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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-02-1988 PTRC Agenda-Minutes AGENDA REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING VILLAGE OF ARDEN HILLS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1988 - 7:30 P.M. VILLAGE HALL 1. Call to Order and Roll Call. 2. Approval of Minutes of October 5, 1988, Planning Commission Meeting. 3. Public Hearing Case No. 88-31, Special Use Permit to allow installation and operation of two miscellaneous towers (receiving dish antennae over 30 inches in diameter) at 1201 West County Road E; McGuires Inn and Restaurant. 4. Case No. 88-34, Front yard variance for a sign to be located at 3920 Northwoods Drive; American Family Insurance. 5. Public Hearing Case No. 88-32, Amendment to Section V of the Zoning Ordinance by adding a GB Gateway Business District. 6. Public Hearing Case No. 88-33, Amendment to the Comprehensive Development Plan by adding the Planning Study for I-694/I-35W.. 7. Discussion; Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. purchase of the Arden Hills Club property. 8• Council report. 9. Adjournment. PLEASE CALL THE VILLAGE OFFICE IF YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING 633-5676 MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, November 2, 1988, 7:30 p.m. - Village Hall CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof Chairman Robert Curtis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. • ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Robert Curtis, Paul Malone, Peter Martin, Calvin Meury, Barbara Piotrowski and Dorothy Zehm. Absent: Raymond McGraw, Dennis Probst , David Carlson and Scott Petersen. Also Present: Planner John Bergly, Councilmember Jeanne Winiecki, Clerk Administrator Gary Berger and Deputy Clerk Catherine Iago. APPROVE MINUTES Moved by Meury, seconded by Malone that the Minutes of the October 5, 1988 Planning Commission Meeting be approved as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0) PUBLIC HEARING CASE #88-31; SUP, Chairman Curtis opened the Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. and TWO MISC. TOWERS, Deputy Clerk Iago verified that the Notice of Hearing was 1201 W. CO. RD E, published in the New Brighton Bulletin on October 19 and MC GUIRE'S INN mailed to affected property owners on October 24, 1988. Planner Bergly reviewed his report dated 11-2-88 relative to the request to allow installation and operation of two 3.7-meter receiving dish antennae. He advised the antennae had been installed prior to application for the SUP and at the applicant's request the Council had issued a one-month temporary permit to allow use of the antennae until a public hearing was held, Planning Commission had reviewed the matter and Council had taken action on the matter. Bergly stated the two dish antennae are located north of the building and are • substantially out of view from neighboring property and public streets. He noted the dishes can only be seen by northbound Lexington Avenue traffic between the intersection of County Road E and the railroad (about 200 ft.) ; westbound County Road E traffic from slightly east of Lexington to just west of Lexington (about 200 ft) ; and from the Art Gallery/Framing Shop in Shoreview directly east of Lexington. He explained the dishes are approximately 600 ft. from the intersection of County Road E and Lexington and direct view from the industries to the west is negligible. The Planner stated the size of the dishes is approximately 12 ft. and, therefore, screening located nearby would not be practical. He explained the dishes occupy the space of eight parking stalls; 432 spaces are available on the site and additional undeveloped land to the east of the current parking lot would be available if addition parking is needed in the future. It was the opinion of the Planner the location to the rear of the building is visually better than locations elsewhere on the site or on the building. Bergly recommended approval of the request and stated if the Commission was of the opinion that screening is necessary to protect the view from adjacent properties and public streets, he would recommend a dense deciduous screen planting be placed along Lexington Avenue between County Road E and the railroad. The Planner stated he has viewed the site and it is his opinion the antennae are not a distraction to traffic nor do they negatively impact the adjacent properties. • Commission questioned if the vacant parcel of land adjacent to the east parking lot is owned by McGuires; in the event additional parking were required. Bergly advised it is owned by McGuires as shown on the site plan submitted. Chairman Curtis asked if there was anyone present who wished to be heard either in favor of or opposed to this matter. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Planning Commission Meeting, November 2, 1988 Page 2 CASE #88-31 (Cont'd) There was no response and Chairman Curtis closed the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. • Zehm moved, seconded by Martin, that Commission recommend to Council approval of Case #88-31, Special Use Permit to allow installation and operation of two miscellaneous towers (receiving dish antennae over 30 inches in diameter) at 1201 West County Road E, McGuires Inn, as presently located on the site. Member Malone questioned why the motion excluded screening of the antennae. Zehm stated the antennae were barely visible when she viewed the site and it was her opinion screening was not necessary. Motion carried. (Zehm, Martin, Curtis, Piotrowski, and Meury voting in favor; Malone opposed) (5-1) CASE #88-34; VAR. Planner Bergly reviewed his report dated 11-2-88, relative SIGN SETBACK & to the application for a Variance from sign setback and LENGTH, AMERICAN length requirements, American Family Insurance