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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC 03-05-2003 MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION . WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2003 7;00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chair Sand called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. ROLL CALL Present were Commissioners Ken Bezdicek, Elizabeth Modesette, Megan Ricke, Cathy Smithknecht, Clayton Zimmerman, and Chair David Sand. Absent: Commissioner Clayton Larson. Also present were Council Members Gregg Larson, Lois Rem, and Brenda Holden, Interim City AdministratorlDirector of Community Services Aaron Parrish, City Planner Peter Hellegers, and Recording Secretary Kathleen Altman. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 8, 2003. e Commissioner Zimmerman requested the following changes: Page 3, 4th paragraph, should read: "Commissioner Modesette asked if it was possible to put some kind of a pork chop there to make it impossible to make a left tum." Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Ricke to approve the January 8, 2003 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). PUBLIC HEARINGS PLANNING CASE #03-04 - GUlDANT, 4100 NORTH HAMLlNE AVENUE, FINAL PLAT Chair Sand opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. Staff stated applicants were requesting Final Plat approval to create two lots zoned I-I Limited Industrial, from six lots zoned I-I Limited Industrial. Staff recommended approval of the final plat with conditions as noted in their February 27,2003 staff report. Commission Zimmerman asked ifFemwood was the dividing line between Lot 1 and Lot 2 as it existed today. Mr. Hellegers replied Femwood currently divides three lots to the east and three lots to the west. With the new configuration, Fernwood would separate ~ part of Lot 1 from Lot 2. Chair Sand invited anyone for or against the Final Plat approval to speak. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MARCH 5, 2003 2 Joe Freking, 1131 Amble Drive, asked what happened after this step. Chair Sand . explained the four parts the Commission was being asked to approve tonight. Mr. Freking asked if they were past the point of addressing traffic impact. Chair Sand replied Mr. Freking could bring up traffic impact at any time, but it might be more appropriate to wait for item 2. There were no further comments made for or against the Final Plat. Chair Sand closed the public hearing at 7: 15 p.m. Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Smithknecht to approve Planning Case #03-04, Guidant Final Plat, 4100 North Han11ine Avenue with the following conditions and recommendations: 1. Execution of a development agreement prior to signing the final plat. 2. Provision of an access easement to Excel Energy prior to signing the final plat. 3. Compliance with applicable provisions to the City Code and related ordinances. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). e B. PLANNING CASE 03-05: GUIDANT. 4100 NORTH HAMUNE AVENUE, MASTER PLAN PUD AMENDMENT Chair Sand opened the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. Staff stated applicants were requesting approval of an amendment to the previously approved Master Plan Planned unit Development. Staff recommended approval of the Planned Unit Development Master Plan Amendment with conditions as outlined in their February 27,2003 report. Mr. Hellegers noted staff had received a letter from Sandra Larson, 4409 Arden View Court, expressing her concell1 regarding traffic flow. Chair Sand invited anyone for or against the Master Plan PUD Amendment approval to speak. Joe Freking, 1131 Amble Drive, expressed his concern about traffic coming onto Guidant North. He asked how many cars would be exiting and entering the Can1pUS during rush hours. He asked what the traffic study said regarding traffic. He noted trying to channel the traffic out of the north of the property will create additional backup of traffic. - Linda Amble, 219 Amble Road, expressed concern about traffic at County Road F and Hamline. She asked how they could move up the plans, instead of waiting 12 years. Mr. Parrish replied this has been a long-term issue. The challenge they had was dealing with both the State and County. He noted that the County had indicated they were willing to put in some type of a traffic control in that area, but the State had long-term plans for that area. He indicated if this intersection would qualify as a hazardous intersection, the State ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MARCH 5, 2003 3 e had money set aside for such intersections, but the City would need to pay for engineering fees to show it was a hazardous intersection. Pat Kren, 1230 Wyncrest Court, stated the two parking lots on the southeast portion seemed to have changed the directions as to where they were dumping the traffic. He expressed concern about additional traffic being put onto County Road F. He stated it was his impression that the main traffic would be going out on Lexington Avenue. He noted if they directed traffic onto County Road F, it would cause additional problems at Hamline A venue and County Road F. John Larson, RSP Architects, replied the two ramps they were talking about had moved slightly to the west of the original location, but the access was always anticipated onto Lexington with a secondary access onto County Road F. He stated it was part of the original drawing and it had not changed. Chair Sand asked if Building K had moved to the north. Mr. Larson replied it had been moved approximately 100 feet, which would make access for a road that was not in the original plan. He noted there would be two ways out to Lexington and two ways out to Fernwood. Chair Sand asked with the new road going out to Fernwood, did that impact the traffic study as to where cars were going to go, or where they would likely