HomeMy WebLinkAbout121824 PC MINUTESCITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
December 18, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City of Apple Valley Planning Commission Meeting was called to order by Vice Chair
Scanlan at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Paul Scanlan, Phil Mahowald, Becky Sandahl, Jeff Prewitt, and
Douglas Hlas
Member(s) Absent: Jodi Kurtz, David Schindler
City staff members attending: Community Development Director Tim Benetti, Parks
Director Eric Carlson, City Planner Alex Sharpe, Associate
Planner Sydnee Stroeing, Assistant City Engineer Evan Acosta,
City Attorney Sharon Hills, and Department Assistant Breanna
Vincent.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Vice Chair Scanlan asked if there were any changes to the agenda. – None.
MOTION: Commissioner Sandahl moved, seconded by Commissioner Hlas,
approving the agenda. Roll call vote: Ayes - 5 – Nays – 0.
3. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Approval of Minutes of November 20, 2024
B. Approve Revision of the 2025 Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Schedule
MOTION: Commissioner Hlas moved, seconded by Commissioner Sandahl,
approving the minutes of November 20, 2024 and the revised 2025 Planning
Commission Schedule. Roll call vote: Ayes - 5 – Nays – 0.
4. PUBLIC HEARING
None
5. LAND USE
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
Planning Commission Minutes
December 18, 2024
Page 2 of 4
A. Apple Valley High School Activity Center Addition Site Plan and Building
Permit Authorization
City Planner Sharpe provided a brief presentation.
Commissioner Mahowald noted that additional parking would be ideal but there does not
appear to be any options for that.
City Planner Sharpe said that the only area of the site that is available is the northwest corner
of the site, though there are a lot of trees and hills present there. The site is long and narrow
and parking is challenging for older sites.
Commissioner Hlas asked if the clearance of the skyway is adequate for fire trucks to pass
through if needed.
City Planner Sharpe said that is correct and will be made sure of at time of building permit.
Commissioner Mahowald noted that the draft resolution was not included in the staff report
and asked what the conditions of approval would be.
City Planner Sharpe advised that the Commission could table the item to later in the evening
so that the draft resolution could be provided prior to making a recommendation.
Vice Chair Scanlan tabled the item to discuss after agenda item 5. B. and review of the draft
resolution conditions.
MOTION: Commissioner Mahowald moved, seconded by Commissioner Sandahl,
approving the site plan/building permit authorization for construction of a
86,621 sq. ft. activity center addition subject to conditions in the draft
resolution. Roll call vote: Ayes - 5 – Nays – 0.
B. Eastview High School Activity Center Addition Site Plan and Building
Permit Authorization
Associate Planner Stroeing provided a brief presentation.
Vice Chair Scanlan asked if there would be any community access to the additional facilities.
Associate Planner Stroeing deferred to the applicant for a response.
The applicant, Scott McQueen (Wold Architects), was present for questions. Mr. McQueen
stated that all ISD 196 facilities, Community Education takes over the facilities in the
evening. The parking and sidewalks will be available for this use as well.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
Planning Commission Minutes
December 18, 2024
Page 3 of 4
MOTION: Commissioner Sandahl moved, seconded by Commissioner Mahowald,
approving the site plan/building permit authorization for construction of a
84,700 sq. ft. activity center addition subject to conditions in the draft
resolution. Roll call vote: Ayes - 5 – Nays – 0.
C. Redwood Park Site Plan and Building Permit Authorization
City Planner Sharpe provided a brief presentation.
Commissioner Mahowald observed that the gathering area could possibly be used as an
available rental space for events like what is currently at Valleywood and the Senior Center.
City Planner Sharpe deferred to the Parks Director Eric Carlson for additional information.
Parks Director Eric Carlson stated that this building is more of a park facility and is intended
to provide a more casual use as opposed to the formal spaces offered at Valleywood and the
Senior Center. There is a large counter space with several electrical outlets for guests to plug
in Crockpots and other similar smaller appliances for their gatherings. There will also be a
sink located on this counter.
Commissioner Scanlan asked if this space could be rented by the community for a private
event.
Parks Director Eric Carlson stated that the space would be available for private rental.
Commissioner Hlas asked for clarification on the “flexible lawn” and if it would be artificial
grass.
Parks Director Carlson said it would not be turf. The term “flexible lawn” means that the
space is not programmed for something specific such as soccer or baseball. It could be used
for many uses like yoga, picnics, etc.
Commissioner Hlas asked if the Activity Play Zone would include a splash pad.
Parks Director Carlson stated that it will just be an inclusive playground with no water.
Commissioner Sandahl noted that there will still be a climbing wall in the pool similar to
what was at the previous pool.
Parks Director Carlson stated that the climbing wall will still be there but due to the size of
the pool, the climbing wall and diving board will not be available at the same time.
Commissioner Sandahl asked if swim lessons will still be available at this pool.