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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/16/2007CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 16, 2007 1. CALL TO ORDER The City of Apple Valley Planning Commission meeting was called to Order by Chair Jeannine Churchill at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Jeannine Churchill, Tim Burke, Dave Schindler and Keith Diekmann Members Absent: Frank Blundetto, Tom Melander, and Thomas Helgeson Staff Present: Community Development Director Bmce Nordquist, City Planner Tom Lovelace, City Attorney Sharon Hills, Associate City Planner Kathy Bodmer, Associate City Planner Margaret Dykes, City Engineer Colin Manson, Planning Intern Nick Meyers, and Acting Community Development Specialist Ann Cunningham 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Churchill asked if there were any changes to the Agenda. There being none, she called for approval of the Agenda. MOTION: Commissioner Burke moved, seconded by Schindler, to approve the Agenda. The motion carried 4-0. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF May 2, 2007 Chair Churchill asked if there were any changes to the minutes. There being none, she called for approval of the minutes. MOTION: Commissioner Diekmann moved, seconded by Schindler, to recommend approval of the minutes of the May 2, 2007, meeting: The motion carried 4-0. 4. CONSENT ITEMS --NONE-- S:Aplanni¢g~PLANCONWn2007 agenda & minutesV051607m1.doc 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. SES Wind Turbine -Public hearing to consider amendments to "PD-167" and site plan/building authorization to construct a 160 ft. tall monopole fora 20kW wind turbine and communications antennas at the School of Environmental Studies (SES). Chair Jeannine Churchill opened the public hearing with the standard comments Associate City Planner Kathy Bodmer stated that Dakota Electric is partnering with the School of Environmental Studies to construct the wind generator/ communications tower and solar panels at the Zoo School at 13000 Zoo Boulevard. Craig Knudsen, representing Dakota Electric, said students are present from SES who would like to make a presentation to the Commission. The students, Jacob Wagner and Robert Preston, stated that their school is partnering with both Dakota Electric and CNH Architects on this project to build a wind tower and solar panels. The project will showcase a way to use green energy in the community and at the school. It will provide an in-depth teaching tool for sustainable energy resources. This project includes areal-time monitoring system of the wind tower that can be viewed and stored on-site. The information kiosk will display real time information and can be viewed by the SES students, other area school children, as well as the general public. The building will be energy efficient and constructed of lye ash concrete as well as certified sustainable wood with a green roof. The project's functional aspect consists of the installation of 2-3 communication antennas for Dakota Electric to be mounted on the. monopole. Craig Knudsen stated that as the communications tower will provide a much needed link between their Farmington office and northern Dakota County, the project is a win-win situatiori for both SES and Dakota Electrio, Chair Churchill asked Knudsen what kind of energy will be generated. Knudsen replied that the school should generate enough energy to cover the operational and maintenance costs of the project. Churchill then asked if there were any other wind turbines in Apple Valley. Knudsen said that he wasn't familiar with any other wind turbines. And a member of the audience volunteered that there is a wind turbine off of Cedar Avenue south of Farmington. Chair Churchill asked if anyone from the public would like to address the Commission, and if so, they may do so at this time. David Garthune, 5887 144x' St W, wanted to know who is paying for this and who is paying for the maintenance on it. Knudsen stated that Dakota Electric is donating the funds to construct the project, although they are looking for some other donations. 2 S:Aplanning~PLANCOMM~2007 agenda & minutes\051607m1.doc Chair Churchill stated that normally the Commission doesn't act on an item the same night as a public hearing. As there has been little public input on this and the Petitioner has requested that the commission act so that they can move forward, she is open to a motion. MOTION: Commissioner Burke moved, seconded by Diekmann, to recommend approval of an amendment to PD-167/Zone 2, to allow construction of a monopole for communication antennas and wind generation. The motion carried, 4-0. MOTION: Commissioner Burke moved, seconded by Schindler, to recommend approval of the site plan and give building permit authorization to construct a 160 foot monopole with a 20 kW wind turbine and communications antennas along with solar