HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/19/1996CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MINDTES
June 19, 1996
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City of Apple Valley Planning Commission meeting was called to order
at 7:02 p.m. by Chair Alan Felkner.
Members Present: Alan Felkner, Marcia Gowling, Karen Edgeton, Diane
Nagler, and Frank Blundetto.
Members Absent: Paul Oberg and Dave Swansan.
Sta££ Present: Rick Kelley, Tom Lovelace, Kathy Bodmer, Keith Gordon,',
and Sharon Hills.
Others Present: See the sign-in sheet.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Felkner asked Staff and the Commission members if they had any
.changes or revisions to the proposed agenda. Community Development Director
Rick Kelley stated they would like to add Item Number 7A, a sketch plan for
the Grizzlies Restaurant remodeling and the definition of signs as they apply
to this remodeling.
MOTION: Member Gowling moved, seconded by Member Blundetto, to approve
the agenda as amended. The motion carried 5 - 0.
3. APPROVAL OF MAY 15, 1996 MINOTES
Chair Felkner asked Staff and the Commission members if they had any
changes or revisions to the draft minutes included in the packet. Mr. Felkner
noted that he did have one change on page 10 of the minutes in the discussion
of the proposed or possible apartment project. He noted that the current
language says that there would be ninety-two 36-unit buildings, and that. in
fact there are only two. The word "ninety" should be struck.
There being no other changes, he then called for the approval of the
minutes.
MOTION: Member Gowling moved, seconded by Member Blundetto, to approve
the minutes of May 15th, 1996 as amended. The motion carried 5 - 0.
4. CONSENT ITEMS
MOTION: Member Blundetto moved, seconded by Member Nagler to approve
the items on the consent agenda as recommended by staff. The motion carried 5
- 0.
5. PIIBLIC HEARINGS
A. The Summit
Chair Felkner opened the public hearing with the standard remarks.
Assistant Planner Tom Lovelace introduced himself and identified the proposed
project which would be located on the northeast corner of the intersection of
Cedar Avenue and County Road 38.. It is proposed to amend the Comprehensive
Plan and rezone the property to provide for a total of 26 townhome dwelling
units to be constructed in a duplex building configuration.
Mr. Lovelacethen turned the presentation over to the petitioner.
Mr. Wayne Tauer of Pioneer Engineering approached the podium and
introduced himself. He stated that he was representing the petitioner, Mr.
Bill Coady, on this proposed development. Mr. Tauer described the existing
site conditions in extensive detail. He noted that the existing tree cover
did contain a substantial amount of oak wilt infestation, and that these
diseased trees would have to be removed.
Mr. Tauer also noted the extreme changes in topography, and the fact
that there was only a single outlet to a public street. He then reviewed the
proposed building locations in light of the required setbacks. Each townhouse
unit would contain a two stall garage, and provide for two open parking stalls
in front of each garage area.. There were also a total of 16 guest stalls
scattered throughout the site. All of the units would be serviced via a 24
foot wide private street. This cul-de-sac private street would be a total of
1,200 feet in length as opposed to the noimal maximum requirement. of 900 feet
established by city ordinance.
Mr.. Tauer also noted that because the property lines for this parcel of
land are not. perfectly parallel, the far western side of the site is slightly
narrower. Which means that a four foot variance would be necessary at Unit
21, and then correspondingly smaller and smaller set back variances as you
move easterly toward Unit 26.
Mr. Tauer also noted that a 90 foot diameter private cul-de-sac radius
versus a 100 foot radius is sufficient to. provide emergency vehicle turnaround
area, but would necessitate a small setback variance for Units 17 and16.
There are a total of 104 significant trees that have been identified on
this site, and 74 of these would be removed as part of the grading plan.
Replacement of these trees would be done per city ordinance, and axe
illustrated as such on the landscape plan.
Commissioner Edgeton asked what the setback to the single family homes
on the north would be.
Mr. Tauer noted that a 40 foot setback to the lot line in conformance
with the "M-2C" performance standards is proposed.
