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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 08-27-1984 JIr, C';U:C'L..! . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Village of Arden Hills Monday, August 27, 1984 - 7:30 p.m. Village Hall Ca 11 to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Woodburn called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Roll Call Present - Mayor Robert Woodburn, Counci1members Dale Hicks, Nancy Hansen, Thomas Mulcahy, Kathleen Rauenhorst (about 7:45) - None - Planner Orlyn Miller, Clerk Administrator Charlotte McNiesh, Deputy Clerk Dorothy Zehm . Absent Also Present Business from the Floor None REPORT OF VILLAGE PLANNER ORLYN MILLER . Case No. 84-21( Planned Unit Development Concept Plan Approval - North Heights utheran Church Council was referred to Proposed Master Plan for North Hei~hts Lutheran Church (received 7/26/84), Planning Memo (8/10/84). Miller explained that the applicant is requesting Concept Plan Approval of the Planned Unit Development; such approval does not represent approval of the PUD permit; explained that more detailed plan, conforming to the approved Concept Plan for General Plan Approval, will be required before a PUD permit is approved. Miller described the total site as 45.7 acres; 8 acres, in the northwest corner, are zoned B-2 (General Business); 37.7 acres are zoned R-l (Single Family Residential). Miller explained that "houses of worship" are permitted by Special Use Permit in the R-l District and accessory uses, typically related to churches, could be considered accessory uses to the principal church use; suggested that the scale of support facilities for this "region- al church" complex strains the limits of the "accessory use" definition; suggested the "accessory use ot~er than normal" is more applicable, if they are non-commercial and are directly associated with church uses. Miller explained that the rationale for handling the proposal as a Planned Unit Development is that it represents the over-all use of the land, consists of several buildings and uses, and the PUD provides for City control of the land. Miller reported that the Planning Commission. has heard this proposal - will consider an amended plan speaking to the questions and issues of the Planning Commission and Planner; noted that reasons and rationale were not included in the Plan- ning Commission motion recommending denial of the request for Concept Plan Approval until a second hearing of the items brought up at the Planning Commission meeting. Miller listed the items of Planning Commission concern: 1) Traffic control, especially during peak times - how handled, and how to not impact on the adjacent neigh- borhoods. 3) Commercial uses - need to be more carefully identified and contained in the B-2 District. Parking adequacy - potential over-lap for multiple service and multiple use. Character of support uses need clarification (prayer, retreat center, recreational facilities, hostel, etc.) How will these uses be controlled and how do they 2) 4) ,'" Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Monday, August 27, 1984 PlIge Two relate to the church. 5) Tax status of the non-commercial components - felt City already has too much tax-exempt land. Miller advised that the request is to approve the Planned Unit Development Plan as proposed, with modifications presented tonight. Dennis Peterson (Managing Director of N.H.L.C.) reviewed the narrative presented with the proposed MlIster Plan, which described the church's growth between 1975-1984 from 1520 to 3925 members; described the broad spectrum of the church program; reported that . the church has outgrown its present site, with members attending from a 40 mile radius. (Rauenhorst arrived at 7:45 p.m.) Peterson said they wanted to anticipate their full growth and plans before coming i~ for building plan approval; have projected maximum activities for the site; do not know if all will actually be effectuated. Peterson said they give free counselling to people in the com- munity; noted that their membership is mainly from the northern suburbs of St. Paul; currently hllve 7 severices on Sunday mornings plus 2 evening services lit their present location. Peterson said they want to serve the community and to enhance the site and the community, and work within the parameter of the City Zoning Ord- inance. Peterson said they lire aware of the Comprehensive Park Plan which indicates an open space lIrea in the south portion of the site; noted that they have cooperated with the City Planner in preparing the plan; wllnt to retain the commercial space and want to assure that it is tax producing; noted that they understand the concern re tax-exempt for church functions. Peterson noted that they have concentrated the intenseness of site development near the highways. away from existing residential lIrea; noted that the church needs certain commercial supports for the church and intends to rent from the commercial lIrea for their purposes. - restaurant, hotel/ motel etc. Peterson explained that the "retreat center" is a program, not a building; explained that the "retreat house" is not tax-producing; noted that no fees will be charged for its use - use is for missionaries. clergy etc. Peterson reviewed the staging program for the Master Plan, com- mencing in 1985, with completion in 1995. Peterson noted that the auditorium can be used for community functions if the function does not affect their tax-exempt StlltuS. Peterson said they will maintain a christian symbol, not to exceed the Zoning Ordinance height limitations. DlIrre11 