panels and accessory building in accordance with all City Code requirements and construcfion standards. The motion carried, 4-0. Nordquist stated that this item will go to City Council on May 24ts. B. Regent Senior Building -Public hearing to consider amendments to "PD- 716/Zone 2" to increase dwelling unit density and decrease required parking and site plan building permit authorization to allow for construction of a 145-unit senior apartment building. Chair Jeannine Churchill opened the public hearing with the standard comments. Associate City Planner Margaret Dykes presented the petition for amendments to PD-716, Zone 2 to increase the density for one senior-only apartment building from 54 units/acre to 59 units/acre and to decrease the parking requirement for senior-only apartments from 1.1 spaces/ unit to 0.8 spaces/unit. The applicant, the Hartford Group, is also requesting the site plan review/buildingperrnit authorization for a 145-unit senior-only rental apartment building. Dykes explained the apartment building offers what the developer calls a "continuum of care", which means residents can stay in their chosen apartment, but receive different levels of care depending on their needs. There are three levels of care: independent living, assisted living, and care suites, which provide the most intensive services similar to nursing homes. The developer believes about 85 units will be independent living, 45 units will be assisted living, and 15 units will be care suites. Dykes stated the developer should clarify what amenities are provided to justify the requested increase in density. She also said staff does not believe the requested decrease in the number of parking spaces would meet the future needs of the building. Commissioner Schindler asked Dykes to discuss issues related to the City trail located in Legacy Park. Dykes explained that the trail was constructed according to the plan provided by the Hartford Group, which showed the trail on the subject lot, but that no easements were given or obtained. The site plan for the subject building S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2007 agenda & minutes\051607mLdoc shows the removal of the portion. of the trail located on private property. The proposed building plan will also require the relocation of City benches and public art from the subject lot to City property. Chair Churchill requested clarification about parking issues. Dykes stated that most of the parking spaces located in the garage did not meet City requirements, and staff's opinion is that there should be no deviation on any residential development from the required dimensions. Frank Janes, of the Hartford Group, said that the path that was originally created was on City property, but that when it was constructed, it was inadvertently constructed on this property. Janes stated that the proposed parking ratio of 0.8 spaces per unit should be sufficient based on information gathered on a similar development in Burnsville, which has a current usage of 0.66 spaces per unit. In order to have more of a cushion, Hartford is suggesting 0.8 spaces per unit and believes that it would more than adequately address the needs of the residents, employees, and visitors: Schindler asked Janes to explain what daily transportation would be available for the residents. Janes replied that a third party provides transportation to shopping, a mall, and a church on a daily basis and residents. can schedule other trips as well. Commissioner Diekmann asked where the Burnsville project was located and what amenities were available at that facility. Janes replied that it is located on Early Lake Road south of Burnsville Center. Diekmann emphasized the need for amenities for residents of the proposed building. He then asked how Janes had calculated visitor parking requirements. Janes said that he used the Burnsville facility as an example and assumed that the 50 surface parking spaces were in use at all times. Diekmann asked what parking calculation was used for the Burnsville-facility. Janes stated that there are 1.1 spaces per unit but that the actual usage is .66 spaces per unit, so he feels that 0.8 spaces per unit will be sufficient for the proposed Apple Valley facility. Diekmann asked Janes' opinion about the vinyl siding. He knows the city staff's opinion about vinyl siding and agrees but wants Janes' opinion. Janes said that no city staff anywhere is usually in favor of vinyl siding. However, Hartford Group believes it is a permitted material, though they are willing to work with staff to find a material that would be more acceptable. Schindler stated that he did not believe the 33 surface parking spaces proposed would be enough. He said that Janes had stated that staff would require about 15 spaces, and that residents oftentimes cancel their garage parking in the summer to park on the surface. When you add guest traffic, 33 surface parking