Commissioner Edgeton then asked how far back the single family homes are
from that common lot line. Most of the homes appear to be between 75 and 100
feet from that common boundary. It was. noted that due to the relatively
narrow width of this parcel of land, the 4.0 foot minimum setback on the north
adjacent to the single family homes, and 50 foot minimum setback to County
Road 38 on the south does not allow much flexibility in placing the units for
the private street system.
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A general discussion ensued concerning the County Road 38 right of way
width. It was noted that because this is a parkway design, the right of way
for County Road 38 is much wider than normal.
Commissioner Edgeton stated that because of that, she would much rather
see the units slid to be closer to County Road 38 in order to increase the
setback to the single family homes on the north. Even if it requires a
variance to the County Road 38 setbacks.
A general discussion ensued concerning the use of the "C" versus "A"
zoning category regarding setbacks as well as the maximum number of units that
would be allowed under the current "M-3" and "M-8" zoning districts versus
changing them all to "M-2"..
Mr. Blundetto stated that while the actual changes in setback distances
being discussed were not of very great numerical size, he was concerned that
given the extreme topographic relief and mature vegetative cover on the
property, that these small changes might have significant effects on the
natural features.
Mr. Tauer stated that reducing the setback to the southern County Road
38 right of way line will actually make it easier to do the project with
perhaps less disruption of the natural contours on the north.
Assistant Planner Tom Lovelace noted that the City Forester has reviewed
the plan., and will meet on site with the developer to refine the edge of the
grading limits in order to save the maximum number of healthy trees possible.
Commissioner Edgeton asked what the green space calculation was. Mr.
Tauer noted that 38 percent of the site has hard surface, and 62 percent of
the site would. be landscaped... Either with new materials or through the
preservation of the existing tree cover.
Chair Felkner noted that action is being requested this evening since
the previous Planning Commission meeting in which the item was originally
scheduled was canceled due to lack of a quorum..
Mr. Felkner then opened the hearing to audience comments.
Mr.. Brad Jacobsen of 7300 130th Street West, stated that he was a 17
year resident of the City., and that he questioned the public notice provisions
and action of the Commission this evening. He stated that when Dakota
Electric Association had proposed a location of a substation in this area, he
had left with the impression that this area on the top of the hill was not
developable.
Chair Felkner stated that perhaps that was someone's opinion, but that
all land is ultimately developable.
Mr.. Jacobsen stated that he does not believe that this project is
compatible with the existing neighborhood. He asked if the City would do a
formal environmental review.
Staff responded that an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) would
not be prepared. because the small size of the project exempts it from any
formal environmental review process.
Mr. Jacobsen asked if the grading plan and proposed changes to the
natural drainage had been adequately evaluated.
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Keith Gordon, the City Engineer, stated that much of the storm water
runoff in this development would be picked up by new storm sewers constructed
in the private road, and conveyed underground to connect to the rest of the
City's storm sewer system. He said that the actual amount of storm water
runoff going down the slope toward the existing single family homes should
actually be less after the development than they are under the current natural
conditions.
Mr. Jacobsen said that he would like to have a guarantee that this would
be the case, and that there would not be any flooded basements in the single
family neighborhood.
Mr. Gordon stated that the City never makes a guarantee. All he can say
is that the development proposal will not have any adverse affect, or adverse
change from the current conditions.
Mr. Jacobsen asked about the tree preservation issues, especially if the
site was proposed to be leveled.
The tree replacement plan was referred to.
Mr. Jacobsen asked about screening of the townhomes from the existing
single family units.
Mr. Tauer noted that a significant amount of trees would be retained on
that side, and that replacement landscaping would help further.
Mr. Jacobsen stated that this proposed development would disrupt the
existing wildlife,. adversely affect their property values,. and increase the
amount of noise that the neighborhood experiences from the County Road 38
expressway.
A general discussion ensued among the Commissioners about. what had
previously been discussed for this property and what the current zoning
allows..
