as Light Industrial & Office on the 2040 Land Use Plan.
3. The Applicant operates under a Master Planned Unit Development and has been approved
for construction of a 250,000 square foot office and warehouse facility on the Subject
Property.
4. Flexibility through the PUD process was granted in the following areas: parking setbacks,
minimum caliper inches, and perennials and shrubberies.
5. The proposed plan does not conflict with the general purpose and intent of the Zoning
Code or the Comprehensive Development Plan for the City.
6. The application is not anticipated to create a negative impact on the immediate area or the
community as a whole.
7. The proposed plan will not produce any permanent noise, odors, vibration, smoke, dust, air
pollution, heat, liquid, or solid waste, and other nuisance characteristics.
8. The proposed plan is not anticipated to have any impact on traffic or parking conditions.
9. The accessory off-street parking would be in compliance with all provisions of the Zoning
Code.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 22, 2021 4
10. A public hearing for a Site Plan Review is not required before the request can be brought
before the City Council.
11. The Planning Commission reviewed the application and provided a recommendation on
November 3, 2021.
City Planner Jagoe reported the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their
November 3, 2021 meeting. At that time, they recommended approval of the Scannell Properties,
LLC application for Site Plan Review by a 5-0 vote. Staff recommended adoption of Resolution
2021-066, approving Planning Case 21- 025, for Site Plan Review for Scannell Properties, LLC at
4200 Round Lake Road based on the findings of fact, submitted plans, and the November 22,
2021 Report to the City Council, subject to the following conditions:
1) All conditions of the original Conditional Use Permit and Planned Unit Development shall
remain in full force and effect.
2) That the project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by
the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the
City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City
Council.
3) The proposed parking area shall conform to all other regulations in the City Code.
4) A building permit shall be obtained for the proposed parking lot expansion.
5) Prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit, engineering staff shall approve in
writing the final design of parking lot expansion and underground retention system.
6) All light poles, including base, shall be a maximum of 25 feet in height and shall be
shoebox style, downward directed, with high-pressure sodium lamps or LED and flush
lenses. Other than wash or architectural lighting, attached security lighting shall be
shoebox style, downward directed with flush lenses. If complaints are received the lighting
adjacent to residential uses shall utilize house shields as directed by the City. In addition,
any lighting under canopies (building entries) shall be recessed and use a flush lens.
7) A right of way permit shall be required for work performed within the City right of way.
8) A grading as-built and utility as-built plan shall be provided to the City upon completion
of grading and utility work.
9) All fencing and retaining wall materials shall be complementary to the building materials
and shall be approved in writing by the Planning Division prior to issuance of a building
permit. Retaining walls greater than four(4) feet in height shall be engineered and detailed
calculations shall be submitted to the City.
10) A Grading and Erosion permit shall be obtained from the City's Engineering Department
prior to commencing any grading, land disturbance or utility activities. The Developer
shall be responsible for obtaining any permits necessary from other agencies, including but
not limited to, MPCA, Rice Creek Watershed District, and Ramsey County, MNDOT prior
to the start of any site activities.
11) The Applicant shall be responsible for protecting the proposed on-site storm sewer
infrastructure and components and any existing storm sewer from exposure to any and all
stormwater runoff, sediments and debris during all construction activities. Temporary
stormwater facilities shall be installed to protect the quality aspect of the proposed and
existing stormwater facilities prior to and during construction activities. Maintenance of
any and all temporary stormwater facilities shall be the responsibility of the Applicant.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 22, 2021 5
12) Prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit, the Applicant shall submit an amended
stormwater facilities operation and maintenance plan for the long-term care of all on-site
and off-site stormwater facilities to the City for review and approval. The Applicant will
be responsible to carry out these operation and maintenance activities and to submit the
appropriate documentation to the City as specified.
13) An amended Stormwater Facilities Operation and Maintenance Agreement shall be
presented to the City Engineer for review by the City Attorney and subject to City Council
approval. The Stormwater Facilities Operation and Maintenance Agreement shall be fully
executed prior to release of a land disturbance permit and building permit.
14) Prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit, all items identified in the Engineering
Comment Letter dated November 5, 2021 shall be addressed. All comments shall be
adopted herein by reference. Including installation of any new access to the expanded
parking area being constructed in accordance with municipal state aid specifications.
15) Prior to issuance of land disturbance permit, the Applicant shall be required to fully
execute the vacation and/or dedication of easement(s) as determined by the Public Works
Director/City Engineer prior to commencement of any site activities associated with the
expanded "proof of parking"area.
16) The Applicant shall be required to submit revised site plans prepared in accordance with
city code to the Zoning Department for approval prior to issuance of the building and/or
land disturbance permits. Site Plan Review does not include approval of setback flexibility
as shown.
17) The Applicant shall be required to verify the caliper inches of trees to be planted and if
necessary submit an updated landscaping plan reflective of the minimum caliper inches
approved under the PUD.
18) The Applicant shall confirm tenant uses in conformance with Arden Hills parking
standards and provide an explanation for spaces in excess of code requirements.
19) The Applicant shall submit an amended landscaping plan that complies with parking
island requirements under Section 1325.05, Subd. 1, F.7, Landscaping Minimum
Requirements to the Zoning Department for approval prior to issuance of permits.
Mayor Grant asked if the Council had questions for staff.
Councilmember Holmes requested further information regarding how the space will be divided
between tenants.
City Planner Jagoe stated one-third of the building would be occupied by one tenant and the
remaining two-thirds of the building would be occupied by a second tenant. She explained both
tenants had already been determined.
Councilmember Holden questioned if the percentage of office space was being met.
City Planner Jagoe commented this was correct noting a minimum of 20% non-warehouse
and/or office space was being provided.
Councilmember Scott questioned if the City viewed laboratory space the same as warehouse
space.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 22, 2021 6
City Planner Jagoe reported the new tenant has some area identified as warehouse space and
another portion has been identified as lab space.
Councilmember Scott inquired if the City had different parking requirements for lab space
versus office or warehouse space.
City Planner Jagoe reported she spoke to the applicant regarding this matter and explained the
lab space as explained during the Planning Commission review would fall under Other Business
and Industry which required one space per 1,000 square feet of floor area. The applicant has
calculated the lab space as one space per 250 square feet of floor area similarly to an office layout.
Councilmember Scott asked if either tenant would be working second and third shifts.
City Planner Jagoe deferred this question to the applicant.
Councilmember Holden questioned if the applicant believed all of the requested parking stalls
were necessary.
City Planner Jagoe reported this was the case.
Councilmember Holmes asked if the applicant had provided the City with employee numbers to
justify the requested parking.
City Planner Jagoe commented the applicant had not provided employee numbers to the City,
but rather provided the square footage calculations in order to satisfy the code requirements.
Mayor Grant stated in the schematics that were just given to the Council this evening, it showed
38 dock doors on the rear of the building.
City Planner Jagoe indicated the original PUD approved 38 docks doors. She reported she has
not confirmed this number with the applicant.
Mayor Grant requested further information regarding the mezzanine level and asked how many
windows would be installed.
Dan Salzer of Scannell Properties, LLC, the applicant, stated at this time the windows were not
being proposed. He reported as the tenant was working through their plans, he anticipated the
second story windows would match the first story windows.
Mayor Grant questioned what the building signage may look like.
Mr. Salzer reported both of his tenants were interested in signage.
Councilmember Holmes asked if there was a way to get an estimate on the number of employees
tenant two would have in order to better understand the parking needs.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 22, 2021 7
Mr. Salzer stated tenant two would be expanding their business onto this property and the
number of employees was uncertain at this time. He noted they have talked about three different
shifts with 125 employees per shift for the hourly employees plus salaried workers.
Councilmember Holden commented parking would not be allowed on Gateway Boulevard
which meant parking had to be provided onsite. She indicated she could support the site having
additional parking in order to meet the needs of the future tenant.
Councilmember Holmes requested further information regarding the retaining walls and drainage
system.
Mr. Salzer reported Rice Creek Watershed had already approved the stormwater treatment plans
and explained he has been working with other organizations such as Met Council, MnDOT and
Xcel Energy on the plans.