LlIBaron, President of Station 19 Architects, indicated the ~ site of the proposed regional church development (southeast corner of Highways 10 and 96, west of Snelling Avenue). laBaron referred Council to the Zoning Ordinance requirements, and to the building, parking and landscaped area calculations of the proposal; noted that the total floor area would represent a floor area ratio of 0.1 over the entire site, 0.3 for the R-l District and 0.8 for the B-2 District. Building coverage is 8.6% of the site; per~ mitted are 25% in the R-1 District and 40% in the B-2 District. Total site coverage (buildings, parking and driveways) in 42%; permitted is 75% in B-2 District and 35% in the R-1 District. laBaron said two-story buildings are proposed in the commercial area and an adjustment of the Commercial Zoning line is proposed. retaining the same area of commercial. .. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Monday, August 27, 1984 Page Three . laBaron noted 40' contour changes on the site, indicating the high and low areas and identified the existing site amenities. LaBaron explained that no access is permitted to the site from Highway 10; two entrances are proposed from Highway 96; also need 1 entrance on Snelling Avenue. laBaron said there are no hardwood trees on the site, but they want to retain the trees that are there. LaBaron showed a sketch of the view of the worship center as seen from Highway 10. John Mullan, traffic engineer, referred Council to the traffic analysis (Section III of the Master Plan proposal). Mullan noted that two services on Sunday, with 2000 people at each, were used in their calculations, with an overlap; noted that traffic is proposed to be regulated, directing the church traffic from the Snelling Avenue access north to Highway 96, limiting the westerly Highway 96 drive to right turns only and permitted left and right turns from the easterly Highway 96 Drive. Mullan said they are confident that the traffic situation can and will be handled. . LaBaron referred Council to response from Short Elliot Hendrickson traffic engineer to the traffic analysis, and to letter from New Hope City Manager re a similar traffic situation which has been satisfactorily handled. Also referred to Council was response from MN Dot. LaBaron noted that an on-site walking trail could be created around the 1\ mile estimated perimeter of the site, as well as a "pony- league" size ballfield, if desired. A "Response to the Concerns Expressed at the Public Hearing on August 15, 1984" was read by Peterson (dated 8/27/84) offering the following commitments: 1. We will control traffic. 2. Our church will have the normal functions expected in a church. . 3. We will allow commercial uses only in the Commercial Zone. 4. We will not develop the site beyond the limitations set by the community. 5. Northern Heights Lutheran Church wants to be a contributing member of Arden Hills. Peterson explained that the church is under a tight deadline, which is of concern; want to start construction of Phase I next spring; expect it to be paid for in three years. In discussion, the following questions were asked: 1. Is this facility to replace the Rice Street facility? Answer: Yes, this is our intent; we don't know how the present site will be disposed of or utilized; current site is needed for that community - we do not know if it will be N.H.l.C., will know that before Phase II. 2. When you complete Phase I, will you use both facilities? Answer: Yes, we now have seven services on Sunday mornings. 3. How will the church use the hostel? Will it be used as a christian hostel for more than a 1-2 night experiences; will it be open to the public; how many rooms and how many people will it serve? Answer: It is anticipated that the church will sometimes use it for a week-long retreat; are not sure of .. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Monday, August 27, 1984 Page Four room size or number of people/room, at this time: anticipate it will be equivalent in size to a 50-room hotel and will not only be for church use; the same is true for the restaurant. 4. What will the community recreation center consist of, and will it be open to the community as well as church members? Answer: It will have courts for tennis, handball, racket- ball etc: a swimming pool and gymnasium and exer- cise rooms. It will be open to church membership, people on retreats and the community. What will other commercial consist of? 5. . Answer: Offices for counselors, attorneys and other professionals, retail sales. 6. Can the church facilities be rented by non-members of the church? Answer: Yes, if it does not jeopardize our tax exempt status, on a cost reimbursement basis. 7. Will revenue bonds be requested? Answer: No 8. Ownership of the site was queried. Answer: Have a Contract for Deed: intend to payoff contract before completion of Stage I. 9. Drainage Plan Approval was queried. Answer: This has been presented to City Engineer and Rice Creek Watershed District: no drainage approval to date. 10. Park Dedication was queried. Answer: Parks commitment has not been resolved; noted that they met with the Parks Committee; park at south tip of site is not desired, if site is developed as proposed; prefer a park on the east of Snelling: would like access on the church site, or through it. 11. Mr. H. Hage asked if the church is leaving the church on Rice Street to come here. Answer: They may move with use: or t~ey may wish us to remain, in part, on Rice Street. Rauenhorst moved, seconded by Mulcahy that Council approve the . Planned Unit Development Concept Plan, contingent upon response to the Planning Commission's concerns re traffic control, park dedication and public use of facilities, use intensity, site coverage and delineation of various uses. In discussion, Hicks asked how Council feels about additional property taken off the tax role in the community: said he would like to see the percent of tax-exempt property in Arden Hills vs. taxable properties. Mulcahy reported that he attended the August 15th Public Hearing, and read his Statement (dated August 27, 1984) stating that he wants no part of the suggestion that Arden Hills does not welcome a tax-exempt activity, and expressing that he was dismayed at the unfriendly tone of some of the questions and comments at the Planning Commission meeting: feels the function of government is .~ . . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Monday, August 27, 1984 Page Five . not to make life more difficult than it needs to be, but to help people, and business, to realize their dreams and objectives in Arden Hills. Woodburn said he also attended the Planning Commission meeting on August 15th; feels the Planning Commission had questions, not that they were disfavorably inclined; moved to table this motion for up to 30 days. Motion to table was seconded by Hicks. Mulcahy noted that concerns can be handled at General Plan stage. Rauenhorst said the intent of her motion was that site plan review would be by the Planning Commission and their recommendations would be relayed to Council. Woodburn suggested that traffic control comes too late, after concept approval. Peterson said they would prefer to give the Planning Commission the information we have given to Council and get concept plan approval tonight; is concerned about a Planning Commission re- presentation. Rauenhorst said her motion gives a nod of approval to the basic concept and sends it back to the Planning Commission; recognizes that buildings cannot be built until they satisfy the concerns of the City. Tabling motion did not carry (Woodburn, Hicks votin9 in favor; Mulcahy, Hansen, Rauenhorst voting in opposition). (2-3) Original motion carried (Rauenhorst, Hansen, Mulcahy voting in favor of the motion; Woodburn, Hicks voting in opposition. (3-2) Approval of OJT Student Em~loyee Council was referred to Johansen's memo (8/24/84). Hicks moved, seconded by Rauenhorst, that Council approve the hiring of Tony St. Marie as an OJT employee for the 1984/1985 school year as per memo. Motion carried u~animously. (5-0) Rauenhorst moved, seconded by Mulcahy, that Council supports the Eagles application. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Public Safety Committee, Chairman A~pointment Upon recommendation by Hansen, Woodburn appointed Jerry Timm as Chairman of the Public Safety Committee. . Mulcahy moved to ratify the appointment. Hicks and carried unanimously. ~I~llr T Motion was seconded by . . ..u' Il~. (5-0) Operating Engineers Union Proposal for Public Works Employee Contract Council was referred to proposal by Business Agent, Tim Connors, and to McNiesh's memo re Union Salary negotiations. Woodburn reported that Rauenhorst will negotiate the contract with the Public Works employees. Other Business lexin~ton Avenue Pathway Rauen orst asked why there is no off-street walking/bicycle path between County Roads D and E; noted that there is a path all the way from Larpenteur to County Road G-2, except b~tween D and E. (McNiesh to check with Wayne Leonard, Ramsey County.) . ~. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Monday, August 27, 1984 Page Six , Cable Commission Meetin~ Woodburn reported that e and Hansen want to attend the Finance Committee meeting; suggested that Tim Byrne be appointed to attend the next Northwest Cable Commission meeting representing Arden Hills. Rauenhorst moved to ratify the appointment of Tim Byrne. Motion was seconded by Hansen and carried unanimously. (5-0) Crepeau Park Don Messerly's memos re Crepeau Park Development Plans, and wild flower order were referred to Council. . After discussion Council authorized a $227.00 purchase for wild flowers from Orch Gardens, including $27.50 purchase of flowers for Don Messerly, as a token of the City's appreciation for his service to the City. Fill on lots East of Round Lake Council was asked its interpretation of the ordinance requirement of a Special Use Permit for fill on lots in excess of 400 cubic yards; reported that several lots along the east side of Round Lake have fill in excess of the 400 cubic yards, without a Special Use Permit: Bona lot - 6500 cubic yards (est.) Cmiel lots - 8000 cubic yards (est.) Bussard lot - (Not estimated) After discussion, it was the general concensus of Council that the owners of the lots be notified of~~~.Qr~j~~~~crequirements, require grading and seeding of the lo~~fse that no additional fill will be permitted without a Special Use Permit. REPORT OF CLERK ADMINISTRATOR CHARLOTTE McNIESH Payroll and Miscellaneous Claims Hicks moved, seconded by Rauenhorst, that the payroll and miscellaneous claims ($2026.85) be approved as presented. carried unanimously. (5-0) " Advertisement - Public Works su~ervisor Council was referred to proposa . Council concurred that applications be accepted until October 20th. Motion Adjournment Rauenhorst moved, seconded by Mulcahy, that the meeting adjourn at 10:18 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) ~/~" ar otte c es Clerk Administrator ~~~ ert . 00 urn Mayor . Notice of Meeting The next Regular Council Meeting will be on Monday, Septe.ber 10, 1984 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall.