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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC 01-09-2002 I MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA . PLA1'\1'\ING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2002 7:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Acting Chair Dave Sand called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Present were Acting Chair Davc Sand, Commissioners Tcrri Duchenes, Therese Galatowitsch, and Clayton Zimmernlan. Absent: None. Also prescnt were Councilmember Beverly Aplikowski, Councilmember Lois Rem, City Planner Aaron Panish, and Recording Sccretary Carol Hamer. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PLANNI~G COMMISSION "lEETING HELD ON DECEMBER 5. 2001 . Commissioncr Duchenes conected the spelling of her name. Commissioner Zimmerman corrected page 4, recommendation #1 to read "Access ramp on the east side of thc building use concrete pavcr..." Commissioner Zimmel1nan moved, seconded by Commissioner Galatowitsch, to approve the December 5. 2001 minutes as anlended above. The motion canied unanimously (4- 0). CASE #01-29 - LITTLE BROTHERS -liRIENDS OF THE ELDERLY - HAMLlI'IE A VE1'\UE - SITE PLAN APPROVAL AND SPECIAL USE PERMIT AMENDlVlENT - PUBLIC HEARI1'\G Acting Chair Sand opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. Staffreviewed their report dated January 2,2002 and recommended approval for the reasons stated therein. Commissioner Galatowitsch inquired if the consolidation was of four lots or three lots. Mr. P31Tish respondcd it would consolidate four properties. . Commissioner Zimmel1nan inquircd about the turfblocks referred to in condition #1. Mr. Parrish explained thc turf blocks are a hard surface for parking, howcver, grass can grow through. This will help integrate the parking with the existing residential area. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - JAl\l.JARY 9,2002 2 . Bill Rust, architect for Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, explained the turfbloeks come in a varicty of sizes. They ean be concrete or plastic; thc plastic is relativcly new. The grass spilling over softens the look of the landscape, and also allows moisture to be absorbed into the ground. Acting Chair Sand asked if Mr. Parrish had a preference with concrete or plastic blocks. Mr. Parrish responded concrete would be preferable. He added this also meets the City's criteria for lighting. Acting Chair Sand requested the applicant use lighting with the yellowish-orange cast, which is used in most of the rcsidemial areas, rather than the bluish typc of white light. Mr. Rust responded thcy are wide open in regard to the lighting. Commissioner Zimmerman inquired about condition #3, which requircs trash to be enclosed in the existing garage or building. He suggested some type of trash container be us cd. Thercsc Cain, representative of Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, responded they would probably need morc of a dumpster arrangcment for garbagc. Commissioner Zimmernlan suggested they build a wall that would blend in to screen the trash from adjoining propeliies, while giving the trash pick up access to the container from one side. Mr. Rust explained the cunent garage on the lea side is in bad shapc, in the future they plan to replace it and integrate a trash area that would be screcncd from thc . public. Acting Chair Sand asked what they would do in the interim. Mr. Rust responded they would build a contailIDlent centcr that would match thc existing garagc towards the lakc. Acting Chair Sand asked ifMr. Panish had a preference regarding the garage and the trash cnclosure. Mr. Parrish respond cd his recommendation would be to add a condition on the site plan review that a temporary enclosurc will be providcd until the new garage is constmcted. He could not see investing significant money when the garage will be coming down. He explained the ncw garage would not likely go through thc Planning Commission. Commissioner Galatowitsch askcd how many feet the garage is from thc house. Mr. Rust responded it is a couple hlmdred feet. Commissioncr Galatowitsch inquired about their garbagc handling. Ms. Cain responded they roll cal1s, which work well for transporting the garbage, on thc path to the garage arca. ill thc winter they do not havc that mal1Y things going on but the path is kept clear. Commissioner Galatowitsch expressed concern that Little Brothers should plan for the future, as their use might increasc, and they may want the garbage located closer to the . house. She inquired ifthc drive that circles around will be capable of supporting fire tmcks to reach thc building. Mr. Rust responded they would build the drive to the City's standards. Regarding the dumpstcr, he added that thc bulk of their activity is in the summer. Although it is nice to have the garbage near the kitchen, they do not think there - ARDE)J HILLS PLANKING COMMISSION - JANUARY 9, 2002 3 . will be that much debris to warrant having the dumpster near the building. They can, howcvcr, look at that issue. Commissioner Galatowitsch cxpressed concern with the parking, and stated it looks father haphazard. She suggested they include an area right outside thc house for parking. Nlr. Rust rcsponded most of the elderly are driven to the facility and will not be parking a vehicle. The reason the parking is planncd this way is to solicn the landscaping, however, they can work with Mr. Parrish on this issue. Acting Chair Sand inquired which parking area would be pavcd and which would use the turfblocks. 