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HomeMy WebLinkAbout080724 PC MINUTESCITY OF APPLE VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 7, 2024 1. CALL TO ORDER The City of Apple Valley Planning Commission Meeting was called to order by Chair Kurtz at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Jodi Kurtz, Paul Scanlan, David Schindler, Becky Sandahl, Phil Mahowald, and Douglas Hlas Member(s) Absent: Jeff Prewitt City staff members attending: Community Development Director Tim Benetti, Assistant City Engineer Evan Acosta, Associate Planner Sydnee Stroeing, City Attorney Sharon Hills, and Department Assistant Breanna Vincent. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Kurtz asked if there were any changes to the agenda. – None. MOTION: Commissioner Schindler moved, seconded by Commissioner Scanlan, approving the agenda. Roll call vote: Ayes - 6 – Nays – 0. 3. CONSENT ITEMS A. Approval of Minutes of July 17, 2024 MOTION: Commissioner Scanlan moved, seconded by Commissioner Schindler, approving the minutes of July 17, 2024. Roll call vote: Ayes - 6 – Nays – 0. 4. PUBLIC HEARING None 5. LAND USE A. Cedar Valley Learning Center Setback Variance – 14420 Glenda Drive Associate Planner Stroeing provided a brief presentation. The applicant, Sean Kelly of Wold Architects, was present for questions. Chair Kurtz asked why the addition could not be placed on the entrance on the north side. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota Planning Commission Minutes August 7, 2024 Page 2 of 4 Mr. Kelly stated that the addition could be placed on the north side but it would not help the flow of visitor traffic as staff would be located on the other side and visitors would be able to access the stairs prior to engaging with staff. The intent is that staff would engage with visitors before they can access the stairs and other areas of the building. In order to do the north side, the addition would need to be larger to accommodate moving staff into that location as well and would also be more costly. Chair Kurtz asked if there are students present in the building during regular school hours. Mr. Kelly stated that the building functions for community education including adult education and early childhood education and does not follow the typical K-12 schooling hours. Commissioner Hlas asked if the north side entrance would be closed. Mr. Kelly stated that the northern entrance would remain as it is necessary for building egress. Commissioner Hlas asked if there were going to be any other changes such as lighting. Mr. Kelly stated there would be no other changes other than a sidewalk would be modified to go around the addition. Commissioner Mahowald pointed out that even if a card reader was installed on the elevator to restrict access, there would still be an open stairwell near the north entrance. Commissioner Scanlan asked if there would be directional signage added. Mr. Kelly stated that the plans are preliminary for the purpose of the variance but wayfinding signage would be necessary once approved. Commissioner Scanlan commented that if the project were approved, he would like the lighting to be evaluated so that there are no dark spots as this building is used in the evenings. Mr. Kelly stated that they would work with staff to ensure lighting is adequate on the site. Commissioner Mahowald asked if there have been other variances along Cedar Ave with smaller setbacks. Associate Planner Stroeing stated that there have been smaller setbacks such as The Legends (20’), Huntington Bank (10’), Cider Ridge (25’). CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota Planning Commission Minutes August 7, 2024 Page 3 of 4 Commissioner Mahowald asked if there is any consultation with MNDOT or any other highway entities or are the setbacks only a concern of the City. Associate Planner Stroeing stated that the City has not had to consult with MNDOT for these variance requests in the past, they are not located in the right-of-way. Assistant City Engineer Acosta stated that MNDOT would not review as these are county roads and the City does not consult with the county on these requests. Commissioner Sandahl pointed out that the applicant had stated earlier that it would be cost prohibitive to have the vestibule located on the northern entrance, but since economic considerations alone do not constitute a practical difficulty, are there other reasons this entrance would not work? Mr. Kelly stated that there would also be a loss of parking and affecting traffic flow, it would not be just cost prohibitive. Commissioner Schindler stated that he believes the request meets the definition of a practical difficulty. MOTION: Commissioner Scanlan moved, seconded by Commissioner Schindler, to recommend approval of a variance reducing the setback from 50’ to 38’ from Cedar Ave based on updated findings 1 through 9 and subject to conditions listed in the staff report, for the construction of a secure vestibule at 14420 Glenda Drive. Roll call vote: Ayes – 6 – Nays – 0. 6. OTHER BUSINESS A. Review of Upcoming Schedule and Other Updates The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 7:00 p.m. The next City Council meeting is Thursday, August 8, 2024, 7:00 p.m. CD Director Benetti shared that the August 21st meeting will be City Planner Kathy Bodmer’s last meeting as she will be retiring on September 6th. 7. ADJOURNMENT Chair Kurtz asked for a motion to adjourn.