spaces seems low: However, he believes the underground parking spaces appear to be sufficient. Janes stated that the building height is 52.9'. Dykes replied that she saw that number on the plans, but no scale was shown. on the plans and staff could no confirm the S:\plarming\PLANCOMM\2007 agenda & minutes\051607m1.doc actual height of the building. A scale must be provided on any revised plans. She said the south and north ends of the building appeared to be about 62' tall. Patrick Sarver, director of development for Hartford Group, said he has been involved with this.project for the past 5 years. Regarding the location of the trail, most of the path and monuments have been built on the City park property, but a small amount of the trail is on subject lot. Though easements were requested to accommodate the built features, it was not the intention of Hartford to curtail their ability to develop the site. He said he hoped the City and Hartford could find an agreeable compromise to provide the walkability yet still maintain the developability of the site. Sarver stated a new parking plan had been provided to staff, but was reluctant to talk about the new plan without giving the staff an opportunity to review plan. Churchill asked Sarver if a tour of the Bumsville building would be possible. Sarver stated that a tour can be arranged. Regarding the vinyl siding, Sarver stated Hartford is proposing a higher quality vinyl siding and that most of the siding is over 10' up on the building, so it would not be easily damaged. A Hardie board trim corner will be used as opposed to the standard J-channel product, which will provide a more Craftsman-like treatment of the corners. Commissioner Burke asked if the Burnsville facility had those corners on it and Sarver replied that he doesn't know, but that he can provide local examples for the Commission. Diekmann asked for a copy of the original plan, trying to get at the location of the path. Dykes responded she didn't have a copy of it readily available but that the City would not build a path on private property because it couldn't figure out where the property line was. Diekmann said he likes the architecture but said the much of the building faces Founders Lane/153`d Street, which may not be a desirable view for residents. Sarver replied the building design is based on both the size of the units, the distance of units from an elevator, and the dimensions of the parking garage. Many residents in the Burnsville property said they would prefer to have shorter walks inside the building. Thus the building is broken into "pods". Most of these pods have 8-10 units in them, and tend to congregate around amenities. The building is designed to accommodate the desires of the resident, which dictated location. of the building on the lot. The street-facing design was most efficient. Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist stated that the continuing care model is responsive to the marketplace. City staff strongly supports the codes minimum requirement of 1.1 spaces per unit. Nordquist asked if the end user is known yet. Janes replied that it is too early to tell at this point, but it will be a licensed, professional, and experienced property manager. Chair Churchill asked if anyone from the public would like to address the Commission, and if so, they may do so at this time. S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2007 agenda & minutes\051607m1.doc Harvey Bligard, 14663 Europa Way, wanted to know about the individual apartment sizes and what the distance from the elevators to the unit. Janes replied that 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and efficiency units will be available. The 1 and 2 bedroom units have in-unit laundry facilities. The distances are as short as they can make them. Marian Brown, 7756 142"d Street West, is concerned about the width of the parking spaces because a lot of space is needed for things like walkers and wheelchairs. Chair Churchill closed the public hearing with the standard comments. C. Industrial Land Comprehensive Plan Amendments -Public hearing to consider amendments to the 2020 Land Use Map redesignating properties from "MIX" (Mixed Use) to "IND" (Industrial). Chair Jeannine Churchill opened the public hearing with the standard comments. City Planner Tom Lovelace presented information pertaining to a request for amendment to the Comprehensive 2020 Land Use Map, which has been initiated by the city. The request pertains to several sites located north of County Road #42, directly east of Galaxie Avenue, and generally east of Flagstaff Avenue and along the east and west side of Johnny Cake Ridge Road. Chair Churchill asked if anyone from the public would like to address the Commission, and if so, they may do so at this time. Don Post, 5990 Ellice Trail said that he is very concerned about traffic patterns and the volume of traffic if apartments are constructed. Lovelace said City staff would provide information at the next meeting. Ken Franzen, 14555 Europa Avenue asked whether the hearing is about changing the zoning back and would that prohibit the proposed apartment building. Chair Churchill responded that the zoning is currently mixed use and the point is to make zoning and the comprehensive plan consistent. Franzen stated that he lives in a one- level townhome and that he has a concern about noise pollution. Lovelace responded that because it will be a mixed use designation, the townhomes could be built on the Venstar property. Churchill stated that the development has to be amenable to surrounding. residents. Marian Brown, 7754 142na Street West, stated that nothing has been done in Apple Valley for a while fox affordable housing, and that this City is an ideal place to consider that. Maggie Futhey, 5898 144a' Street West, said that she lives near Area C because it's zoned light industrial. The idea of having apartments and townhomes is very concerning to her and she hopes it doesn't happen. S;\planning\PLANCOMM\2007 agenda & minutes\051607m1.doc Mona Garthune, 5887 144c' Street West, stated that she would like Area C to remain as it is. She moved to Apple Valley from Minneapolis 7 years ago and enjoys the fields and nature. Nino Pedrelli, of Venstar, said that they believe that mixed use is more flexible, and that multi-family development is a better transition to the current residential area than industrial. David Garthune, 5887 144`" Street West would like to see more homework done. City staff should be more specific as to what that development is going to be. Churchill stated that she wanted to explain the process. The Commission does not have an actual proposal under consideration, hence the lack of detail. What is being considered is whether the zoning is consistent with how the City intends the land to be used. Lovelace said that HUB Management provided a letter which stated their intent to develop the property as mixed use as the market dictates. They do not want to be restricted to industrial development as they are considering both medical and office uses. Chair Churchill closed the public hearing. with the standard comments. This item will continue to appear on future Planning Commission agendas. D. Midwest Special Services Conditional Use Permit -Public hearing to consider conditional use permit for overnight parking of school buses in the "BP" (Business Park) zoning district. Chair Jeannine Churchill opened the public hearing with the standard comments. City Planner Tom Lovelace said that the petitioner is requesting approval of a conditional use permit to allow for the parking of 5 buses outdoor overnight in the Pilot Flex Center, atwo-building office/warehouse project located along the west side of Energy Way, just south of Upper 147c' Street West. Commissioner Diekmann asked whether the parking spaces in the back under consideration for overnight parking were included in the parking calculations. Lovelace said that they were. Churchill suggested that the wording stipulate that the storage of vehicles shall be prohibited except for these 5 buses that are allowed to be stored overnight. Chair Churchill asked if anyone from the public would like to address the Commission, and if so, they may do so at this time. S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2007 agenda & minutes\051607m1.doc Mike Whalen, of EFH Co., said that Julie Johnson of Midwest Special Services is here and can answer any questions about their operations. The bus parking area is screened from the street and EFH believes that it is a good use of the property. Chair Churchill again asked if anyone from the public would like to address the Commission, and if so, they may do so at this time. Lovelace said that because there was no one from the public who addressed this issue and because it has been presented to the Commission previously, the applicant has requested that action be taken and City staff concurs. Chair Churchill closed the public hearing and stated though it is not usually the Commission's procedure to act on an item on the same night, the applicant has requested action: Because no comments were received from the public, she asked if the Commission would recommend a motion. MOT10N: Commissioner Schindler moved, seconded by Diekmann, to recommend approval of a conditional use permit to allow Midwest Special Services to park buses overnight on Lot 2, Block 1, Knob Ridge 2"d Addition subject to the following conditions: Parking shall occur in accordance with site plans dated March 28, 2007; a maximum of 5 buses shall be allowed to be parked outside overnight; all buses shall be operational and in good repair; and storage of vehicles shall be strictly prohibited except as stated herein. The motion carried, 4-0. 