go. Mr. Larson replied they did not anticipate it would impact the traffic flow. He noted it was - anticipated there would be some type of controls and the employees would not be exiting or entering at that location. He noted this was intended to be for short-term, visitor parking only. Commissioner Zimmerman asked if the entrance and the exit was the same on both ramps. Mr. Larson replied they would enter and exit at or near the same point. Chair Sand asked if they had eliminated a road that would have allowed more traffic onto Fernwood. Mr. Larson replied that road he was referring to was for emergency access only, so it was eliminated. Commissioner Zimmerman asked if there would be reserved parking for the employees. Mr. Larson replied no. The reserved parking would be for higher-level executives only, there would also be reserved parking for visitors. Commissioner Zimmerman asked if they could, within reason, control how the traffic would flow in and out of the campus by reserving parking spots for employees. Mr. Larson replied they had been working with Metro Transit about alternative modes of transportation. He also noted Guidant was considering some type of a shuttle service to aid in traffic flow also. - Commissioner Zimlllennan suggested they attempt to control traffic flow by restricting exiting out ofthe ramps. Commissioner Ricke asked if traffic would be able to turn left onto Lexington out of Ramps 5 and 6. She noted it would be difficult to make a left-hand turn onto Lexington during rush hour. Mr. Larson replied there was not a traffic signal anticipated for that ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MARCH 5, 2003 4 e intersection, but they were anticipating the employees would go to the north entrance through Cummings Park Drive where it was signalized to turn left onto Lexington Avenue. Chair Sand asked what was Guidant doing to see determine what kind of signalization would be implemented at County Road F and Hamline. Mr. Larson replied he did not know the current status of discussions regarding signalization. Commissioner Ricke noted as a user of County Road F and Hamline, one of the problems was getting onto Hamline going south. She noted the speed limit was 50 mph. She asked if they could get the speed limit reduced earlier. She indicated it was very difficult to get out. Marilyn Chorn, 1453 Arden View Drive, stated she had lived in the area for two years and there have been multiple accidents at that intersection. She noted the traffic on Hamline Avenue during rush hour was backed up and made it very difficult for pedestrians, including herself, to cross at the trail. She asked if anything could be done about that issue. Mr. Parrish stated they had discussions with the Ramsey County Traffic Engineer regarding timing of signals. He noted the signals would be timed to reduce stacking Issues. e Commissioner Modesette noted parking ramp 5 would not be constructed until 2006 and parking ramp 6 would not be constructed until 2010 through 2015. She noted this was a long-term development. Mr. Parrish summarized the phases of the Guidant campus for 2003 through 2018. He stated that before a particular phase of development could occur on the campus, there were certain traffic improvements that would need to be addressed. Mr. Parrish characterized the traflic improvements as "circuit breakers" to help moderate the traffic from the campus. He noted each time Guidant completed a phase of development; they were required to update the traffic study for the site. Chair Sand noted there was also a gap between 2006 and 2010 before Guidant went into Phase Two. There were no further comments made for or against the Master Plan PUD Amendment. Chair Sand closed the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. Commissioner Ricke moved, seconded by Commissioner Zimmerman to approve Planning Case #03-05, Guidant Master Plan PUD Amendment, 4100 North Hamline Avenue with the following conditions and recommendations: - 1. The Applicant shall continue to abide by the conditions of approval as stated in the approved Master Plan PUD. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MARCH 5, 2003 5 . e c. PLANNING CASE 03-06: GUIDANT, 4100 NORTH HAMUNE A VENUE, SITE PLAN REVIEW BUILDING "L" Chair Sand opened the public hearing at 7:56 p.m. Staff stated applicants were requesting approval of a Site Plan Review for Building "L". Staffrecommended approval of the Site Plan Review with conditions as noted in staff's February 27,2003 staffreport. Chair Sand invited anyone for or against the Site Plan Review Building "L" to speak. There were no comments made for or against the Site Plan Review.' Chair Sand closed the public hearing at 8:03 p.m. Mr. Larson summarized the materials to be used in the building. Chair Sand asked which building would have corporate offices in it. Mr. Larson replied it would be Building K. Building L was the training facility. He noted this building would be built at the beginning of the three year phase, while Building K would be at least three or four years out. . Chair Sand asked what Building F would be used for. Mr. Larson replied it would be an administrative building. Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Bezdicek to approve Planning Case #03-06, Guidant Site Plan Review Building "L", 4100 North Han11ine Avenue with the following conditions and recommendations: 1. The applicant shall obtain final plat approval prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit. 2. A final grading, drainage, and utility plan be submitted to and approved of the City Engineer. 3. The applicant shall submit a landscape performance bond or other surety for 125% of the cost of materials and installation valid one full year from the date of installment prior to the issuance of a building permit. 4. The applicant shall obtain all necessary permits from the Rice Creek Water Shed District, MPCA, and other governmental entities. 