HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/16/1998CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MIlVLITES
December 16,1998
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City of Apple Valley Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Edgeton at
7:00 pm.
Members Present: Karen Edgeton, Tom Melander, Jce McNamara, Frank Blundetto, Diane
Nagler; Tim Burke.
Members Absent: Lou Clark
Staff Present: Rick Kelley, Kathy Bodmer, Tom Lovelace, City Attorney Mike Dougherty,
Consulting Engineer Keith Gordon, Intern Maggie Milton, Nelda Werkmeister.
Others Present: See sign-in sheet.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Nagler moved, seconded by Blundetto, to approve the agenda. The motion carried
6-0.
3. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 2,1998, MIlVIJTES
MOTION: Nagler moved, seconded by Blundetto, to approve the minutes as arnended by
McNamara; namely: on page 3, last motion - replace "site #2" with "site #4". The motion carried
4-0 (2 abstentions -Burke, Melander).
4. CONSENT ITEMS -None -
5. PUBLICHEARINGS -None =
6. LAND USE/ACTION ITEMS
A. Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Preliminary Plat, Site PLm/Building Permit
Authorization for Phase I and II Apartment Units, Conditional Use Permit for Building Height
Assistant Planner Kathy Bodmer gave a history of the comprehensive plan designations of the site in
question. She also noted that the developer has agreed to work with the forester to meet her
requiremems.
McNamara asked about the relation ofthe northwest entrance to a westerly conuecfion. Keith
Gordon replied that there is no road to the west; but that the entrance would be across from the Cedaz
Pointe pond.
Blundetto queried about internal circulation and the location of a temporary access. Dough Dahms,
representing the developer, said they aze willing to put the temporary access wherever the City warms it.
Burke wondered about future traffic control at the 157th and Galaxie iatersedion. Bodmer said the
ems'tension of 157th Street will likely meet the warrants for a stop sign or stoplight. The timing, Gordon
stated, depends on when the warrants are met. Edgeton asked Rick Kelly to explain for the audience
what is meant by wanauts. Kelley said there are different criteria for traffic controls on streets,
Planning Commission 11~'mutes
December 16,1998
Page 2
including the amount of traffic on the main street or cross street, numbers of accidents, and that these are
mandated by the State of Minnesota.
Nagler asked about sidewalks or trails. Bodmer said they are required as part of the development,
but are just not shown on the current plan. Dahms clarified they are located in the right-of-way, so their
placement does not affect greenspace calculations.
Doug Dahms, stated the developer has no problems with staffs recannnendations. Greenspace
calculations on the western project yield 43.5%, and the eastern project, 58.2%. He noted that they
spade their own trees so that is why the enact species' itemizations are not as readily available, but be can
work that out with the forester to supply the species information. He showed photographs of the
proposed units to demonstrate the roof line and the turret end on each comer ofthe eastern building. He
went onto say they will be the nicest recital units in Apple Valley.
Nagler wanted to know abort buffers being provided. Dahms replied that no garages would be
visible from Galaxie since the western project has underground parking. There would be berms from 4-
8feet on Gakude and 153rd Street with landscaping on top of the berms. Nagler wanted assurance from
the forester that the plantings are sufficient. Dahms noted that the City Council requested the berm
height on the Majestic Cove project be reduced to allow a greater street presence. The garages in
Majestic Cove aze 8 feet tall.
McNamara asked about the placement of roof-line vents and mechanical. Dahms answered all vents
are on the back side of the buildings, except for those required by the Building Code to be placed
elsewhere.
There was some discussion regarding temporary on-site storm water pondiug placement if needed;
what assurance there would be that the bern~iug would be completed once on-site pondiug is no longer
required; and why the pondiug should not be placed in the road rightof--way. Attorney Mike Dougherty
explained the pondiug should be on site because the road is dedicated for a specific public purpose.
Bodmer stated that financial security would be required in conjunction with completion of bermiug and
any other private improvements.
Edgeton asked ifthe audience had any new information on the project. Peter Paron of 15820
Gallery Avenue expressed his concerns: (1) increasing the tax base at all costs; (2) doesn't seem right to
trade a pazk for ahigh-rise complex (referring to the former "Park" Comprehensive Plan designation for
a portion ofthe property); (3) the developer, engineer and azchitect on the project reside outside
Minnesota; (4) how can you berm or screen a 4-story aparhnent building that looks like a barracks; (5)
no pride of ownership with rental property.
Pazk availability was discussed, and Bodmer noted that private recreational opportunities will exist
on site. Bodmer also pointed out that although the City may ask for enhancement of plantings on the
north buffer, the adjacent properly to the north will also be required to provide screening when the pazcel
is developed.