6. LAND USE/ACTION ITEMS A. Residential Parking Permit -Consider an on-site parking permit to allow for parking of 6 vehicles on the homeowner's driveway. Associate City Planner Kathy Bodmer presented the request from Paul and Lori Michael of 8680 Hunters Way to park 6 vehicles outside on their driveway. Commissioner Diekmann asked how many vehicles are allowed currently. Bodmer said the Code allows a maximum of 4 vehicles with a provision that up to 6 vehicles could be parked on a lot provided the City issues an on-site parking permit. City Attorney Sharon Hill clarified that the Code permits only up to 4 vehicles parked outside the residence, which means that a total of 4 vehicles can be parked outside a residence in the driveway and in the street. Commissioner Burke asked if Bodmer could explain Condition 4 listed in the staff report, which pertains to shrubs on the applicant's lot. Bodmer replied the shrubs provide screening. Burke then wanted to know if the concern was that they would not be maintained. Bodmer replied that is the concern. Diekmann asked Bodmer if we have any other 6 car permits in the City of Apple Valley. Bodmer said that since the Code has been in effect, the City has had 2 other S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2007 agenda & minutes\051607m1.doc applications for permits. The most recent request was denied. The first, requested in the mid-90's, was approved for a residence on Pilot Knob Road. Churchill stated many issues discussed in letters sent to the City were beyond the scope of the Planning Commission. She stated the petitioner does have right to bring the request forward. Churchill said she understands the issues raised by the owners and the issues raised by the neighbors. There is nothing in the Code that requires the City approve the permit, but there is also provision that the City should deny the permit. Churchill agreed with staff's recommendation that a 1 year permit be issued, according to Code. Diekmann agreed, although he doesn't agree with. the shrub condition as it is not required in the Code and would like to strike that condition. Bodmer replied that the reason for having it in there was to offset any impacts and provide screening for neighboring properties. Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist stated that this would be a good time to look at residential parking ordinance and what reasonable conditions, if any, could be applied. Burke agreed with the need fora 1 year permit and his sense is that there are many other occurrences in the City. Churchill thanked neighbors for their input and said that she had no intention for the matter to turn into arbitration or mediation tonight The City Council will make the final decision. MOTION: Commissioner Burke moved, seconded by Schindler, to approve an on- site parking permit to allow the parking of up to 6 vehicles for the property at 8680 Hunters Way with the following conditions: 1. The permit shall be valid for a period of one year. 2. No vehicles shall be parked in a manner that blocks a public sidewalk. 3. All vehicles must be parked completely on the driveway and not on the grass. 4. The shrubs in front of the driveway shall be trimmed and properly maintained throughout the year to provide screening of the driveway from neighboring properties. Dielanann stated that he will agree with everything except for condition #4. MOTION: Diekmann moved, seconded by Burke, on the amended approval. The motion carried 4-0. B. Community of Christ Church -Consider site plan building permit and NRMP to construct a 5,000 sq. ft. addition and remove 13,500 cubic yards of material from a 2.65 acre site. S:\planning\PLANCONIM\2007 agenda & minutes\051607m1.doc Associate City Planner Kathy Bodmer presented the request from Community of Christ Church, 5990 - 134th Street Court, fora 5,000 square foot addition and natural resources management permit. Commissioner Schindler asked whether the new access out onto Johnny Cake Ridge Road was necessary. He asked what the distance was between the new church entrance and the Moeller Park entrance to the south. Bodmer stated that the Public Works Director reviewed the plans and did not raise a concern with the new drive entrance. Bodmer also stated that peak use times will be different between the church and the park. Schindler asked whether the access would be a full access. Bodmer said yes. Schindler said that weekends are a logical time for people to go to both the church and the park and he is concerned about the proximity of the new church driveway from the park driveway. He noted that the City has tried to limit access out onto Johnny Cake Ridge Road. Commissioner Burke stated that he is also uncomfortable with the second access. He said the neighborhood park gets used extensively. Bodmer responded that the Parks and Recreation Director expected the use of the park to' decrease when the new park complex in the southern part of the City is constructed. Bruce Nordquist stated