Company, FAMILY INS. , 3920 3920 Northwoods Drive. NORTHWOODS DRIVE The Planner explained the applicant is proposing to place a "business" sign in the "front yard" facing I-694; a 25-ft. setback is required and a 6-ft. setback is proposed. He stated the maximum allowed length of a business sign is 10 ft. and the applicant is proposing a length of 17 ft. 3 inches; the proposed area of the sign is 99 sq. ft. which is within the maximum permitted size. • Bergly stated there are unique factors regarding the site that are unusual and would qualify as hardships related to the land, as outlined in his report of 11-2-88. He advised the applicant had purchased additional right-of-way to accommodate a small ponding area. Bergly pointed out that visibility from the west is obstructed somewhat by trees and shrubs growing in the right-of-way and along the rear of the property and the City encourages natural vegetation be maintained to the extent possible. He advised the view for traffic coming west on I-694 would be improved by moving the sign forward. The Planner stated the applicant is proposing a sign that meets the square footage requirements but exceeds the length requirements by 7.3 ft. ; the 100 sq. ft. area requirement would not be exceeded. He explained the sign is the standard American Family Insurance emblem. Rick Palmateer, Universal Sign Company, advised Commission if the 75 ft. of additional right-of-way were not included on the parcel a setback variance would not be necessary. He also advised that if the sign were kept within the 10 ft. maximum length requirement, the lettering height would be approximately 8 inches and would not be visible from the highway. Planner Bergly referred Commission to the Board of Appeals minutes of 10-25-88 recommending approval of the sign setback variances due to the hardship related to the layout of the land and the sign length variance due to the fact the sign would meet maximum area requirements although it exceeds the length requirement. • Commission questioned why the sign could not be placed on the northern section of the property. Palmateer advised the northern section of the parcel contains Oak trees and other vegetation. He stated the persons visiting the claims center would be first time customers and not repeat customers; it is necessary for the sign to be visible as Northwoods Drive is not a highly visible street. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Planning Commission Meeting, November 2, 1988 Page 3 CASE #88-34 (Cont'd) Piotrowski moved, seconded by Malone, that Commission recommend to Council approval of Case #88-34, Sign Setback and Length Variances, American Family Insurance Company, 3920 Northwoods Drive, . as requested, based on the large space of vacant land between the highway right-of-way and the applicant's property which justifies the setback variance, and justification for the sign length variance based on the uniquely shaped logo of the company and the fact that the sign meets the ordinance area requirements area while exceeding the length requirements. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0) PUBLIC HEARING CASE #88-32, AMEND Chairman Curtis opened the Public Hearing at 7:50 p.m. and SEC. V, ZONING ORD. Deputy Clerk Iago verified publication of the Notice of TO ADD GB DISTRICT Hearing in the New Brighton Bulletin on Wednesday, October (REZONE FROM I-1 & 19, 1988, and mailing to affected property owners the same R-2 TO GB DISTRICT) date. Planner Bergly outlined the area proposed for Rezoning and referred Commission to the proposed "Land Use & Circulation Plan" he prepared which encompasses a portion of an R-1 District in the southeast corner and substantial portion of an existing I-1 District in the Round Lake Study Area. He stated the proposed Zoning to the Gateway Business District includes both the I-1 and R-2 District as shown on the diagram. The Planner advised that the proposed Rezoning to the Gateway Business District and the Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan are "tied together" and dependent upon one another for approval. Bergly stated the diagram delineates land use areas and pedestrian and vehicular circulation routes are intended to be a general guide for owners and developers within the spirit and regulations of the planning study for I-694/I-35W. He explained the amendment to the Comprehensive plan could be in the form of a policy statement or a diagram which illustrates the policies/proposed use for the area. The Planner explained the proposed four-lane divided entrance drive coming in a southerly direction into the site and advised developers would propose how the drive would be extended to the site they propose to develop. He stated the diagram shows existing office/showroom/warehouse uses and attractive land at the intersection of Highway 96 and I-35W designated for business use. Bergly advised the high density residential area indicated on the high-land closest to the lake; the rational for placement of high density residential in this area was due to traffic concerns. He noted there had been discussion as to whether or not this area should be shown on the plan; another option would be to include that area as part of the total business area and indicate by the Study report the possibility of high density residential in this area. The Planner advised a park is shown in the area south of Round Lake and an area of medium density residential and both are included in the existing Comprehensive Plan. He explained the exception would be the area in the southeast corner of the study area which is now shown as medium/high density residential; it was previously shown as medium density residential. Bergly stated this was changed due to the recent Commission review of a sketch plan for that area; it appeared the Commission consensus was to favor that approach. • Bergly concluded the Gateway Business District Zoning proposed for the area would be a planned "Business Campus" development. He stated it was intentionally left open for a number of different uses to allow developers to propose what they would do with the site and the City would respond to the proposals. He further advised the City preference would be that the entire 85-acres in the southern area of the site be developed by a single developer; the Ordinance provides for development of smaller parcels of approximately 20-acres and the minimum size tracts would be 5-acres with minor exceptions. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Planning Commission Meeting, November 2, 1988 Page 4 CASE #88-32 (Cont'd) The Planner recommended monitoring traffic closely at the Highway 96 and I-35W interchange; he advised the Traffic Engineer at SEH would be monitoring that intersection. • Chairman Curtis asked if there was anyone present who wished to be heard in favor of or opposed to this matter. There was no response. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:59 p.m. Commission comments were as follows: -Member Malone reported the Council had been polled at their Regular Meeting of October 24, 1988 and it appeared the majority of Councilmembers favored the five-step plan/guidelines for development of this Study Area as outlined by Commission. -Member Martin referred to the "Pathway Trail" shown on the circulation plan diagram included in the packet and questioned if it is shown on the existing Comprehensive Plan. He noted the trail dissects the "Business Campus" area. Planner Bergly advised the lines are diagrammatic only and indicate the intent for pedestrian flow through the site; determination of location for trail could be made at a later date. Bergly advised an access to the lake in the southeast corner of the diagram is shown on the existing Comprehensive Plan; recent discussions with appropriate staff have indicated that may not be appropriate at this time. -Member Martin was of the opinion it would be better not to designate the area at the southwest corner of the lake for high density residential; he stated it may be more beneficial not to "tie down" that area. • -Chairman Curtis questioned if the parkland shown on the diagram is the existing amount of parkland or if it includes the proposed parkland after development of the area. Bergly stated the parkland shown is approximately the size of the parkland as it is on the existing Comprehensive Plan. He discussed the area as it relates to wet versus dry land. He advised the Land Study report discusses preservation of the parkland areas. -Member Meury questioned the medium/high density area designated at the southeast corner of the lake. Bergly advised that currently the area is shown as medium density residential and when the land to the north was developed for apartments this area was discussed relative to a higher density; the land is currently zoned R-1. He explained this diagram is a guide for the area and R-3 and R-4 developments require submission of a PUD Plan and along with that comes the zoning change. -Member Zehm questioned if the Commission is considering designating Public Open Space around the lake. The Planner advised the designation merely shows ownership by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. George Indykiewicz, 1920 W. Highway 96, advised he owns the property at the intersection of Highway 96 and I-35W; he asked the Planner to explain the • proposed roadway in that area. Planner Bergly advised the proposal shown on this diagram is merely repeating what the existing Comprehensive Plan indicates; the current roadway would be diverted to intersect with Highway 96 approximately 400 to 500 ft. west of its present intersection. He stated the rationale is to move traffic away from the present intersection to provide ease of access onto the roadway; currently it is a difficult movement. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Planning Commission Meeting, November 2, 1988 Page 5 CASE #88-32 (Cont'd) Indykiewicz stated his opposition to the proposal; he preferred the land remain as is. • Bergly advised the proposed diversion of the roadway has been shown on the Comprehensive Plan since its inception and it has been the long-range plan for this area. In summary, the Commission concerns were as follows: 1. The designation of high density residential at the southwest area of the lake. 2. The designation of medium/high density residential at the southeast corner of the lake. Planner Bergly advised the diagram is a temporary guide plan and can be amended as deemed necessary. He stated the proposed diagram would have the same impact on the area as the current Comprehensive Plan. He suggested Commission discuss the Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan by adding the Planning Study for I-694/I-35W, prior to voting on the Zoning Ordinance amendment. PUBLIC HEARING CASE #88-33, AMEND Chairman Curtis opened the Public Hearing at 8:20 p.m. and COMP. PLAN, ADDING Deputy Clerk Iago verified the publication of the Notice STUDY FOR I-694 & of Hearing in the New Brighton Bulletin on Wednesday, I-35W October 19, 1988 and mailing the same date. Commission discussed the concerns outlined in the above discussions relative to high and medium density areas defined in the proposed diagram. • Chairman Curtis asked if there was anyone present who wished to be heard either in favor of or opposed to this matter. There was no response. The Public Hearing was closed at 8:25 p.m. After discussion, Commission concurred to recommend the following changes in the diagram/map which was prepared by Planner Bergly: 1. The area defined on the diagram/map as "Public Open Space", surrounding Round Lake, should be defined as land owned by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 2. The area defined on the diagram/map as "High Density Residential", located on the southwest area of the lake near the Business Campus be identified in smaller letters as "potential high density residential" and the lines defining the area be removed. 