Dahms acknowledged that they will need to add two parking spaces.
McNamara asked how the project affects existing ratios regazding the Livable Coxrnmmities Act.
Kelley responded that the Act addresses increasing the diversity of types of housing, as well as housing
to varied income levels. This project increases rental housing overall and helps the City meet its goals.
Planning Commission Minutes
December 16,1998
Page 3
MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Burke, to reconunend approval oftbe Comprehensive
Plan Amendment from "MD" and "PD" to 'TID (High Density Multiple Family with a density of 12+
unitc/acre). Motion carried 6-0.
MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Burke, to recoirunend approval ofthe rezoning ofthe
Properly from "A" (Agriculture) to "M-8B" (Multiple Family at 12-24 units/acre) subject to the
appropriate amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. Motion carried 6-0.
MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Burke, to recommend approval of the Preliminary Plat
to create two lots for multiple faznily development subject to the approval of the Comprehensive Plan
amendment and Rezoning with the following conditions: a. This developer shall be responsible for the
installation of 157th Street east of Galaxie Avenue as it abuts the development and shall provide an
escrow for the 1/2 cost for the future consn~uction of Foliage Avenue. b. This developer shall be
responsible for the installation of trail along Galaxie Avenue, and sidewalk along 157th Street and
escrow for the future installation of sidewalk along future Foliage Avenue. c. ff the construction of the
eastern site commences prior to the availability of storm sewer services to the site, temporary oar-site
ponding shall be installed on the site in accordance with the City Engireer's requiremems until a
pemranent connection to storm sewer can be made. Motion carried 6-0.
MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Burke, to recommend approval of the Conditional Use
Permit to allow the constmction of a 4-story apartrent building in the "M-8B" zoning district. Motion
carried 6-0.
MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Burke, to recommend approval oftbe Site Plan and give
Building Permit Authorization to constrict apartment buildings in accordance with the attached plan
subject to the following: (1) a temporary second access shall be constmcted for the eastern lot at the
northern end until Foliage Avenue is canstrncted, (2) a nursery bid list shall be submitted which corrfirrns
that the kmdscape plantings meet or excced 2 1/2% oftbe value ofthe constmction ofthe buildings, with
special focus on the northern border, (3) if the construction ofthe eastern site coirunences prior to the
availability of storm sewer services to the site, temporary on-site ponding shall be installed on the site in
accordance with the City Engineer's requiremerrts urrtil a permanent connection to storm sewer can be
made, (4) provide for the addition oftwo parking spaces as required. Motion carried 6-0.
B. Prairie Crossing Commercial -Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Expanded Planned
Development Commercial Zoning, Prelirniuary Plat and Building Permit Authorization
Bodmer introduced the item She relayed the opposition of the Dakota County Plat Commission
regarding the developer's proposed access on Diamond Path, which does not meet the County's spacing
guidelines.
The developer, Michael Falk of CWB Development, introduced Kathy Anderson of KKE Architects
and also representatives with Sterling State Bank and Gorryea Land Developers. He stated they wished
to address the concerns brought forwazd at the last Planning Commission meeting. Falk showed on a
colored site plan the pedestrian links to and through the pazcel. He noted the County would rather have a
highway system through it than a pedestrian system.
Kathy Anderson described how the residential elements had been incorporated into the design of this
cormnercial parcel, and specifically the Sterling State Bank building.
Falk went onto explain that a variance request from the County guidelines needs to come from the
City. He expressed his appreciation of the city's cooperation and assistance in this matter. He weffi on
Planning Commission Minutes
December 16,1998
Page 4
to say they have been working with city staff the engineer and traffic consultant Glen Van Wormer to
demonstrate that the variance request is reasonable. There was some discussion of hardship, and what
the Count}~s criteria are for granting a variance. Kelley stated that the Comity has its own ordinance,
which neither defines nor provides for a variance application or criteria for granting a variance.
Falk stated his willingness to adopt the forester's recommendations. Tyre was clarification of the 6
proposed fuel pumps which service 12 cars.
MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Melander, to recommend approval ofthe
Comprehensive Plan Amendment on the properly east of Dodd Boulevard from "SF" (Single Family) to
"NC" (Neighborhood Center), contingent upon the vacation of the existing Dodd Boulevard. Motion
carried 6-0.
MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Melander, to recommend approval of Rezoning the
property east of Dodd Boulevard from "R-3" (Single Family Residential) to 'PD-029, Zone 4" which
will allow limited neighborhood service uses. Motion carried 6-0.
MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Melander, to recommend approval of A[rtendment to
PD-629, Zone 4 to allow banks and professional office buildings within the Planned Development.
Motion carried 6-0.
MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Melander, to recommend approval of the Preluninary
Plat to create 31ots for conunercial development with the following amditions' a Approval of the final
plat is conditioned upon the construction of Diamond Path, realigmnent of Dodd Boulevard, and
approval of the vacation ofthe existing Dodd Boulevard. b. Approval of the final plat is subject to the
review and approval ofthe plat by Dakota County. c. Sidewalk shall be installed along Coumy Road
42, Diamond Path and Dodd Boulevard in accordance withthe City's Trails. and Sidewalk Policies. d.
The developer shall be responsible for its portion ofthe upgrade ofthe adjacerrt roadways, including the
extension of Diamond Path and realignment of Dodd Boulevard, as they abut this development. Motion
carried 6-0.
MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Melander, to recormnend approval of the Site Plan and
give Building Pemrit Authorization for the construction of a 12,000 square foot bank/office building on
Lot 2, Block 2, as indicated on the site plan dated November 12, 1998. Motion carried 6-0.
MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Melander, to recommnend the City ask the Metropolitan
Council to assist us in getting the Coumy's approval of the access variance for this project. Motion
carried 6-0.
Chair Edgeton called fora 5-minute recess at 9:07 p.m. The meeting was mconvened at 9:14 p.m.
7. OTHER BIISYNESS
A. Sketch Plan for Revised Development of Palomino Cfiffs, Located on the Southeast Comer
of C.R. #il and Palomino Drive, by SVK Development
Assistant Planner Tom Lovelace introduced the item and gave a brief history oftbe site. The
previous developer RCS did not complete the plan as approved, and the property was forfeited.
Planning Commission Minutes
December 16,1998
Page 5
Nagler asked if the pond was a wetland, to which Lovelace replied affirmatively, and noted that the
new developer would need to abide by the Natural Resources Management ordinance.
Steve Johnston of Landform Engineering described the proposal, pointing out that a person would
see one garage door from the street instead oftwo on each building. 13e went onto say the turnaround
on the north is about 15 feet in the right-of--way cureutly. The density proposed, aceording to his
calculations, is 3.15 units/acres.
Edgeton asked about guest parking. Lovelace said it may be possible to put a bumpout on the north
side for that purpose. Edgeton also stated she thinks the project is way too dense, the buildings are too
close tAgether, a_nd she is not in Ivor of &Ta--'T any va_na*!ces.
Nagler said not all lots have a view beca~.ise of the proposed configuration.
Blundettc stated he would hke scmtinization of the engineering issues, especially because of the
topogmphy and density.
McNamara said the density doesn4 concern him, but he is wondering how the project can work with
the given topography.
Mckmder stated there had been significant degradation of the wetland since 1989. He wem onto
say he couldn't envision that much consu~uction being done without a mudslide, and he thinks the project
is way too dense.
Edgeton noted she would be more willingto look at variances for one building versus all buildings.
Burke concmretl, but said he was willing to look at their project done in St. Louis Pazk.
Nagler said she would like to adhere to the city standards. She also requested staffto confirm what
slopes were approved originally.
Blundetto stater]. there might be an opportunity for some hardships.
B. Sketch Plan for Mired Use -Barton Sand & Gravel Mining Pit, Located on the South Side
of C.R #42 at Johnny Cake Ridge Road, by Genstar Corporation
Rick Kelley ittu'oduced the item. He said the parcel wuld be ready for infi'ashncture in 2001, given
cun-ent projections. The developer is looking at a Plauuecl Development of mixed uses for the site.
Peter Gualtieri of Genstar briefly outlined their role as developer of the 240-acre parcel, and
introduced consulting planner Mike Gair of McCombs Frank Roos Associates. Crualtieri distributed to
the Planning Commission a Genstar informational booklet.
Michael Gair said that mining has progressed far ahead of the original predictions, that utilities are
available in the southwest portion, and that Flagstaffwill be extended. He showed a map of wntours
and the progression of mining, as well as a conceptual end use plan.
All of the Commissioners expressed positive comments regarding the proposed development ofthis
significant piece of the city. Blundetto emphasized the importance of blending this important part of the
community with the entire conununity. McNamara cormnented that what Genstar does for the market
will set a precedent for the rest of development in this part of Apple Valley.
Planning Commission Minutes
December 16, 1998
Page 6
8. ADJOiTRNMENT
MOTION: Blundetto moved, sewnded by McNamara, to adjourn the ineetiug at 10:25 p.m.
Motion carried 6-0.