that staff's rough scale indicates that the driveways are approximately 80' apart. Lloyd Jafvert, the architect for the proposal, showed a 3-dimensional model of the church with the addition. He said that the church was trying to create more visibility from Johnny Cake Ridge Road. A courtyard will be created on the south side of the building. He said the design of the addition should help the church to blend in better with the surrounding. residential area. He also said that with the Hardie panel, if the paint is factory-applied, the manufacturer will give a 15-year warranty. MOTION: Diekmann moved, seconded by Burke, to recommend approval of the site plan and give building permit authorization to construct an approximately 5,000 square foot addition in accordance with plans received in City offices on May 7, 2007, and in compliance with all City Code requirements and construction standards and the following conditions: 1. A final plat for the property shall be filed with Dakota County prior to the issuance of a budding permit. 2. The color of the fiber cement siding shall be factory applied. 3. The petitioners shall submit a nursery bid list to confirm that the value of the landscape plantings meet or exceed 2-1/2% of the value of the construction of the addition based on Means Construction Data. to S:Aplanning\PLANCOMM~2007 agenda & minutes\051607m1.doc 4. The design of the infiltration area shall be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. 5. The petitioners shall install markers around the wetland buffer area in accordance with Jeff Kehrer's May 11, 2007, memo. 6. The petitioners shall comply with the engineering comments stated in Dave Bennett's May 10, 2007, memo. The motion carried 4-0. MOTION: Diekmann moved, seconded by Burke, to recommend approval of the Natural Resources Management Permit in accordance with the plans received in City offices on May 7, 2007, and in compliance with all City Code requirements and construction standards and the following conditions: 1. The petitioners shall execute a maintenance agreement to ensure the long-term functioning and maintenance of the infiltration system. 2. Any grading onto the City Moeller Park property shall be reviewed and approved by the City's Parks and Recreation Director. 3. The petitioners shall comply with the engineering comments stated in Dave Bennett's May 10, 2007, memo. 4. No site work or tree removal may begin until a Natural Resources Management Permit has been issued by the City. The motion carried 4-0. 7. OTHER BUSINESS A. Wensmann 14`" CDA Sketch Plan -Sketch plan review of proposed multi- family development that will include a 60-unit senior apartment building and 30 townhouse dwelling units on 6.25 acres. City Planner Tom Lovelace presented the sketch plan from Dakota County Community Development Agency for a proposed senior apartment and townhome development on 6.25 acres on the east side of the Midtown Village development in the area of 145th Street and future Flagstaff Avenue. Kari Gill, of Dakota County CDA, stated that they are in discussion with Wensmann Homes to purchase a 6.26-acre portion of the Midtown Village property for the development. The CDA has 15 townhouse and 20 senior apartment developments throughout the County. The proposal would be similar to the other projects that have been done. Gill stated that the details of the architecture haven't been finalized. The landscape design has also not been finalized. Gill said that they are hoping to submit plans soon. She said the senior building would be constructed first, then the townhouses. Commissioner Burke stated that he was concerned about the access. He said he felt another access was needed. 11 S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2007 agenda & minutes\051607m1.doc Lovelace said any part of this development would require an extension of Flagstaff Avenue. Burke said he is in favor of the project. He said it would be a nice compliment to the Midtown Village development and that the City needs more senior housing. Commissioner Schindler said that when the City approved the Midtown Village project, the City approved a full package consisting of townhomes and condominiums. He said that those who bought homes in the development thought the project would be completed as approved. He is concerned that apartment housing doesn't fit in with what had been presented originally to the City. Jerry"Weissmann, Weissmann Homes, stated that when they came. before the City 3.5 years ago, the housing market was different than it is today. He said the CDA approached Weissmann and they've had a lot of discussion about the project. He stated that Weissmann believes there is a need for senior housing in Apple Valley. He said they decided to locate the CDA development on the east side of the site because it is furthest from the homes that have already sold. As the remaining homes are constructed, none of