Mr. Blundetto noted that they had also looked at a sketch plan
containing 100 apartment units for these parcels.
Commissioner Cowling noted that the proposed townhomes are single level
units and will house mostly adults with fewer or no children compared to
single family units.
Assistant Planner Lovelace noted that single family units generate nine
average daily trips (ADT), while townhomes generate only six ADT. Also
typical occupancy's of detached single family homes are 3 1/2 persons per
dwelling unit, while townhomes are only 2.1 persons per unit.
Mr. Jacobsen said that prior to action by the Commission, he felt that
it was appropriate. that the residents be given time to review legal issues on
the development proposal.
Jim Kelly of 7315 130th Street West, stated that the drawings being
displayed did not accurately depict the number of existing single family homes
north of the development site. He said that this existing single family
neighborhood is already surrounded by multifamily uses, and that there's
already too much rain water running to the storm water pond.
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Tim Gould of 7340 130th Street West, said that he believed new maps
should be drawn that illustrate all of the existing single family homes in
order to get a complete picture of the neighborhood.
Commissioner Edgeton asked the petitioner about the alleged map
inaccuracies.
Mr. Tauer stated that the maps being displayed are in fact accurate, as
are the engineering drawings. It's just that they do not encompass the entire
neighborhood.
Commissioner Edgeton asked how many dwelling units could be built on
this property under the single family designations.
Mr. Lovelace stated that the single family density range o£ zero to
three units per acre would allow perhaps ten single family units on the
property.
Kris Dateen (no address), said that she thinks expensive single family
homes should be built here because they would be a better neighbor and would
look better for motorists approaching the Minnesota Zoo on County Road 38.
Chair Felkner noted that it is the land owner that requests the proposed
zoning and the use.
Eric Lee of 12975 Garrett Avenue, said that pedestrian safety would be
compromised with more development which would increase the amount of traffic
on 130th Street. He said this was particularly the case because of the
existing sidewalk locations on 130th Street,. which requires pedestrians to
cross. the road in the middle of the curve where site distance is not good.
Dianna Clear of 730.0 136th Street West asked who would be. responsible if
their rear ya=ds and basements flooded because o#this development.
Sharon Hills from the City Attorney's office stated that it is always a
civil issue. between property owners. if actions of one have an adverse affect
upon the other.
City Engineer Keith Gordoh stated that the pipes that would be installed
in the street to collect storm water runoff have a capacity design sufficient
to carry away a ten year rainfall event. He said that currently all of the
rain water falling on to this site drains to the north to the single family
lots.. This development would divert much of that drainage to the new storm
sewer system to be constructed in the private street.
Commissioner Edgeton asked City Staff to comment about the alleged
flooding of the existing storm water pond in this neighborhood.
City Engineer Keith Gordon noted that this storm water pond will rise to
the maximum extent. of the storm water ponding easement during large rainfall
events. But then is pumped down into the overall City storm sewer system.
During the past year, the City has pumped down the storm water at a much
slower rate because of a large storm sewer trunk project going on in the City
of Lakeville, and the construction of a large 12-acre holding pond on the
Apple Valley/Lakeville border.
Commissioner Nagler asked the developer about the townhomes themselves.
Particularly what their price range would be, what is their square footage,
and what the rear elevation would look like.
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It was noted that the townhomes range from 1,430 to 1,570 square feet on
one level, and that they would have full basements available for finishing.
Most of these are either walkout or look out basements. The expected sales
price would range from $160,000 to about $210,000 per unit. A rear elevation
drawing has not been prepared at this time.
Jim Kelly asked how much of the hill would be taken down.
Mr. Tauer responded that about 12,000 cubic yards would be graded, and
the deepest cut according to City Engineer Keith Gordon is 12 feet.
Commissioner Gowling said that she would like to see a rear elevation.
Bill Coady, the developer, approached the podium. He discussed in more
detail the floor plans of the units, and noted the window, deck and porch
locations.
Commission members stated they did not want to have a flat face on the
rear of the building, and Mr. Coady said that this design does provide
architectural relief.
