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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-22-2014 SCMLAKE ELMO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 22, 2014 Page 1 of 2 CITY OF LAKE ELMO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 22, 2014 Mayor Pearson called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. PRESENT: Mayor Mike Pearson and Council Members Wally Nelson, Anne Smith, Justin Bloyer, and Mike Reeves. Staff present: City Administrator Zuleger, City Planner Nick Johnson, Finance Director Bendel, and City Clerk Bell. PLEDGE OF ALLIGENCE ITEM 1: LAKEWOOD CROSSING PRELIMINARY PLAT AND FINAL PLAT; KWIK TRIP CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT City Planner Johnson presented the Lakewood Crossing Plat and CUP requests. Critical issues include access to the site. Staff recommends three modifications to the proposal: 1) the design of the right-out only northeastern access needed modification to improve sightlines; 2) the taper of the proposed westbound left- hand turn lane in Hudson Blvd. needed to be tweaked to include increased tapering due to the 50 mph design speed on Hudson Blvd.; and 3) the full southwestern access needed to be widened to 40 feet to support a 16- foot inbound lane and two outbound 12-foot lanes (left and right turn lanes). Mr. Johnson summarized the proposed Commission findings. Council Member Smith asked why the proposed design was not similar to the facility located near Liberty on the Lake in Stillwater. It was her understanding that the proposal was going to be similar. Mr. Johnson responded that staff reviewed the proposal for conflicts with the design standards. There were no identified conflicts. Council Member Reeves asked for clarification on the MnDOT ROW and storm water ponds limitation. It was explained that any placement of storm water retention must go through MnDOT. It was also explained that the zoned maximum height for lights is 30 feet. These will be at 18ft. The Council discussed the architectural expectations that Ms. Smith asked about. City Administrator Zuleger said that it may be possible to have Kwik Trip make changes to the design. It was explained that it is common for preliminary and final plat to be processed concurrently when there is minimal subdivision and no extension of public utilities. Here there will only be two parcels and private utilities. Mr. Reeves asked if the building designs meet the theming design standards. Mr. Johnson stated that they did. MOTION: Mayor Pearson moved TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2014-61, APPROVING THE LAKEWOOD CROSSING PRELIMINARY PLAT AND FINAL PLAT, AND APPROVING THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE KWIK TRIP GASOLINE STATION, SUBJECT TO 8 CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. Bruce Miller from CM Properties, LLP thanked council for taking the time to holds special meeting. He said several gas station buyers were interested in the site, but Kwik Trip was selected because of the higher design standards. He also explained that Kwik Trip has stated that they will not do another Liberty type station. It has been more difficult to maintain than expected. Council Member Reeves commented on how he really likes the proposed design nuances and appreciates the lengths that Kwik Trip has gone to incorporate the theming design. Council Member Bloyer said that while he cares what it looks like, there are rules and standards. As long as those standards are met, the Council LAKE ELMO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 22, 2014 Page 2 of 2 should approve them. Council Member Nelson also spoke about if the applicant meets the land use and design standards, the Council should approve the proposal. Council Member Smith clarified that she does not want to force Kwik Trip to go back and redesign or suggest that other Council Members do not care what the proposal looks like. She was simply expecting a proposal with greater character. She does appreciate the efforts made to improve the design above the base product. MOTION PASSED 5-0. ITEM 2: ZONING MAP AMENDMENT – PERFECTING AMENDMENTS City Planner Johnson explained the reason that the Zoning Map changes were being proposed. He explained that regular updates that takes place throughout the year. Some areas have been approved for development and the new map needs to reflect those changes. Along the I94 Corridor, areas include Hammes Estates, Hunter’s Crossing, and Launch Properties Business Park. RT (Rural Development Transitional) is being rezoned back to guided uses of Agricultural and Rural Residential. A lift station in the Village and Well No. 4 will be changed to Public Facilities. Council Member Bloyer asked about zoning north of Hwy 5. The City has not had an in depth discussion on the topic. Staff has some informal conversations, and it is on the work plan. It will be addressed as soon as staff gets through some of the current proposals being considered. Council Member Smith asked how many plats have come in where the developer has requested lower density. Mr. Johnson said most of them. Ms. Smith asked if the plan needs to be changed on a larger scale. Mr. Johnson said that it would be appropriate to reexamine the entire comp plan; however, if changes are made that are too drastic, the Met Council may take issue. Mr. Bloyer asked why the lower density couldn’t be dropped even further to a lower standard such as 1 unit per acre. Mr. Johnson explained how the Met Co calculates its estimates. They plan on the low end, not the high end. The city is being responsive to the market by amending the comp plan as requested. Council Member Reeves stated his concerns about lowering the density too low to pay for sewer. City Administrator Zuleger noted that the developers who had been consulted could not financially sustain 1 acre lots. 2-2.5 acre lots have been identified as the size required to cash flow. Mr. Johnson clarified that density discussion is more appropriate when discussing comp plan amendments as opposed to zoning map changes. MOTION: Council Member Reeves moved TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 08-113, ADOPTING A REVISED ZONING MAP FOR THE CITY OF LAKE ELMO. Council Member Nelson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 5-0. Mayor Pearson Adjourned the meeting at 6:55 pm. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL ATTEST: ______________________________ Mike Pearson, Mayor _______________________________ Adam R. Bell, City Clerk