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Home My WebLink About12/15/2010CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 15, 2010 1. CALL TO ORDER The City of Apple Valley Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Acting Chair Melander at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Tom Melander, David Schindler, Ken Alwin, Tim Burke, and Paul Scanlan Members Absent: Keith Diekmann Staff Present: Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist, City Planner Tom Lovelace, Associate City Planner Kathy Bodmer, Associate City Planner Margaret Dykes, City Attorney Sharon Hills, Assistant City Engineer David Bennett, and Department Assistant Barbara Wolff 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Acting Chair Melander asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Hearing none he called for a motion. MOTION Commissioner Burke moved, seconded by Commissioner Alwin, to approve the agenda. The motion carried 5 -0. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 3, 2010 Acting Chair Melander asked if there were any changes to the minutes. Hearing none he called for a motion. MOTION Commissioner Schindler moved, seconded by Commissioner Scanlan, to recommend approval of the minutes of the November 3, 2010, meeting. The motion carried 3 -0. Commissioner Burke and Commissioner Alwin abstained. 4. CONSENT ITEMS -- NONE -- 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS - -NONE- 6. LAND USE /ACTION ITEMS — NONE -- 7. OTHER BUSINESS A. North Creek Greenway Introduction of Preferred Trail Alignment by Dakota County. Associate City Planner Kathy Bodmer stated that the North Creek Greenway is a 17.5 mile multi -use greenway trail and natural corridor connecting Lebanon Hills Regional Park and the Vermillion River. The trail will traverse the cities of Eagan, Apple Valley (approximately 5 miles), Lakeville, Farmington and S:AplamiugTLANCOW&2010 agenda & minutes \121510m.doc CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota Planning Commission Minutes December 15, 2010 Page 2 of 7 Empire Township, providing opportunities for both recreation and transportation. In addition, the greenway will offer a connected wildlife corridor with enhanced storm water treatment elements. The North Creek Greenway enters Apple Valley at the tunnel under 160th Street in Cobblestone Lake. The trail joins up with the Cobblestone Lake dual trail system, then goes under Pilot Knob Road at the tunnel. From there the trail heads north and west through the Fischer property connecting Quarry Point Park and Regatta Park. The Greenway Trail crosses County Road 42 between Flagstaff Avenue and Johnny Cake Ridge Road. The trail then generally follows Johnny Cake Ridge Road north, passing through Johnny Cake Ridge Park, to the Zoo, and then east to Lebanon Hills Regional Park. The North Creek Greenway is discussed in both the Land Use Chapter and Parks and Active Living Chapter of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The following issues are discussed in the Comp Plan: Planning and development in the South Central Planning Area will need to take the trail corridor into consideration. • The connection of Quarry Point Park and Regatta Park should be considered. • The County's preferred alignment will require grade separation at County Road 42. An alternative may be to extend the trail further west to follow along Flagstaff Avenue so that trail users can cross County Road 42 at the signalized intersection. This route would bring the trail closer to the Downtown and also would be better able to connect the East View High School site. The recently completed Bike Walk Apple Valley Trail and Sidewalk Plan notes that residents can look forward to the development of regional walking and bicycling facilities, including the North Creek Greenway Trail. The establishment of the North Creek Greenway trail is consistent with the goals outlined in the plan, including providing residents with opportunities to live more active lives and enhancing the safety, convenience and attractiveness of walking and biking in the City. A specific trail alignment has not been set, so the City and Dakota County will continue to discuss potential alternatives. Informing trail users of key destinations in Apple Valley's downtown, including Kelley Park, the Post Office, and the retail area, would benefit both trail users and local businesses. The Planning Commission may wish to discuss whether Downtown Apple Valley could be designated as an "Activity Center" on the North Creek Greenway trail map. The Planning Commission will have a role in the development of the Greenway Trail as the South Central Planning Area is planned and developed. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will also be involved in the development of the Trail because it will primarily be a recreational corridor connecting many of the City's parks. Bodmer introduced Mr. Kurt Chatfield, Planning Supervisor for the Dakota County Office of Planning and Analysis to present an overview of the North Creek Greenway. Mr. Chatfield stepped to the podi to address the Planning Commission on the North Creek Greenway. He said that they refer to it as a greenway because it provides an opportunity for improved water quality, wildlife habitat and non - motorized transportation. Mr. Chatfield presented a PowerPoint presentation. Vision Elements • Water Quality • Recreation S: \p1anning\PLANC0MM\2010 agenda & minutes \121510m.doc CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota Planning Commission Minutes December 15, 2010 Page 3 of 7 • Habitat • Non - Motorized Transportation Vision Contexts s Urban • Rural • Suburban Vision for the County Trail System — 200 miles of interconnected corridors linking parks, open space, water, habitat and communities. Trail loops within loops connect destination and provide recreation options. North Creek Greenway • 17.5 Miles • Connects Lebanon Hills Regional Park to the Vermillion River • Connects destinations in Apple Valley, Lakeville, Farmington and Empire Township • Shared multi -use trail for recreation and transportation • Connects natural areas and wildlife corridors • Water quality enhancement opportunities North Creek Greenway (Lebanon Hills to Eastview High School) • Lebanon Hills Regional Park • SchooI of Environmental Studies • Minnesota Zoo • Over McAndrews Road at Zoo Entrance • Falcon Ridge Middle School • Hagemeister Park • Moeller Park via existing greenway trail or Johnny Cake Ridge Road • Under or over 140'' Street at Eastview area North Creek Greenway ( Eastview High School to Cobblestone Lake) • Waterpark/Youth Center • Concrete Plant/Tank Farm • Fischer Gravel Area • Transit Hub/New Apple Valley Athletic Complex • Under Pilot Knob Road (existing) • Cobblestone Lake • Under CSAH 46 (existing) Mr. Chatfield stated that one of the goals of the whole system is to not be next to roads. People want to recreate away from roads whenever possible so their goal is to be away from roads 80% of the time. He said that there are still some challenges with crossings at County Road 38, 140' Street, and County Road 42. Mr. Chatfield said that Dakota County is conducting an open house on Thursday, December 16, 2010, to discuss the North Creek Greenway project. He said that the County has notified people along the corridor and also advertised in the papers. The open house will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Western Services Center, 14955 Galaxie Avenue. S: \planning\PLANCOMM\2010 agenda & minutes \121510m.doc CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota Planning Commission Minutes December 15, 2010 Page 4 of 7 Mr. Chatfield stated that people may also visit their virtual open house at w /dakota He stated that the county is simultaneously working on a Geenway master plan for the Minnesota River between Burnsville, Eagan, and Mendota. The open house will address both projects. Mr. Chatfield stated that their strategy after receiving public comment will be to draft a plan and have another open house in the spring. After that open house, the County will finalize the master plan. He asked if the commissioners had any questions. Commissioner Burke asked if the crossing at Johnny Cake Ridge Road would be at the light. Mr. Chatfield said they would look at where the terrain is working to their advantage. He said it is tricky at 140` Street West and Johnny Cake Ridge Road. He's not sure if it would be best to go over or under the road. The electrical substation is there. It may be possible to go under, although it may also be very costly. He also said that the crossing at Johnny Cake Ridge Road could be made at grade or under at Falcon Ridge Middle School. He said they would like to hear from residents to see how they feel about it. It will be a better experience for the user of the Greenway to not interact with some of the busier roads. Acting Chair Melander asked if a similar presentation has been given at the other cities involved. Mr. Chatfield said that he has presented to both Farmington and Empire Township. Acting Chair Melander asked if the feedback has been positive. Mr. Chatfield said feedback has been very positive and the plan is well received. The cities of Lakeville and Farmington have the North Creek corridor better defined because they have a stream channel there. Their park plans have been developing their city park and trail system for some time along that corridor. Mr. Chatfield said that the City of Apple Valley is a little trickier, although the City has made a tremendous investment in its park and trail system. There is a lot of open space, although the hardest part will be the busy roads and how to get across them. Acting Chair Melander stated that safety is going to be a concern. Commissioner Burke stated that it's a good positive presentation. Commissioner Schindler asked where all the funding comes from. Mr. Chatfield said there are several sources of funding. The main source of funding comes from the Metropolitan Council. Dakota County is the implementing agency of the regional park system so they're one of ten funding agencies. The residents of Apple Valley and Dakota County pay taxes to the Met Council. The Met Council sends funds back to Dakota County for parks systems including regional trails. They rece filaids for Lebanon Hills Regional Pa k, Spring Lake Regiona Park Lake Byllesby/Miesville Regional Park, and the new regional park in Empire, as well as the regional trail system. Mr. Chatfield said they also apply for non - motorized transportation grants. The third major source of funding is parks and trails legacy funds; the sales tax that the citizens of Minnesota just passed. Also, coordination with development is another way to put in key portions of the system. Acting Chair Melander thanked Mr. Chatfield for his time S: \planning\PLANCOMM\2010 agenda & minutes \121510m.doe CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota Planning Commission Minutes December 15, 2010 Page 5 of 7 B. Presentation of Year End Highlights and 2011 Goals. Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist stated that he will provide an overview of what has happened in Community Development over the past year and to give an outlook of what will happen in 2011. He provided a PowerPoint presentation. Talking Points on Department Activity We are right -sized for applications and workplan activities We are right -sized to similar cities Jobs and added value follows our work Jobs and Added Value Follows Our Work • Estimated 2010 added value = $39,600,000 • Estimated construction and permanent job additions = 1,400 • Uponor has 336 employees, about 80 additions • 2011 Budget Workplan includes $250,000 in outside grants; reducing demand on general fund Community Development Department Land Use Actions Requested Land Use Actions Requested 2008 2009 2010 Comprehensive Plan Amendments 2 1 3 Zoning Ordinance Amendments 10 8 19 Conditional Use Permits 4 5 8 Subdivision/Preliminary Plats/Final Plats 9 4 2 Site Plan Reviews/Building Permit Authorizations 20 5 6 Vacations Variances Interim Use Permits 2 1 6 22 2 1 Total Land Use Actions Total Projects *through August 2010 Activities Planning Related: • 2010 Census 58 54 56 42 32 38 • Securing six different planning/study grants totaling $250,000 • Bus Layover Site Study • Finalizing zoning updates to 2030 Comprehensive Plan • U of M Study of Sustainability concepts for the Mixed Business Campus • Fiber optic to Business Park Advocacy • Modified fall zone ordinance for telecommunication towers • Review of Cedar Avenue bus rapid ridership demand study • Completion of Bike/Walk Apple Valley Study Application/Development Related: • Clearwire Applications; multiple sites • Think Bank Plan Review SAp1a ing\PLANC0MNM010 agenda & minutes \121510m.doc CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota Planning Commission Minutes December 15, 2010 Page 6 of 7 • Lender discussion to trigger development on foreclosed parcels • Augustana master planning • Housing at Founders Circle Construction Monitoring: • Completion of Walmart expansion • Seasons at Apple Valley construction progress • Cobblestone senior housing completion • Workforce housing construction start • Think Bank progress • Times Square repositioning • Completion of Apple Valley Transit Station Marketing and Promotion: • Completion of Economic Development Video • MacPhail relocation and expansion • Office, industrial property, and sustainability conference participation and promotion • Bio- manufacturing conference and promotion • Promoting industrial land available, 20th best place to live in the U.S., and Moody's Aaa designation • Promoting `BRTOD" 2011 Outlook 22 Distinct items to address, so far. 6 Development /Application Related: • Augustana • Fischer Marketplace • Hanson market alternatives • Quarry Point Retail • Housing at Founders Circle • Menards 16 Administrative, Planning, Marketing Related Items: • TOD overlay zoning ordinance for Cedar Avenue • Cedar Avenue building/place design standards • Addressing developer/lender impediments to TOD • Hanson market study • Sign Ordinance Update • Participation in Regional Economic Development Partnership • Exploring expanded Farmers Market vendor opportunities More Administrative, Planning, Marketing Related Items: • Economic Development video distribution • Participate in industrial/manufacturing/office events that identify new entrants, developers, and business alliances • Quality Neighborhood Initiative • Legislative support for jobs bill extension S:\p1aoning\PLANC0MM\2010 agenda & minutes \121510mdoc CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota Planning Commission Minutes December 15, 2010 Page 7 of 7 i Administrative services to City Council, Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority (EDA), and Urban Affairs • City Council selection of replacement planning commissioner • Planning Commission selection of new chair Nordquist asked for any questions from the Planning Commission. Hearing no comments Acting Chair Melander thanked Nordquist. C. Review of upcoming schedule and other updates. Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist stated that he had no additional items. 8. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further comments from the Planning Staff or Planning Commission, Acting Chair Melander stated that the public was welcome to join Planning Staff and the Commission at Wild Bill's Saloon following the adjournment of the meeting in celebration of the holidays. He adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Assistant the Apple Valley Planning Commission on S: \p1aming\PLANC0MM\2010 agenda & minutes \121510m.doc