Mike Brant, project engineer with Kimley Horn & Associates, commented further on the
underground stormwater retention system that was reviewed and approved by the Rice Creek
Watershed.
Councilmember Holmes asked if the City Engineer supported the underground retention system
as proposed.
Consulting Engineer Morast stated in general the retention, quality and infiltration requirements
have met the City's standards. He noted the City still needs more details on the final design of the
system itself.
Councilmember Holmes requested further information from staff regarding the concerns they
have with the retaining wall.
Consulting Engineer Morast explained there were easements existing south of the parking lot
and he needed to better understand how these easements would be accessed.
Mr. Salzer stated he was not familiar with this detail, but would work through this concern with
the City. He reported there was access to the easements from MnDOT property.
Mayor Grant recommended a condition for approval be added to ensure the applicant has
received approvals from MnDOT, Xcel Energy and Met Council.
Councilmember Holden reported she supported the project moving forward so long as all City
requirements were being met. She discussed Condition 13 and asked for further information
regarding the maintenance agreement.
City Attorney Jamnik commented on the maintenance agreement that would be put in place to
deal with the unique circumstances of stormwater treatment and maintenance for the proposed
underground retention system on this property.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 22, 2021 8
Councilmember Holden questioned how many trees the property would be short, based on the
original agreement that was in place with the City.
City Planner Jagoe indicated the original PUD approved 410 caliper inches or 141 trees. She
noted for the Site Plan Review the applicant was requesting flexibility with 423 caliper inches or
137 trees. She stated a $10,000 payment has already been made to the City's tree fund as per the
original PUD.
Councilmember Holden inquired if the Council was willing to give up trees for the planting
islands.
Mr. Salzer discussed the reasons why trees could not be planted within the islands, noting tree
roots would upset the underground water retention system.
Councilmember Holden indicated she did not have a problem with this given the fact trees
would be planted elsewhere on the site.
Mayor Grant asked if this request was flexibility within the previous request or was this a new
PUD.
City Attorney Jamnik advised he viewed the request as flexibility from the previous request.
Councilmember Scott stated he supported this matter being reviewed under the previous PUD
request.
Further discussion ensued regarding City and MnDOT setbacks.
Councilmember Holden indicated she supported this item moving forward under the previously
approved PUD.
Mayor Grant concurred.
Councilmember Holmes and Councilmember McClung supported the matter moving forward
under the current PUD.
Councilmember Holmes asked if there were 18 or 19 conditions for approval.
City Planner Jagoe reported Condition 19 could be stricken because it was no longer applicable.
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adopt
Resolution #2021-066 approving Planning Case 21-025 — Site Plan Review for
Scannell Properties, LLC at 4200 Round Lake Road based on the findings of
fact, submitted plans and the eighteen (18) conditions for approval as listed
within the November 22, 2021 report to the City Council, amending Condition
10 to include Met Council and Xcel Energy. A roll call vote was taken. The
motion carried (5-0). (Minutes correction to strike staff report condition
sixteen (16)with flexibility from the previous request.)
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 22, 2021 9
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Scott encouraged everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Councilmember Holmes wished everyone a healthy and happy Thanksgiving. She thanked the
City's hardworking staff for all of their efforts. She thanked the Arden Hills Foundation for
making another generous donation to the City's parks.
Councilmember Holden thanked Mayor Grant on behalf of the local Rotary for giving a
presentation on what was happening in Arden Hills.
Mayor Grant recognized and acknowledged staff and the Council for participating in the State
bonding tour.
Mayor Grant stated earlier today he confirmed that the City received additional ARPA funds in
the amount of$17,000. Those monies were from unallocated amounts that were unclaimed and
then redistributed back to cities.
Mayor Grant commented on the presentation he gave to the Rotary and stated he appreciated all
of the questions he received at this event. He noted the Shoreview/Arden Hills Rotary was very
interested in the events that were occurring in the City.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to adiourn. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried (5-0).
Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:32 p.m.
Ju Hanson David Grant
City Clerk Mayor
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