3. The area defined on the diagram/map as "Medium/High Density Residential" at the southeast corner of the corner of the lake remain as is. Malone moved, seconded by Zehm, that Commission recommend to Council adoption of the Amendment to the Arden Hills Comprehensive Development Plan as represented by the Planning Study for the 1-694 and I-35W, Case #88-33, with inclusion of the land use map as amended per Commission discussion: 1. Change the Public Open Space areas defined to "U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service", and, 2. Add the word "potential" to the area defined as high density residential at the southwest corner of the lake and remove the lines which specifically . define that area. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0) Moved by Malone, seconded by Meury, that Commission recommend to Council approval of the Amendment to Section V of the Arden Hills Zoning by adding a Gateway Business District (GB) as described and outlined in Case #88-32, and Rezoning the Study Area defined from I-1 and R-1 to the Gateway Business District. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0) Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Planning Commission Meeting, November 2, 1988 Page 6 DISC. ITEM; PURCH. Planner Bergly advised Commission that Cardiac Pacemakers, OF ARDEN HILLS CLUB Inc. was present to discuss the purchase of the Arden PROP. BY CARDIAC Hills Club property adjacent to their land and proposed PACEMAKERS, INC. use of the site. James Bourquin, President of the Arden Hills Club, introduced Bob Larson and Dale DeVries, representatives of CPI, who were present to briefly explain their proposed use of the site. Bob Larson reviewed the history and growth of CPI for the Commission and explained the activities proposed for the Arden Hills Club site would be similar in nature to the current operations at CPI; light manufacturing, office and laboratory use. Larson advised there would be minimal exterior changes to the site and outlined the remodeling/renovation of the site interior. He stated the interior remodeling would be done in phases, with the first phase schedule to begin in the early months of 1989 and complete utilization scheduled for the end of 1990. Larson explained they are proposing delivery/receiving docks facing Fernwood Avenue; he stated there is currently an access in that area and Control Data delivery docks also face Fernwood Avenue. He explained it is the intent to be constructed similar to the docks at the Hamline Avenue site and all refuse would be stored inside the building. Dale DeVries displayed new products for review by the Commission. Planner Bergly advised he had met with CPI representatives on site to discuss traffic concerns. • Commission questions: - Are there any plans for additional buildings on the site? - Is CPI planning to fill in the swimming pool area? - Are there any plans for connecting the buildings on the Arden Hills Club site to the adjacent site on Hamline Avenue? - Will the "bubble" structure be maintained? - Is there use of hazardous chemicals on the site? - Has CPI considered options for location of the loading docks? - Are the products manufactured tested with live animals and, if so, what is the method of disposal? Larson advised there are no plans for additional buildings on the site at this time, possibly in the future; he indicated the site would accommodate three additional buildings and remain within the Zoning requirements. He also advised the swimming pool may be filled in at a future date. Larson stated the building would not be interconnected at this time and the air-inflated structure would not be maintained as part of the plan. Larson explained the rationale for locating the loading docks facing Fernwood Avenue was due to the fact there are currently two double doors at that location on a normal level, and in the event additional parking is required CPI preferred not to utilize space that could be parking area. He assured Commission the site would be maintained in the same manner as the Hamline Avenue site and CPI would be willing to effectively screen the loading dock area to make it more • attractive. DeVries stated that products are not tested at the manufacturing plant, however, live animals are used for testing purposes and disposed of by incineration under strict State guidelines. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Planning Commission Meeting, November 2, 1988 Page 7 CPI (Cont'd) Commission members expressed concern relative to the delivery/receiving docks facing Fernwood Avenue; it was noted the loading docks for Control Data are setback further from Fernwood • Avenue than the docks proposed for this site. It was suggested CPI consider other options for dock location. Chairman Curtis thanked CPI representatives and Bourquin for their information. COUNCIL REPORT Councilmember Winiecki reported on items of interest to the Commission. RESIGNATION; MEURY Councilmember Winiecki thanked Commission member Calvin Meury, Jr. for his years of service, dedication and attendance at the Planning Commission meetings. Commission members extended their appreciation and best wishes for a long and happy retirement to Meury. MISC. ; DAYBRIDGE Member Malone advised that Daybridge Daycare facility had SCREENING DUMPSTER totally screened the dumpster enclosure as recommended, however, the dumpster has been placed outside the enclosure. He suggested the Zoning Administrator contact Daybridge regarding this matter. ADJOURNMENT Zehm moved, seconded by Curtis, that the meeting be adjourned at 9:20 p.m. • Robert Curtis, Chairman •