There was some general discussion concerning the proposal to slide the
project ten feet closer to County Road 38 to allow a greater setback to the
single family units.
Chair Felkner then closed the public hearing.
A general discussion ensued among the Commissioners about seeing a site
layout. revised in accordance with the ten foot shift as well as the building
elevations of the rear side of the townhouse units. It was noted that the
next Planning Commission meeting would occur on July 17th, which wouldput the
review of the project past the statutory review period..
The consensus of the Commissioners. was that conditional approval could
be considered this. evening tomove the project on to. the City Council..
MOTION: Member Gowling moved.,. seconded by Member Edgeton to recommend
approval of the Comprehehsive Plan amendment, redesgnating the east side of
the site from "HD'° to "LD". The motion carried 5 - 0.
MOTION: Member Gowling moved, seconded by Member Edgeton to recommend
approval of the rezoning of all parcels to "M-2C." The motion carried 5 - 0.
MOTION: Member Gowling moved,. seconded by Member Edgeton to recommend
approvalof the preliminary plat of the summit for 26 townhome units. The
motion carried 5 - 0.
MOTION: Member Gowling moved, seconded by Member Edgeton to recommend
approvalof a variance to the private cul-de-sac standards to allow a 90 foot
diameter cul-de-sac. The motion carried 5 - 0.
MOTION: Member Gowling moved, seconded by Member Edgeton to recommend
approval ofsetback variances to allow the dwelling units to be moved at least
ten feet to the south. The motion carried 5 - 0.
MOTION: Member Gowling moved, seconded by Member Edgeton to recommend
approval of the site plan and building permit authorization in accordance with
the revisions discussed this evening. The motion carried 5 - 0.
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Chair Felkner called for a recess at Bc52 p.m. Chair Felkner reconvened
the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
SB. The Cliffs of Palomino
Chair Felkner opened the public hearing with the standard remarks.
Assistant Planner Tom Lovelace again introduced himself and identified the
proposed project which would be for a 16 townhome plat located on the
southeast corner o£ County Road 11 and realigned Palomino Drive. The density
of the proposed development would be 2.26 dwelling units per acre, while the
planned development zoning allows up to 12 units per acre.
John Dillingham of Alliant Engineering approached the podium and stated
that he was representing the developer, RCS Development. Mr. Dillingham
reviewed the development plans in detail, and noted that they would be
revising the emergency vehicle turnaround in the northeast corner to conform
to City standards.
He noted that while much of the existing vegetation would be removed,
they have placed retaining walls at critical locations around the site in
order to save some of the most significant mature trees, Building elevation
plans were displayed to illustrate that 50~ of the building face was of brick
with the balance of a vinyl siding material.
Chair Felkner asked if a tree inventory had been completed.
Mr. Dillingham stated that they had completed the inventory, but have
not yet had a chance to discuss the replacement vegetation with the City
Forester.
Mr. Felkner asked about the apparent encroachment in the pond easement
of the development plan.
Mf.Dllingham noted that they are not encroaching on the pond at the
established 974.foot contour, but that some of the grading would occur within
the upper limits of the easement itself.
Mr. Felkner also asked about erosion control given the steep slopes and
existing pond,
Mr. Dillingham stated that the erosion control plan would be submitted
with the final grading plan prior to any construction activity on site.
Commissioner Edgeton asked about the proposed guest parking on the
northeast part of the site which consists of parallel parking stalls along the
private drive, instead of head-in parking.
She asked if it would be possible to change these to head-in parking
stalls. Because she was afraid that the use of parallel stalls would
encourage parking all along this private drive.
A general discussion ensued over the use of parallel parking.
Mr. Dillingham noted that given the grades,. it would not be possible to
install head-in parking along this private street.
Chair Felkner asked Mr. Lovelace if he had any additional comments on
the proposed development.
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Mr. Lovelace noted that the Forester has met on site with the developer,
and that the plan is okay. He noted that because this development proposal
also lies within in a shoreland overlay district, it has been submitted for
review by the Department of Natural Resources, and they have also stated
they're okay.
