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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-2005PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW EDA CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting September 12, 2005 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:32 P.M. 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL: President Marty, Vice-President Stigney, Commissioner Gunn, Commissioner Flaherty, and Commissioner Thomas. NOT PRESENT: None. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Gunn. To Approve the September 12, 2005 Agenda as presented. Ayes –5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 4. PUBLIC INPUT None. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The following corrections were requested: Page 3, Line 115, should read: “…that the company has submitted a completed TIF…” Page 3, Line 126, should read: “…for the purposes of DEED and…” Page 5, Line 177, should read: “that if the City SYSCO received a one-year TIF…” Page 5, Line 193, should read: “those improvements would costs.” Page 5, Line 202, should read: “…the districts would be re- de-certified the…” Page 5, Line 203, should read: “…He stated that they could would have to go ahead…” Page 7, Line 277, should read: “Commissioner Thomas stated that she is stilling going…” Page 7, Line 289, should read: “afternoon noting that Mr. Seipp explained…” Page 8, Line 297, should read: “…use as a tool to help complement…” MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve the August 8, 2005 EDA Minutes as corrected above. Mounds View EDA September 12, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 2 Ayes –5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. CONSENT AGENDA None. 7. EDA BUSINESS A. Possible Development of Laport Meadows Economic Development Coordinator Backman explained that in the fall of 2004, the EDA started considering priorities for 2005 and discussed a dozen or so potential projects. One project considered was in the area around Laport Meadows as the potential location for residential projects. At that time, it was not known if developers would be interested but it was put on the EDC 2006 priority list. The City was then approached by two developers who were interested in residential projects and they discussed potentially customized homes and other options. The developer was Rob Carlson Builders from Blaine and the other was Boschee Builders from Roseville. In February, Rob Carlson Builders decided to not pursue it, and a new group of people came forward from Coldwell Bankers. Economic Development Coordinator Backman introduced Wanda Hart of Coldwell Banker Burnett and Cheryl Stinski of Skyline Builders, who have express interested in looking at Laport Meadows to determine if there could be residential development knowing the limitations with wetlands, the nearby park, and collection point (compost site). He advised that they have looked at this project and held discussions with Jeff Sweitzert who is with an architectural firm and is collaborating with them on this project. Economic Development Coordinator Backman advised that in February they started discussing potential ideas relative to this area. At one point, it was discussed with the Council about what next steps should be taken, such as a wetland delineation, survey of residents, and other infrastructure needs. Council consensus was to put it back to the developer to get input from the residents as to their wishes and whether they want to or do not want to sell and what type of development they want. Some of the survey questions pertained to the general public about interest in retaining the compost site and alternatives to that site. The majority of respondents indicated they want that service to continue in Mounds View but some indicated they have the ability to do composting in their yard. He advised that over 60% of the population indicated they’d like that service to continue. The survey didn’t address whether that service could be provided in a different way. Currently, it is a one-acre compost site within a nine acre area. He presented a diagram that identified the location of the compost site, noting it is accessed from the west and south. To the south of the compost site is Laport Meadows. Wanda Hart, Coldwell Banker Burnett, stated she first asked about this property when Mounds View EDA September 12, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 3 representing a Mounds View resident and conducting a market analysis. Then she discovered that Mounds View may be interested in developing the area so she approached Cheryl Stinski, who is a developer, to see if she would be interested. Ms. Hart stated they talked to the residents and presented the Council with a copy of those findings. She stated they felt the best way to approach residents was with a letter and then a visit or telephone call. They were able to sit down with a few residents and, for the most part, communication has been over the telephone. So far they have talked to everyone at least once and a few several times. Five property owners favor selling right now, two favor the development but are not interested in selling their home, two answered a definite “no” to the development, and two were not committed. Ms. Hart advised that the two who are in definite favor of selling are David Little and James Lund. Both have indicated an interest in attending a Council meeting to express their support. She explained that Mr. Lund is located south of Laport Meadows and is not part of the initial project but could be if the Council wanted to consider that boundary of the development. Mr. Lund is very interested in selling and will also attend a meeting to voice his support to include his property in the Laport Meadows development. Jeff Sweitzert, Shared Design, stated he has prepared two diagrams that include several schemes. Scheme A has a senior facility in the compost location and beneath that 24 single family units on individual properties. The concept for seniors has two buildings that favor the water areas, just north of the buildings with a turnaround drop off area. The single family area would have an alley to access garages at the back of the house with a pedestrian street going directly out to the wetland area. This will make the wetland accessible to more than just the Laport Meadows residents since it would be a non-vehicular roadway. There would also be several shelters with docks into the wetland to allow people to sun, fish, or bird watch. The park would have a meandering pathway along the buffer treed area on the south perimeter of Highway 10. That would also provide noise abatement and bring pedestrians to a gathering point at the senior housing and terminating in a picnic park at the north end. Mr. Sweitzert presented Scheme B that contained 24 single family homes in a design that incorporates three streets but no alleys. The sites would have a larger back yard and four larger single family homes would be sited to the south of the wetland. The wetland would have a park and meandering pathway. The senior housing would be contained in three buildings in the compost area with an amphitheater and terminating in a picnic area at the far north area. This is a more traditional concept. Mr. Sweitzert then displayed an overlay that depicted existing conditions and how it is effective with their concepts. He noted that the existing conditions work best with Scheme A, which is their favored design. He also noted the location of existing structures and conditions that are not part of the proposed development. Commissioner Thomas stated the immediate question that comes to mind from the survey is the owners on Long Lake Road who are not interested in selling and how that would figure in. She Mounds View EDA September 12, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 4 stated this EDA is not interested in property taking so the developer would have to work with the homeowner. Mr. Sweitzert stated they have not yet worked on that issue. Commissioner Thomas stated her concern with high density in the top triangle so Scheme A would be more attractive to her since it has lower density. She noted the community wants to maintain a compost site so that concern needs to also be addressed. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated Ms. Hart has seen a need for additional senior housing as a continuing area of interest. Seniors also support a variety of housing options. He stated he thinks there are possibilities for beneficial amenities beyond the Laport Meadows area. He stated the middle amphitheater is an intriguing amenity. In addition, the City has addressed sound wall concerns with MnDOT, noting there is a gap in the sound wall in this area. He stated it is likely the staff recommendation will be participation, in some terms, with the developers to close that gap. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated he hears about that concern from residents to the east who are experiencing 62 to 75 decibels so it would be good to address that issue. Commissioner Thomas stated she would be willing to see increased density in the middle areas since there is higher ground in that location. She noted the north area contains a significant wetland area. Vice-President Stigney stated the compost site is important to maintain in some location of Mounds View. He noted residents have spoken “loud and clear” over the years that they need that service, noting it involves many bags of leaves because of the great number of trees in Mounds View. He stated he felt the pavilion amphitheater is out of touch with a senior area, and they would be conflicting uses. Commissioner Flaherty stated these concepts contain some really good ideas but the EDA’s key is community input because the EDA will not step in to try and persuade residents to sell. He stated that he likes the idea of a dock and fishing hole but the first stumbling block is resident input. Commissioner Gunn stated she supports Concept A which is less dense and allows the natural features of the area to still come forward. She stated that perhaps the number of homes can be reduced and stated her support for senior condo housing in which seniors have already expressed an interest. She stated her agreement with Vice-President Stigney that an amphitheater is probably not a compatible use with the senior housing and maybe a gazebo would be a better option. President Marty agreed the resident survey conducted by the developer carries a lot of weight Mounds View EDA September 12, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 5 because they are Mounds View citizens. He stated he will not support taking any property through eminent domain or condemnation. Another major hurdle is the need to maintain a compost site because residents have indicated they want and need that service. President Marty noted that Ramsey County was also curious about this and paid for a couple of those questions to clarify that point, and that message from the residents is clear. President Marty stated that of the two plans, he prefers Scheme A which contains less pavement. He agreed that perhaps the number of homes should be scaled down. However, a development would only work if all residents agreed. He noted the area to the north is an existing pond so it would be difficult to develop senior housing in that location. He thanked the developers for making this presentation and stated it may work if the residents agree to come on board. However, if the residents choose to not sell, then that is the way it will be and they will have to come up with a different plan. Mr. Sweitzert asked if the current compost site can be vacated if another location in Mounds View can be found. President Marty stated that is a possibility. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated as with Hidden Hollow, some folks were not willing to sell and the developer worked around those properties. With that project, there was no eminent domain and it ended up with a good development. He advised that some residents have inquired since that time about additional units. He stated with Laport Meadows the project may not be in this form, and may incorporate current residents. Cheryl Stinski, Skyline Development, asked for direction from the EDA about contacting the residents. She asked if the City will work with them if a resident does not want to sell or if they should create a development that works around that resident. She stated she thinks that may be problematic and noted that the Hidden Hollow project was not similar to this property, because lots in this area are extremely deep. Ms. Stinski stated some of the roadways may also be problematic. President Marty suggested they consider gaining access from the south. Mr. Sweitzert stated he believes a plan can be developed that works on this site and with the residents. He noted that the proposed pedestrian way would be similar to an undeveloped roadway, as currently exists with Laport. He stated he believes it is key to get something of size in the northern area when related to roads and utilities so the ponds can be retained. Commissioner Flaherty stated the EDA wants to advise all of the stumbling blocks that may be in the way for this to move forward. He noted the dialog on this project is just starting. Ms. Stinski stated they wanted to know if the EDA was positive or negative about these designs. Mounds View EDA September 12, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 6 Commissioner Thomas stated that is why she was suggesting a higher density in the middle of the property, to make up for losses in other areas of the site. She stated she is supportive of some kind of mixed housing. Vice-President Stigney suggested they look at entering the site from a winding access, which would look very nice and may be an advantage to working around existing houses. Ms. Hart stated it would help them if the EDA were to authorize a wetland delineation study. Then the City would own the study and it will help with the land usage of the site. President Marty stated this is a rough scheme but farther into the process and if staff can find another location for the compost, the EDA may be willing to consider authorizing the delineation. Commissioner Thomas agreed it is a significant expense. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated that information can be useful regardless if a developer is involved. He noted that with Hidden Hollow, the City participated in a portion of the soil boring work. In addition, it would be a TIF eligible expense. President Marty asked how much property the City owns. Mr. Sweitzert pointed out the parcels controlled by Mounds View. He explained the benefit of a delineation is that it will identify how close they can come towards the wetland boundary. It will identify the useable area. City Administrator Ulrich stated this concept does need additional work David Jahnke, 8428 Eastwood Road, stated older residents move from Mounds View because they want one-level condo or townhome living. With regard to the amphitheater, he noted the seniors won’t be able to hear it anyway. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated staff could solicit proposals to find out what the wetland delineation cost would be. President Marty agreed, noting at a future date the developer will have additional information on their proposal as well. 8. REPORTS Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated staff provided the EDA with a draft report Predesign Agreement from DEED pertaining to the $5 million grant for activities related to the County Road J reconstruction project. The grant agreement is between the City and State on how funds are handled and pertains to about $1.6 million. Mounds View EDA September 12, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 7 9. NEXT EDA MEETING: Monday, September 26, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. 10. ADJOURNMENT President Marty adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Recorded and transcribed by: Carla Wirth TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.