'vIr. Rust rcsponded the parking closest to the building would be hard surfaced parking, as it will get more use. Acting Chair Sand suggested thc arca by the garage should be hard smfaced due to the garbage trucks that would be coming in. His prefcrence would be that thc top ten spaces be asphalt and the lower seven spaces, which are closer to residents, would be tmfed. Commissioner Zimrncrman suggested the ten spaces closest to the road bc paved and the spaces closest to the building be turfed. Commissioner Galatowitsch stated paving the parking spots closest to road would go against the goal of minimizing the impact to the residential area. . Mr. Rust stated he would work with Mr. Parrish regarding thc parking. Commissioner Galatowitsch asked if the driveway is paved. Mr. Parrish responded the current driveway is bituminous. Mr. Rust stated the driveway would be redone, as it is not in good condition. Tom Winch stated he livcs in thc second house east ofthc proposed developmcnt and has bccn there for 35 years. He stated J olm Bradford's dying wish was that they would do something with this property. He said his only concern had been parking, and he is happy it will have on-site parking. He welcomed Little Brothers as a neighbor. Acting Chaif Sand closed the public hearing at 8:05 p.m. Commissioner Galatowitsch stated the name is a good way to honor John Bradford, and the dcsign ofthc building is aestheticaUy pleasing from the street and the lake. Mr. Rust complimcntcd Mr. Parrish on his ability to work with them on this project. Commissioner Zimmcrman moved, seconded by Acting Chair Sand, to recommcnd approval of Planning Case #01-29, Little Brothers-Friends of the Eldcrly, Site Plan Approval, including the modil1cation of condition #3, with thc following conditions: . 1. The seven non-bituminous parking spaces should utilize turf blocks; 2. A grading and utilities plan be submitted and approved by the Ci ty Engincer; 3. Trash be enclosed within a tempofary fenced in enclosure lmtil the existing garage is replaced by a brick enclosure that blends in well; - ------ ARDEN IlILLS PLAl\~ING COMMISSION JANUARY 9, 2002 4 . 4. The applicant obtains all necessary penllits from the Rice Creek Water Shed District and Ramsey County; and 5. Compliance with the applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Acting Chair Sand, to recommend approval of Planning Case #01-29, Little Brothers-Friends ofthe Elderly, revised Spccial Use Pern1it. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). Commissioner Zimmcrman moved, seconded by Acting Chair Sand, to recommend approval of Plarming Case #01-29, Little Brothers-Friends ofthc Elderly, minor subdivision/lot consolidation based on the following findings, and with the following conditions: 1. The application is able to mcet the minimum requirements of Section 22-12, (e) of the City Code for the final consolidation of the properties; 2. Upon approval, registered land survey outlining thc proposed consolidation will be submitted to thc City; 3. The final consolidation shall be recordcd with Ramsey County within sixty days . of approval from the City Council; and 4. Following recording with Ramsey County, the applicant will provide cvidence of recording to the City of Arden Hills. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). UNFINISHED BIJSI~ESS PLANNING CASE # 01-32 - GIJIDAl'\T - HAMLINE A VEl'\UE - CONCEPT PLA~~ED UNIT DEVELOPMENT Staff reviewed their report datcd January 2, 2002 and asked if the Commission is comfortable with the level/intensity of development contemplated for the property (square footagc, height of buildings, parking stmctures etc.). Staff also asked what information, above and beyond what is traditionally provided (building/par-king stmcture elevations, site plan, survey, grading and utility plan, landscape plan etc.), thc Commission would like to assist with the evaluation of a Master Plan PUD application. Judd Brash and Jolm Larson ofRSB Architects prescntcd a site ar1alysis of Guidant's Concept Planned Unit Development. . Acting Chair Sand inquired about the parking ramp that was planned for the southwest corner. Dave Reimer responded he fully expected a parking rar11p to be under construction, however, at this point in time they do not need it. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - JANUARY 9, 2002 5 . Acting Chair Sand asked if building K was included in this phasing, with buildings M and N not included. Mr. Larson responded that is cOlTect, cvcrything to the north would be beyond five years from now. Commissioner Galatowitsch asked if they plan to unify the buildings in tcrms of building materials and how they look. She noted St. Thomas always uses thc same type of brick. Mr. Larson explained the type of material, the color of the material, the landscaping and lighting are all a signature for Guidant. Commissioner Galatowitsch expressed concern that the 135-foot tall building might not be accessible by a fire truck. Mr. Parrish responded thc fire inspector gave general comments for accessibility, as the ladder truck is