Chair Felkner then opened the hearing up to any audience comments.
There being none, he then closed the hearing.
MOTION: Member Blundetto moved, seconded by Member Gowling to approve
the preliminary plat as submitted. The motion carried 5 - 0.
MOTION: Member Blundetto moved, seconded by Member Gowling to recommend
approval of the site plan and building permit authorization as submitted. The
motion carried 5 - 0.
SC. Zoning Revisions and Church of Hope
Community Development Director Rick Kelley introduced himself and
explained the proposal. The proposed ordinance revision would allow for
churches as conditional use in Light Industrial zones, as long as it is
determined they do not create an adverse impact upon either adjacent land
uses, or existing tenants if located within a multi-tenant building.
Mr. Kelley noted that the purpose of the hearing also is to consider
such a conditional use permit for the Village Church of Hope, which desires to
locate ih the multi-tenant Light Industrial building at 5865 149th Street
West.
Chair Felkner then opened the hearing up to any audience comments..
There being none, he closed the hearing.
MOTION: Member Blundetto moved., seconded by Member Edgeton to recommend
approval ofthe ordinance amendment. The motion carried 5 - 0.
MOTION: Member Blundetto. moved, seconded by Member Edgeton to recommend
approval of the conditional use permit for the Village Church of Hope.. The
motion carried 5 - 0.
5D. Heartbeat Dance Studio
Chair Felkner opened the public hearing with the standard remarks.
Assistant Planner Kathy Bodmer introduced herself, and noted that the
conditional use permit is for proposed alternate exterior building materials
for a dance studio. at 7661 145th Street West. The dance studio would be a one
story building and contain 5,120 square feet.
Mr. Barry Pettit approached the podium. Mr. Pettit is the architect
representing the petitioner and noted that the proposed cast panel would be a
limestone gray color. There would also be black anodized aluminum window
frames with a standing seam metal roof that would be painted a pale green to
mimic aged copper. The burnished block was submitted in two different colors,
both the original or natural stone gray, or a granite color which is a darker
gray. There would also be glass with a green tint.
Commissioner Nagler asked what the rear of the building would look like.
Mr. Pettit stated that it would be the same, containing three windows
and a fire exit door.
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Commissioner Cowling asked if the parking standards have been met.
Kathy Bodmer stated that the parking was okay.
Commissioner Edgeton asked if the site would drain to the existing pond
on the north. City Engineer Keith Gordon stated that the parking lot should
be designed to drain directly to the street in order to prevent erosion on the
pond slope.
Mr. Pettit noted that all of the impervious surface on the site would
drain to the street.
Chair Felkner then opened the hearing up to any audience comments.
There being none, he then closed the public hearing. He asked that the
building inspection department provide the Commission with information about
the durability of the cast panels being proposed on the building.
Chair Felkner then asked Kathy Bodmer if all issues had been addressed.
Ms. Bodmer stated that they had all been addressed at this time. She
stated that the building designer does not want to use foundation plantings as
requested by City Staff because they are trying to achieve a more austere look
to the building.
Mr. Pettit stated that they may consider planting vines to grow up the
walls.
Commissioner Blundetto wanted to know if the adjacent buildings utilized
foundation plantings..
Commis si oner Edgeton wanted to know if the proposed conditional use
permit meets the criteria for similar materials on the surrounding two-thirds
buildings.
Action will be taken at the next meeting: on this item.
6. LAND. IISE/ACTION ITEMS
A. Apple Valley Chrysler Plymouth
Assistant Planner Kathy Bodmer introduced the item knowing that it would
be located on the scuthwest corner of Galaxie Avenue and 151st Street West.
The City has previously approved a conditional use permit for a expanded stales
and storage lot on this property, and Apple Valley Chrysler Plymouth is now
requesting approval of a building to be used for used car sales and light
service. Upon approval, they would also like authorization to place a
temporary sales trailer on the site during the construction period.