the original home owners will be adjacent to the new area. He stated that the density of the CDA project is very similar to what had been approved. Schindler asked how the people currently living there will feel about this. Weissmann stated that they are very nice looking buildings. He said that the CDA sites are kept up very well and the Midtown Village homeowners would want to have neighbors that keep their area up as well as they do. Schindler asked why the developments are not connected. Weissmann said that there are difficulties with street maintenance and plowing when there are shared private streets. Jeannine Churchill said she thought there was a need for this type of development. B. Oakwood Hills Sketch Plan -Sketch plan review of a proposed subdivision of three parcels into 16 single family lots. Associate City Planner Margaret Dykes presented the requested from Premier Developments of the Twin Cities for the subdivision of 3 existing pazcels, totaling 5.71 acres, into 16 single family lots. The proposal is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Guide Plan, and appears to comply with the City's zoning ordinance. Dykes explained the property is bounded by 132ne Street to the north and Georgia Drive to the west; both are City streets. The lot sizes range from 11,040 sq. ft. to 19,242 sq: ft. The lot areas are similaz to those in surrounding developments to the north, south, and west. 12 S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2007 agenda & minutes\051607m1.doc Dykes stated there are significant grades on the site and a detailed grading plan will be necessary. The site is heavily wooded, and a tree inventory will be necessary. Because of the significant grading that is likely to occur, a number of significant trees will be lost. The City's policy is to approve those subdivisions that only remove 50% or less of the significant trees on a site, though this maybe modified if special circumstances exist. Though with infill development, it becomes difficult to meet that 50% policy. Commissioner Burke asked if there was a driveway located on Greenleaf School property. He was concerned about the removal of the driveway. Dykes explained that the City would likely require removal of the driveway as part of the development. Nathan Jones, of Premier Development, reiterated the development proposal. He stated they believe the proposed development is consistent with surrounding developments. He stated the City has done a wetland survey and concluded there are no wetlands on the site. He also stated they plan to have a neighborhood meeting in the next few months to explain the proposal. Regarding the extensive grading, Jones stated the lots will be custom graded and they will do what they can to lessen impacts caused by grading. Commissioner Burke was supportive of the proposal. Commissioner Diekmann requested the formal submittal include topographic maps and a grading plan must be included. He asked if the stormwater pond would be a regional pond. Dykes said the pond would serve only the neighborhood. Diekmann wanted mechanisms in place to ensure the rain garden would be adequately maintained. Dykes said this would be part of the formal review. Diekmann asked about the elevations of the current and proposed streets. Jones gave this information. Dykes said the formal review will deal with these issues. C. 2030 Comprehensive Plan -Review of draft request for proposals. Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist presented the Request for Proposal for a consultant to compile the City's Comprehensive Plan update for 2030. Nordquist explained the RFP process, and asked if the Commission had any comments about the RFP. Nordquist expanded on the RFP and said. there are at least four issues that must be considered as part of the Comprehensive Plan update: I. Completing connections in the City's trail system, as well as connecting to surrounding cities. 2. The potential changes to Cedar Avenue to accommodate Bus Rapid Transit. 3. Protection of the City's Downtown as a central business district so that it responds to the community's needs and does not just address traffic management. 4. Impacts of the expansion of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.. 13 S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2007 agenda & minutes\051607m1.doc Nordquist informed the Commission that the consultant that worked on the previous update to the Comprehensive Plan would not be available to work on this update. The Planning Commission stated the RFP was very thorough and had no comments other than to ensure the font size was large enough to read. The City Council will review the RFP's in July. 9. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Commissioner Schindler moved, seconded by Burke, to adjourn the meeting at 11:09 p.m. 14 S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2007 agenda & minutes\051607m1.doc