only 100 feet and the eight-story building would be 135 feet. However, after talking a little more it was detern1incd the building will have a full sprinkler system. Also, the City has joint agreemcnts with other communities. lflhere was a situation where a l35-foot ladder truck were needed thcy could call on thc other communities. This does need to be vcrified with Roseville. Commissioner Zimmerman inquired if there would be an adequate water supply in case of a major fire. The water tower is not currently being used for the campus, but they might want water from the City, in fact the insurancc company may require that. He stated one thing the Commission is very insistcnt on is a visual perspective with a PUD. He also expressed his concern with who will be responsible for utilities and sewer and water lines. He stated he does not fcel an eight-story office building is acsthetically . pleasing. The Medtronics building on 694 and Central Avenue has a maximum height of four stories. They also have roads all around their facility. He is concemed that they would be closing off Fernwood, and there may not be cnough surface area to get everyone out of work. Acting Chair Sand noted there would be an internal and extell1al traffic study. Commissioner Duchcnes suggested it would be helpfLll to see the precise phasing of sequence of all the buildings. She cxpressed concern if they were to build all the buildings before the parking ramp were bui1t. She also inquired how closing off Femwood would affcct access into the adjoining property. Mr. Larson responded the road ll'om thc adjoining property and north would be turned over to Guidant. Commissioner Duchenes suggested they show where thc skyway links are planned. Shc inquired if the property could bc casily made ready for other users if Guidant were to outgrow it. Mr. Reimer rcsponded they do have an exit stratcgy. Commissioner Duchenes asked ifthis would a1l be platted into onc parcel. Mr. Parrish responded they anticipatc platting action and the vacation and dedication of the public street. . Commissioner Duchenes cOlllil1ended thc applicant for taking a limited amount of space and prcserving as much green space as possible. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - JANUARY 9, 2002 6 . Commissioner Zimmennan slated he would like to see a building lcss than eight stories, 135 feet tall. It might be worthwhile to minimize the height and increase the footprint of the building, perhaps changing it to five stories. Mr. Brash stated the concept does not have to remain exactly as it is shown, their approach is to try to maintain as much green space as possiblc. The green space in thc campus is for rclicf of the employees with courtyards and plazas. Mr. Reimer asked if there werc any specific things the Commission would like to sec. Commissioncr Galatowitsch requested samplcs when they actually design the buildings. She stated she appreciates the fact that the higher buildings are in the center of the area. Acting Chair Sand stated he was originally thinking of minimizing the tall building in the center of the area, however, that might impact the residential areas more. He suggested if buildings G and H wcrc cach raised a stOlY, it could allow for a reduction of height of the center buildings. However, that would be morc visible from the west residential areas. He noted in the first Jivc ycars there wi1l only be one tall building, however, when thc other two arc added it will soften the look. He askcd if it was their intent to create a unified exterior similar to buildings Band C. Mr. Reimer responded thcy want them to look as though they belong together. tt Acting Chair Sand suggested the ramps blend in with the buildings. He stated he would like to see the surface parking lot on Lexington eliminated, and suggestcd some trees or belllling be added to soften the look. He asked if they anticipatc a traffic sign at the main entrance on Lexington Avenue. Mr. Larson respondcd that would be addressed in the traffic study. Mr. Brash noted Guidant subsidizes bus passes to encourage public transportation. Commissioner Duchenes inquircd what the timing would likely be. Mr. Larson responded it would take months. They will do a study, and possibly readjust their thinking after they see the results. Acting Chair Sand asked if building K would be thc signature building. Mr. Rcimer responded that was con-ecl. Acting Chair Sand commented the lighting they currently have is nicc and subdued and requested they carry it through thc campus. He noted the parking ramp lighting can make a differcnec and this campus will create a lot ofreftective lighting in this arca of the City. He inquired how the site plan variance for signage that was approvcd a couple of months ago would affect this plan. Mr. Parrish explained along with the master plan PUD, the sign plan would bc for existing and proposed signage. . Acting Chair Sand asked if the ranlps would havc rooftop parking, as this would increase lighting. Mr. Larson responded that at this point they assume it would. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSIO"l- JANUARY 9, 2002 7 . Commissioncr Zimmemlan expressed his appreciation for looking into the future for their needs. He inquired whether they have asked the cmployees what they would like to see, and suggested future employees might want different things than the prcscnt employees as their personnel mix changcs to a more professional type. Mr. Reimer responded they spent a lot of time with the employees, however, more time was spent on their internal space. Mr. Larson stated they would come back to the City soon with plans for the Training Center and they will see more detailed information on that bnilding. Acting Chair Sand commented on the potential increase in the tax base for the City and stated this will increase the value and beauty of thc City. .'vIr. Parrish statcd they would be planning a master plan PUD. This will be continually brought back as the master plan is established and as the buildings are added for final approval to make SLlre it complies with the master plan. Mr. Brash asked ifthere were any issues to address or change prior to going before the Council. Acting Chair Sand suggested they add skyways to the model and remove the parking spots from the green circle. . Commissioner Duchenes asked if there were plans for public trails or linkages to public trails. Mr. Larson respondcd they planned to develop a trail at the northern end of the campus, which is ncar a City Park and a trail that comes across Hamline Avenue. The intent, however, was to enhance the trail, not bring it across the City, as they have concerns about security. Acting Chair Sand suggested they give some thought to make sure they have enough coni ferous type trees that are green in thc winter also. REPORTS Mr. Parrish stated a guide for being a Plarming Commissioncr would soon be distributcd to the Commissioners. A. Council Liaison Councilmemher Aplikowski commcnted presentations were dinicult to hear from the current location of the podium. Councilmember Aplikowski reported tbe following: . . The City has advertised for new Planning Commission members in the local paper and on the website. They have had a few applications at this point. The present Commissioners will be taking the oath next month. ARDEK HILLS PLANNING CO\.1MISSION - JANUARY 9, 2002 8 . . The Council approved the County Road D and Cleveland Avenue office building and the variance. Therc was some opposition from rcsidcnts regarding the office building. . The City has had scrious talks with the Co Lmty regarding the public works building, it will likely start in the fall. . Regarding TCAP, the Mayor and other mayors will bc meeting with Senators Wellstonc and Day10n and Representative McCullum on January lOti; to discuss how they can move forward on releasing some of the pmperty. Centex expressed intercst in developing on the property and gave an interesting prcsentation. . The City held a meeting on January 2nd to organize thc City employees. All existing out-services have been re-appointed. Commissioner Zimme1l11an suggestcd the City look into acting as the developer when TCAP is developed. lJpwards of30 to 40 percent of the value of the property can be made by being the developer. Councilmcmber Aplikowski responded that had been discussed. Presently they do not have the Staff to do this, however that was part of the rcason to rcstructure Staff and bring on two new positions. She noted GSA is also interested in developing the property. Regarding the public works building, Acting Chair Sand asked to what cxtent the Commission played a role as far as aesthetics. Mr. Panish responded it is somewhat of a balancing act as far as how they do this building. The Commission wiUlook at all aspects as usual according to the PUD. The Council is in the process of drafting a letter . to thc Ramsey County Board with expectations that they will be involved with the Design Committee. Commissioner Galatowitsch slated the Commission had wanted to locate the public works building up on the north end. Councilmember Aplikowski responded since the County is the frontrunner, the City does not have as much of a choice in the location. They keep reminding the County they were playcrs from the beginning and expect to kecp being players; they are trying to be as aetivcly participating as they can be. They may not be able to choose the location but they can be part of thc plan approval. Acting Chair Sand expressed conccrn that when spot devclopment or zoning is done someone, willlosc the idea of the overall site plan. Coul1cilmember Aplikowski responded the Mayor is strong on thc plan. Also, Representative McCullum has bcen interested in reviewing evcry aspect of the Vento plan, at every meeting she has attended the Vento plan has bccn mentioned as the basic plan. Mr. Parrish stated it is on the Council's agenda to report thc City's official response on this issue. R Planning Commissioners . Acting Chair Sand noted the new City sign looks nice and asked whcn the trash facility would be consistent with the zoning requirements. Mr. Panish responded they would be putting a gate up for the trash. ARDEN HILLS PLA:'-JNING COMMISSION - JA?illARY 9, 2002 9 . C. Staff Mr. Panish reported the National Guard wants to put an administration building on the other side of the lake. He thinks the land is designated as Park Reserve, however, thcy do not have rcguIatory authority over the Federal Govermnent. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Duchenes, to adjourn the meeting at 9:48 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). . .