Don Rolf of Architectural Network Incorporated approached the podium.
He noted that the plan has been revised to indicate 18 customer parking
stalls, and 10 employer parking stalls. They've also added landscape
plantings on the north end of the building and made final revisions to
indicate gray brick and white dryvit on all sides. of the building. There
would be a gray rock faced block along the base of the building onall four
sides.
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Chair Felkner noted that this sales and display lot was approved by the
City last Fall, but that it was not yet completed. He noted that the
construction season was well underway and hope that the petitioner would
finish the lot in short order.
Commissioner Blundetto asked about the difference between the plans
being displayed this evening and the plan that was in the Commissioner's
packet.
Mr. Rolf noted that the plan in the packet di d. not indicate brick on the
rear face of the building,. but the plan being displayed tonight does show the
brick. He also noted that this evening's plan has the additional landscaping
on the north side of the building, as well as designating more employee and
customer parking stalls on the site plan.
Ron Maas approached the podium. He stated that he works for Denny
Hecker's Apple Valley Chrysler Plymouth, and explained the late model used car
business that would occur out of the building. They want the building ready
for occupancy by Labor Day.
Chris Jackson, the General Manager for Denny Hecker's Apple Valley
Chrysler Plymouth, noted that they only need to have the sales trailer on site
until the building is ready for occupancy.
MOTION: Member Edgeton moved, seconded by Member Blundetto to recommend
approval of the site plan and building permit authorization for the Apple
Valley Chrysler Plymouth used car facility. The motion carried 5 - 0.
6B. Vollmers Garage. Variance
Assistant Planner Kathy &odmer presented the item which involves a
requested two foot s-ide yard setback. variance for the construction of a garage
stall addition. She noted that a three foot setback to a common property line
is as close as possible without the construction of fire rated walls per the
Minnesota State Building Code.
Dale Vollmer displayed a series of photos and drawings: of his property
at 13301 Greenleaf Court in order to better explain the existing conditions on
his property. It was. noted that the area proposed: for the garage addition
currently has a low retaining wa21 constructed of old telephone poles driven
vertically into the ground to create a parking pad area. All of this would be
redone with more permanent materials as part of the garage construction if
approved.
Mr. Vollmer noted the constraints for access to his rear yard as well as
the existence of a drainage Swale and mature trees which complicate the
construction of a detached garage.
Commissioner Cowling asked what the standard garage setback is. Kathy
Bodmer stated that a five foot setback on both adjacent lots would allow
structures to be constructed no closer than ten feet to one another under
current City code. Since the existing home on the south has its dwelling
space on this side., if the variance were approved,. there would still be 14
feet between structures..
Commissioner Felkner asked what the specific hardship in this case was.
It was noted that the rear of this lot has a petroleum pipeline easement
which prohibits construction of detached garages or other structures on top of
it.
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MOTION: Member Bl undetto moved, seconded by Member Gowling, to
recommend approval of a two foot sideyard setback variance, due to the
hardship created by the existing pipeline easement on the rear of the
property. The motion carried 5-0.
6C. Eide Garage Variance
Assistant Planner Kathy Bodmer introduced this item which is a proposal
for a size variance for detached garage proposed to be located at 12955
Garrett Avenue. Ms. Bodmer noted that because there is an existing storage
shed of 192 square feet on the property already, strict adherence to the City
code would require that this storage shed either be removed or reduced in size
to 144 square feet in order to allow a detached garage to be constructed on
the site.
Mike Eide, the owner of the property, stated that he was willing to
reduce the proposed garage so that the total square footage of both the garage
and the existing storage shed would be 686 square feet, or six feet less than
the total maximum that the code would provide under the 144 and 750 maximum4'
He said that in his opinion it is either a hardship for him to either remove
or reduce the existing structure in order to receive permission to construct a
separate detached garage.
There was a general discussion concerning access to the proposed garage.
Mr. Eide is proposing to obtain a separate private easement from the
apartment complex to the east in order to allow his driveway to go out the
back side of his lot to 130th Street.