5. Compliance with the Zoning Code and related municipal ordinances. - The motion carried unanimously (6-0). D. PLANNING CASE 03-07: GUIDANT. 4100 NORTH HAMUNE AVENUE. SITE PLAN REVIEW BUILDING ADDITION "I" Chair Sand opened the public hearing at 8:17 p.m. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MARCH 5, 2003 6 e Staff stated applicants were requesting approval of a Site Plan Review for Building "I". Staff recommended approval of the final plat with conditions as noted in their February 27,2003 staff report. Chair Sand invited anyone for or against the Site Plan Review Building Addition "I" to speak. There were no comments made for or against the Site Plan Building Addition. Chair Sand closed the public hearing at 8:21 p.m. Commissioner Ricke asked why they were not including caliper trees of 4.5 to 5 inches around this building. Mr. Larson replied this particular location was adjacent to a large surface lot and there was not a lot of green space to work with for planting that size of caliper trees. He noted they wanted to plant the trees of larger size caliper inches in other locations, including Lexington Avenue, and also along the northwest corner of the site. He noted trees planted in those locations would aid in screening and by planting them in those areas, they would not need to be moved in the future. Commissioner Zimmeffi1an recommended that, from a landscaping perspective, they look at this as a total development and not put emphasis on landscaping each individual e building, but to look at the landscaping on the entire campus. Mr. Hellegers staff was looking for the applicant to submit a landscaping plan and planting schedule to the City for the "Supplemental Planting Zones". Commissioner Ricke asked if Guidant was accepting condition number 7 as recommended by staff. Mr. Larson replied they were. He noted the trees they were proposing to put in along Lexington and at the northwest corner of the campus would be planted this summer. Commissioner Ricke moved, seconded by Commissioner Zimmeffi1an to approve Planning Case #03-07, Guidant Site Plan Review Building "I", 4100 North Hamline A venue with the following conditions and recommendations: 1. The applicant shall obtain final plat approval prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit. 2. A final grading, drainage, and utility plan be submitted to and approved by the City Engineer. 3. The applicant shall submit a landscape performance bond or other surety for 125% of the cost of materials and installation valid one full year from the date of - installation prior to the issuance of a building permit. 4. The applicant shall obtain all necessary permits from the Rice Creek Water Shed District, MPCA, and other governmental entities. 5. Compliance with the Zoning Code and related municipal ordinances. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MARCH 5, 2003 7 e 6. The applicant shall provide a landscaping plan and planting schedule for the Supplemental Planting Zones, which shall require final review and approval by the City Planner. 7. The applicant shall address deficit in the 4.5 to 5-ealiper inch category of the Landscaping Requirements and any changes in this regard shall require final review and approval by the City Planner. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. ZONING ORDINANCE UPDATE. Staff stated the draft of the Zoning Chapter of the City Code would be presented at the April meeting of the Planning Commissions. Mr. Hellegers requested if there were any suggestions, comments, or recommendations from the Commissioners to let him know prior to the April meeting. B. COUNTY E-2 AND CLEVELAND A VENUE MORATORIUM UPDATE . Staff stated the City Council had approved a moratorium on certain parcels in the vicinity of County Road E-2 and Cleveland Avenue. Mr. Hellegers noted as a result of the moratorium, the Planning Commission would review the affected area at the April Plauning Commission meeting. Chair Sand requested staff look at the area around the day care center off of Highway 96 and Hamline Avenue. Mr. Parrish noted there were a number of inconsistencies and one of the things they were talking about at the staff level was to bring one or two of these inconsistencies at a time to the Commission as the agendas allowed. Chair Sand asked if they modified the Comprehensive Plan, did they need to get the Metropolitan's Council approval. Mr. Parrish replied if it was a minor change, they would not need to get their approval, but ifit was a major change they would. Commissioner Modesette requested a color-coded map showing the bituminous, as well as the right-of-way easement, and the right-of-way for the power line for the next meeting. REPORTS A. Planning Commissioners None. - B. Staff None. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MARCH 5, 2003 8 C. Council Liaison e Council Member Larson stated there was a vacant City Administrator position. He noted Mr. Parrish was appointed as interim City Administrator until they hired a new City Administrator. He indicated there was also a City Accountant/Treasurer position vacant, which would be filled after a new City Administrator was hired. Council Member Larson stated Guidant was asking for financial assistance in the form of either TIF Financing or Tax Abatement for their new development. He noted that Guidant had also made a similar request to the State. He stated Council had requested that Guidant provide the Council with a more formal, written request. Council Member Larson updated the Commission on the Highway 96 reconstruction. Council Member Larson updated the Commission on TCAAP. Council Member Larson updated the Commission on the Karth Lake surface elevation monitoring. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Ricke moved, seconded by Commissioner Bezdicek to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). - -