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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-2005PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW EDA CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting October 24, 2005 New Brighton City Hall 803 Old Highway 8, New Brighton, MN 55112 6:34 P.M. 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL: President Marty (arrived at 7:02 p.m.), Vice-President Stigney, Commissioner Gunn, Commissioner Flaherty, and Commissioner Thomas. NOT PRESENT: None. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Flaherty. To Approve the October 24, 2005 Agenda as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 4. PUBLIC INPUT None. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. EDA Minutes of August 22, 2005 Vice President Stigney requested a correction on Page 18, Line 744, to read: “liability limit of $200,0000.” MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Stigney. To Approve the August 22, 2005 Minutes as amended. Ayes –4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. CONSENT AGENDA None. Mounds View EDA October 24, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 2 7. EDA BUSINESS A. Presentation by Wanda Hart, Coldwell Banker, re: Laport Meadow Residential Project Economic Development Coordinator Backman reviewed that Skyline Builders, Inc. has been considering a potential residential project in the Laport Meadows area. At the September 12, 2005 Mounds View EDA meeting, Cheryl Stinski of Skyline Builders and Wander Hart of Coldwell Banker discussed a proposed residential project in the Laport Meadows area, east of Long Lake Road. At that meeting, Jeff Sweitzer, architect with Sharratt Design Company, presented several concept plans of what the project could look like. The EDA asked the developer to revise the concept plans to reduce density and have further discussion with the land owners. Wanda Hart, Coldwell Banker Burnet, reported that they contacted the 11 parties involved in this potential project, some are landowners and homeowners, some are just homeowners, and some just landowners. Of the 11 contacted, one is a definite ‘no’ to the entire project and the others are in line with the project and thinking about it. She stated the exciting part is that their new idea for the area puts less pressure on Long Lake Road so those homeowners can participate or not. Jeff Sweitzer, Sharratt Design Company, thanked the EDA for allowing them to present their new proposal tonight. He displayed a concept plan which is predicated on the idea there are certain property owners who are yes, some are no, and some are maybe. He used a map to point out the properties that do not want to participate and noted this plan allows people to be in or out of the project, or added at a later date. It also responds to the Rice Creek Watershed District indication there is a high water table on the western edge. He noted the location of a green backyard buffer to address that issue, resulting in a meandering pathway between two round- abouts which will slow down traffic and designate it possibly as its own neighborhood. Mr. Sweitzer noted this concept is predicated on the compost site moving and a senior housing project located to the north. In addition, they have reduced the number of units so it is not invasive on the wetland or neighborhood. He pointed out the location of the Lund property, which may want to be part of the overall development if it comes to pass. Mr. Sweitzer placed an overlay on the concept plan which depicted the location of the existing homes. He noted the trail meanders through an evergreen trail, connecting the senior area to the picnic area. The first plan had a pedestrian path out to a fishing pier, which is now more of an internal amenity even though it would be open to all. He emphasized that this new concept is more respectful of the current land owners and their decision to participate or not. Commissioner Thomas pointed out that it would require them to subdivide and sell part of their property. Mr. Sweitzer stated that is correct and they have addressed that issue with the property Mounds View EDA October 24, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 3 owners who have agreed to sell the back half of their property. Vice President Stigney asked about the difference in the number of houses. Mr. Sweitzer reviewed there are 30 single-family homes with Concept A and this concept has 28 single-family homes. The 28 homes includes an 8-unit condo building and 3-units of row townhouses. Economic Development Coordinator Backman advised that Concept A had a total of 124 units and the revised concept now shows 84 units, so the number has been cut by one-third. Commissioner Flaherty stated this concept is more attractive to him than Concept A due to the lower density. He noted the two senior buildings at 42 units each with a nice sculpture garden. He asked about the maintenance of the senior condo area. Mr. Sweitzer stated that question could be answered by Cheryl Stinski of Skyline Builders who is the developer but unable to attend tonight. Ms. Hart stated it would be similar to any other condo association with fees that are competitive to other associations. The senior condos would be owner occupied. Economic Development Coordinator Backman asked about the project market value. Ms. Hart stated they have not reviewed those numbers in depth but the condos will be in the area of $200,000 and up. The private custom residential homes will be similar to or higher in dollar value than the Hidden Hollow homes off County Road H2. Vice President Stigney stated some of the Hidden Hollow homes are over $600,000. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated these homes will probably be in the range of $350,000 to $500,000. Ms. Hart concurred and explained they have not reviewed the numbers in detail because they do not yet know how much land is available due to the wetland area. She pointed out three home sites to the southeast of the wetland that may be of a higher value. Commissioner Flaherty asked about access to the trail. Mr. Sweitzer pointed out the access locations on the concept plan including the boardwalk through the wetland area. Commissioner Gunn stated she finds this plan to be very attractive, much less intrusive, and unique. She noted it blends in well and does not take over. Mounds View EDA October 24, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 4 Commissioner Thomas asked about arrangements for the compost site and parking for the condo and senior housing area. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated the relocation of the compost site is a policy decision that the EDA will have to make. He stated with this concept plan, he likes the arrangement, noting three solid areas for “selling points”: 1) It does not add additional roads onto Long Lake Road and uses existing right-of-way and roads, which will be attractive to the County as well. 2) It has a lower density and allows for phases in the project. 3) It uses some of the existing infrastructure and builds on existing infrastructure so the City does not have to “recreate the wheel” or relocate utility lines. With regard to the location of the compost site, Public Works Director Lee stated that is a policy decision of the Council or EDA about what is the highest and best use for this land. He stated staff could initiate discussions with Ramsey County about the long-range goals for the compost collection site and if they would consider more of a regional compost site. Economic Development Coordinator Backman reviewed that the City Survey indicated a majority want to retain a compost site in Mounds View but some indicated a willingness to take composting material to Shoreview or Arden Hills. He stated residents could be asked what distance they would be willing to drive to an alternate site. Commissioner Thomas stated she loves this revised plan which echoes more of what the EDA had in mind. She noted the next step is the EDA’s, to find another location for the compost site. She stated it is her opinion there should be a location found within the City and she is not comfortable with locating it in the north corner at this time. She stated this is an amenity the City is providing and while it will never be the highest and best use of any property, it is important to her to keep providing this service. She stated she does not want to get in a bind by approving this now and then trying to find an alternate compost site. She reiterated this is the responsibility of the City, Council, and staff, and she is not willing to give up providing that service to the residents. Commissioner Gunn stated she assumes this plan can be done in phases to start with the homes first until the alternate compost site is relocated. She pointed out that residents have been asking for senior condos and this plan addresses that need. Vice President Stigney agreed that the compost issue definitely needs to be looked at and he wants to know what the developer could do if the compost site is shifted to the north. He asked if this development could encompass that use. Mr. Sweitzer stated they have not looked at that option but can do so. Mounds View EDA October 24, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 5 Economic Development Coordinator Backman advised that the compost area covers about one acre of the 9-acre site. He noted there are issues with the links and pointed out that if the compost site moves to the north, it becomes more visible so buffering would have to be addressed, or they may need to forego one of the buildings. Mr. Sweitzer pointed out the location of a wetland area to the north, which may be an issue in placing a compost site to the north because it may impact the water quality. He explained that he does not have that expertise so a consultant would have to become involved to determine the impacts to the wetland. Ms. Hart stated she has walked the site and the area on the north end is very narrow. She felt a compost site would have to come farther down and would end up impacting the location they propose for the northern senior condo building. She stated it is her personal opinion that would not be a good location because it is not large enough and would impact the wetland. Commissioner Flaherty stated the developer would be hard pressed to get approval from the EDA without some compromise on the compost site by the developers. He stated the compost site needs to be retained in some way and in some location within Mounds View. Mr. Sweitzer advised that all senior condo parking would be located in a heated underground lot. Surface parking would be created for visitors. B. Resolution 05-EDA-210 Authorizing the Laport Meadow Wetland Delineation Study Economic Development Coordinator Backman used a map to identify the subject area bounded by Highway 10, Long Lake Road, and what would be Laport Drive. He noted the mixed ownership pattern and explained the City owns or controls portions of the area and private landowners the rest. He advised that over eight of the parcels in the Laport Meadows area are currently vacant. Economic Development Coordinator Backman advised that staff requested written proposals and received two from qualified firms specializing in wetland sciences to conduct a wetland delineation study of the Laport Meadows area. The proposals ranged in cost from $2,323 to $2,660 with SEH submitting the lowest bid. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated staff recommends the HRA adopt the draft resolution, which authorizes the consulting firm of SEH, Inc. to conduct a wetland delineation study of the Laport Meadows area at a cost not to exceed $2,500. President Marty arrived at 7:02 p.m. Mounds View EDA October 24, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 6 Commissioner Flaherty stated per the previous discussion related to the compost site, he would like to wait until the EDA sees an alternative to relocate the compost site before authorizing the delineation study. He stated he would like to have the developers, City staff, and Ramsey County come up with an alternative to the compost site prior to moving ahead with a delineation. Economic Development Coordinator Backman explained that this information would be useful for the whole area, about 40 acres, and would not address a specific concept plan. This information will pertain to the location of the wetlands. He explained that as with the Hidden Hollow soil borings, the delineation will get information to determine if the soils are appropriate for development. Economic Development Coordinator Backman pointed out that the weather is starting to change so the “window” to do delineations is coming to a close. If the delineation is done over the winter, the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) will look at that information differently. He stated the delineation will indicate where the wetland area is located and encouraged the EDA to consider this request. In addition it would provide guidance to the developer since if the wetland is larger, it will impact where the homes, development, and roads are located. Commissioner Thomas noted the concept plan presented tonight is not a final plan and a delineation plan would be beneficial for the City to know what can be done with the concept plan. She stated the plan reviewed tonight can be workable and the EDA’s goals are to work with this property. She stated she is comfortable with considering this action tonight. Commissioner Gunn stated her agreement. Commissioner Flaherty asked how long is the delineation information good. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated three years. Barbara Haake, 3024 County Road I, stated she is a member of the RCWD, which spent $95,000 to look at the Greenfield Park area. To save money, she suggested City staff approach the RCWD to get their engineering information which was done in the last two years. She advised that the RCWD will also do this kind of work without a high charge. President Marty suggested staff contact the RCWD to see if they have reviewed that area. Economic Development Coordinator Backman advised a hydrology report was done by Peterson Environmental in 2000 but too much time has elapsed to use that information. Ms. Hart stated she and Mr. Sweitzer met with the RCWD and learned they did not have information on this property. MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Gunn. To waive the reading and adopt Resolution 05-EDA-210 Mounds View EDA October 24, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 7 Authorizing the Laport Meadow Wetland Delineation Study. Commissioner Flaherty stated he is still against proceeding with this study just for the sake of having information. He indicated he would prefer doing it once there is a concrete plan that will move forward. Commissioner Gunn stated having this information will help the developer to come up with a plan that is beyond the concept stage. President Marty asked if there is a possibility that the RCWD could assist with this study for a lower cost. He noted that RCWD would want to review this area anyway and using them may cut out a step. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated the RCWD usually has engineers that they work with and he believes this is a competitive price. He stated RCWD could provide information on the 100- and 500-year flood planes but this study will be to delineate the wetland on the site. President Marty asked if this cost would be built into the development cost so the City is reimbursed. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated when working with Procraft Homes there was a predevelopment agreement. With this project, the City does not have a predevelopment agreement but that will occur and he believes it is a reasonable cost for which the EDA could be reimbursed. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Flaherty) Motion carried. 8. REPORTS None. 9. NEXT EDA MEETING: Monday, November 14, 2005 at 6 p.m. (New Brighton City Hall). 10. ADJOURNMENT President Marty adjourned the meeting at 7:12 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Recorded and transcribed by: Carla Wirth Mounds View EDA October 24, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 8 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.