MOTION: Member Gowling moved, seconded by Member Felkner to recommend
approval of the variance as requested. The motion failed 2 - 3 (Edgeton.,
Nagler, Blundetto).
6D. Phillips Petroleum
Assistant Planner Tom Lovelace introduced the item which entails a
conditional use permit for motor fuel sales, a conditional use permit for car
wash, a conditional use permit for alternate exterior building materials, and
a site plan. and building permit authorization for a Phillips Petroleum
Convenience Center and Fuel Sales building proposed for the southeast corner
of Cedar Avenue and 155th Street.
This proposal was last discussed on the meeting of May 15th, 1996.
Since that time a traffic study has been completed by the City's Traffic
Consultant, Short Elliott Hendrikson (SEH). Mr. Glen VanWormer of SEH is here
this evening to explain in more detail his traffic analysis of the proposed
development.
Mr. VanWormer reviewed his study in detail. He noted that for the most
part, the development proposal would not have an adverse impact upon the City
or County streets adjacent to the site, but as currently designed there would
be periods of significant on site congestion. Mr. VanWormer pointed out the
areas of congestion and possible solutions to them.
Commissioner Nagler asked about the traffic generated by Menards on the
weekends, and the way the traffic lines up at the signal at 155th Street and
Cedar Avenue.
Mr. VanWormer noted that while this is certainly the case, the weekend
use and traffic generated from convenience and gasoline motor fuel sales
operations such as this one is much less than during the weekday p.m. peak
hours.
Commissioner Nagler noted that it might be desirable for the City to
eliminate the existing on street parking on~ 155th Street if the project is
constructed.
John Bannigan of Bannigan and Kelly approached the podium. He stated
that he is the local legal counsel for Phillips Petroleum. He also introduced
Bill Anderson, the Phillips Petroleum Retail Projects Supervisor; Bob Hart, of
the Phillips Real Estate and Property Taxes Division; Carl McKee of CM Group,
the local site designer; and Dr. David Braslau, of Braslau and Associates,
their traffic consultant.
Mr. Bannigan gave a brief history of Phillips acquisition of this site
which has already been impacted by the dedication of the right-of-ways fox
Cedar Avenue and 155th Street as well as an additional sidewalk easement along
the Cedar Avenue side.
Mr. Braslau noted that there have been varying estimates of the amount
of traffic that would patronize this proposed Phillips site, increasing from
1, 100 in 1991 to 1, 500 in 1994, and now under the current SEH study, 2, 000
trips. He noted that in Phillips Petroleum experience at their other twin
city stores, 1,500 appears to be the average and they believe that this store
will generate between 1,200 and 1,400.
Mr. Braslau then reviewed the information in his handout.
Mr. Bannigan noted that while both traffic consultants have differing
opinions, their numbers are actually very close to one another..
A general discussion ensued about the typical sizes of cars, vans and
pickup trucks likely to patronize a facility such as. this, and what the
likelihood would be that these larger vehicles would create congestion on
site.
Chair Felkner asked about the differences in the trip generations
proposed for this. site by the different consultants. He xecalled that last
year when the City evaluated a similar proposal for a Total Mart at Galaxie
Avenue and 145th Street., the proposed developer was estimating 2,.000 to 2,400
trips per day at their site. Bob Hart said they continue to believe that this
site will generate 1,200 to 1,30.0 trips per day.
Mr. VanWormer stated that one of the reasons that SEH's number has
increased over time is that this convenience store proposed this evening is
three times larger than the one initially reviewed in 1991. He also noted
that while there are certainly industry standards, the numbers that his
company has used are based on actual market analysis, or actual counts at
similar stations in the south metro area. He did acknowledge though that most
of the trips that will be generated by this facility would not be new trips,
but would simply be captured from the existing traffic along Cedar Avenue.
Mr. VanWormer also noted that the actual signal cycle length at 155th
Street and Cedar Avenue is 130 seconds, or 20 cycles per hour. He expects
that during the p.m. peak hour, there would be about four blockages per cycle,
or blockages at about 20 percent of the time. This blockage would occur
because traffic queued up at 155th Street waiting to get onto Cedar Avenue
would back up past the entry drive to the Phillips site. This would mean that
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traffic wishing to exit the Phillips site would have to turn right rather than
left, or it would have to wait until the signal cycled through and the traffic
queue was cleared out.
Mr. VanWormer then displayed a series of overhead transparencies showing
the potential congestion locations on the site, and explained why this
congestion would exist.
There was a general discussion concerning the manner in which patrons
would use the site, and how deliveries would occur, and how general
circulation would occur.
Chair Felkner noted that it seems that many of the congestion issues
could be resolved with revisions to the site plan, and he suggested that both
the City's traffic consultant, and the Phillips Petroleum people meet to
discuss these this evening to see if common ground could be reached prior to
the Commission taking a vote on the issue.
Chair Felkner then called for a recess at 11:45 p.m. Chair Felkner
reconvened the meeting at 11:50 p.m.
7. DISCII5SION ITEMS
A. Grizzlies
Assistant Planner Kathy Bodmer briefly introduced the item. The
property owner is remodeling the existing Bonanza to become a Grizzlies Bar
and Grill., and as part of the remodeling they are proposing the use of
multiple antique signs on the outside of the building. These signs do not
represent actual products sold within the building, and are being used to
depict antique signage as art. However, the City's code does not specifically
address these type of signs.
The general consensus of the Commission was that. this type of signage
should not be counted as signage for which a permit was required and which
would count against the normal signage allowed by ordinance for advertising
purposes.
8. OTHER BIISINESS
A.. Consider Informal Meeting
Community Development Director, Rick Kelley, has suggested that an
informal meeting be set for July 31st to discuss among other things., the
proposed adult entertainment ordinance, and other revisions to the City code
concerning multifamily uses.
The Commission was amenable to a July 31st date.
8B. Housing Action Plan
Community Development Director Rick Kelley, briefly reviewed the
information contained in the plan. Adoption of this plan is required as part
of participation in the 1995 Livable Community's Act. Most of the plan deals.
with financial programs to. be operated by the Dakota County Housing and
Redevelopment Authority to construct additional affordable rental housing.
The plan also indicates the types of policies and actions the City would take
regarding market rate rental and affordable owner occupied housing.
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MOTION: Member Cowling moved, seconded by Member Edgeton to
recommend approval of the housing action plan. The motion carried 5 - 0.
Return to 7D, Phillips Petroleum
John Bannigan noted that they have worked out most of the issues and are
willing to go with a "Staff Approval" to revise the plan in order to appear on
the next City Council Meeting.
Commissioner Blundetto stated that he would like to see the revisions
prior to making a recommendation on it.
Glen VanWormer stated that based on his discussion with the Phillips
people, that this plan can in fact work.
Commissioner Nagler noted that given the number of changes being
discussed, she would also be more comfortable in actually reviewing a revised
plan prior to making a recommendation.
Member's Edgeton, Cowling and Felknex stated that given the amount of
discussion, and the assurance by the City's traffic consultant that it could
work, they would be comfortable with simply staff review on the final plan
prior to counsel consideration.
MOTION: Member Edgeton moved, seconded by Member Cowling to recommend
approval of the conditional use permit for motor fuel sales, the car wash, and
the alternate exterior building materials. The motion carried 3 - 2
(Blundetto, Nagler).
MOTION: Member Edqeton moved, seconded by Member Cowling to recommend
approval of a revised site plan and building permit authorization subject to
revisions acceptable: to City Staff and the City's traffic consultant.. The
motion carried3 - 2 (Blundetto, Nagler)..
8C. Attendance
It was noted that Commission Dave Swanson has tendered his resignation
from the Commission due to other work commitments.
9. ADJOIIRNMENT
MOTION: Member Blundetto moved, seconded by Member Nagler to adjourn
the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 12:.04 a.m.
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