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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-20-2005 PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting July 20, 2005 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Stevenson at 7:00 p.m. July 20, 2005. ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Roll Call Members Present: Commissioners Miller, Zwirn, Hegland, Hull, and Stevenson Absent and Excused: Commissioners Scotch and Meehlhause Also Present: Community Development Director Ericson ________________________________________________________________________ Index to Minutes Page Planning Case VR2005-008. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Variance Request to Locate a Shed in Front Yard and a Six-Foot Tall Fence in the Front Yard. 2 Planning Case PA2005-002. Consideration of a SYSCO Minnesota Request for a Planned Unit Development Amendment and Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Expand their Parking Lot and Driveway. 3 Planning Case MI2005-004. Consideration of a Minor Subdivision Request, Two Lots into Three. 4 Planning Case PD2005-002. Consideration of the General Concept Plan Review of the Medtronic Planned Unit Development. 5 Review Council Authorized Sale of Land to Medtronic for Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. 7 _____________________________________________________________________ Mounds View Planning Commission July 20, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ 3. Approve Minutes June 15, 2005. May 4, 2005. MOTION/SECOND: Zwirn/Miller. To approve the Minutes of the June 15, 2005 and the May 4, 2005 regular Planning Commission meetings as slightly amended. Ayes –5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. _____________________________________________________________________________ 4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None. ______________________________________________________________________________ 5. Planning Case VR2005-008. Consideration of a Variance Request to Locate a Shed in a Front Yard and a Six-Foot Tall Fence in the Front Yard. Community Development Director Ericson reviewed the staff report indicating the applicants, Richard and Alison Bagwill, 5260 Jeffrey Drive, are proposing to relocate an existing shed from the rear yard of their property to what is technically considered the front yard due to multiple street frontages. The Bagwills are also seeking approval to construct a six-foot tall fence within this same front yard setback. The property is a non-rectangular corner lot with more lot perimeter fronting street than non-street frontage. Director Ericson stated for approval of the request there needs to be a demonstrated hardship or practical difficulty associated with the property. The property has extraordinary circumstances due to irregular geometrics, more than 50% of the parcel perimeter is street frontage; therefore, the applicants are unable to make reasonable and desired use of the rear yard. He noted the Planning Commission has reviewed the set of specified criteria required and has determined this criteria has been satisfied. Director Ericson noted the Planning Commission has not received any letters from neighbors opposing the shed relocation and six-foot tall fence construction. He recommended to the Planning Commission to approve the variance as requested. Chair Stevenson opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Chair Stevenson closed the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Chair Stevenson stated he agrees the property has unique situations. Mounds View Planning Commission July 20, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Miller stated she looked at the property last evening; however, the applicants were not home. She believes this would be an improvement and that all criteria have been met. She asked that a correction be made to page 2, item 4, of the resolution to read, “…to make more reasonable…” MOTION/SECOND: Hegland/Zwirn. To approve Resolution 801-05, a Resolution Recommending Approval of a Variance Request to Locate a Shed in a Front Yard and a Six-Foot Tall Fence in the Front Yard; Planning Case No. VR2005-008. Ayes –5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. _____________________________________________________________________________ 6. Planning Case PA2005-002. Consideration of a SYSCO Request for a Planned Unit Development Amendment and Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Expand their Parking Lot and Driveway. Community Development Director Ericson reviewed the staff report indicating the applicant, SYSCO Minnesota, represented by Phil Seipp, President, is requesting approval of an amendment to expand the SYSCO PUD site by approximately three acres to accommodate an additional 100 vehicle parking stalls, 50 truck parking stalls, and a widened, relocated access road to the east of the building. SYSCO is also requesting that the three acres of land, to be transferred from the City to SYSCO, be redesignated from Passive Open Space (OSP) to Heavy Industrial (HI). The City originally approved the SYSCO Planned Unit Development in 1989 and the SYSCO’s major subdivision which created their Outlot A, which was deeded to the City for future parkland, open space, or other public use. This additional space would provide SYSCO the ability to improve efficiencies and expand their workforce by about 100 employees over the course of five years. Director Ericson stated SYSCO has applied for a Comp Plan amendment which requests a redesignation of the three-acre parcel proposed for transfer from the City to SYSCO from OSP to HI. An amendment to the PUD agreement has also been applied for which would identify and assign any maintenance issues associated with the relocated stormwater pond. Director Ericson requested the Planning Commission review and discuss the SYSCO Comp Plan and PUD amendments. He stated the public hearing is scheduled for August 3, 2005. Chris Carda, PE, RLK-Kuusisto, Ltd., stated Director Ericson has detailed the two requested amendments and he recommended Commission review the packet of materials. Commissioner Miller asked why Outlot A was deeded to the City. Phil Seipp, President, SYSCO Minnesota, stated when the SYSCO facility was built it was determined there was plenty of room for expansion and they knew the City was interested in building a golf course in that area. He stated they were told the quality of wetlands was high so a walking trail was going to be built but never happened. SYSCO thought it made sense to keep the property in the City. Mounds View Planning Commission July 20, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 4 ________________________________________________________________________ Chair Stevenson asked what would be the possible lost acreage of or impact to parkland with Medtronic developing in that area too. Director Ericson stated he does not believe there would be any impact in the long-term future. _____________________________________________________________________________ 7. Planning Case MI2005-004. Consideration of a Minor Subdivision Request, Two Lots into Three. Community Development Director Ericson reviewed the staff report indicating the applicants, Marlan and Judy Arndt, 8084 Fairchild Avenue, are proposing a minor subdivision of two lots to create a third lot fronting Fairchild Avenue. The Fairchild lot would be split in half horizontally with land from 2812 Sherwood added to the south lot to provide additional depth. The existing house, garage, and shed on the Fairchild lot would need to be removed as well as two sheds toward the rear of 2812 Sherwood. Director Ericson stated the minimum lot width for interior is 75 feet and the two new lots are 85.5 feet which exceeds the zoning requirements. He noted every subdivision of land is subject to park dedication requirements. The two new lots fronting Fairchild Avenue will need to provide five-foot side yard and 10 foot front and rear yard utility easements. Director Ericson indicated all zoning and subdivision requirements are satisfied and recommended to the Planning Commission to approve the minor subdivision as requested. He noted this is not a public hearing. Commissioner Zwirn asked if the land value formula is the same as the formula applied to Medtronic. He also asked how the land is valued. He asked if there was an appeal process if the applicants feel the assessed value is incorrect. Director Ericson stated the formula is 10% of the land value for the new lot created and the current Ramsey County assessed value is used. He noted if Council feels the Ramsey County assessed value is inaccurate, a purchase agreement, appraisal, etc. can be used instead. He noted applicants have the right to appeal. Nancy Arndt, daughter-in-law, speaking for Marlan Arndt, 8084 Fairchild Avenue, stated the Arndts were planning on leaving the 8084 Fairchild Avenue structure up while building the new house on the south track, and once finished it would be demolished. She noted the reasoning is the contractors would have a place to eat; they could use the bathroom, etc. Chair Stevenson asked about the shed. Nancy Arndt stated it was moved to 2808 Sherwood. She noted last year the Arndts obtained a permit and removed the garage structure. She stated the garage on the south lot would also be demolished. Commissioner Hegland asked how much time the Arndts need to construct the new house before demolishing the old house. Mr. Arndt stated November at the latest. Chair Stevenson stated a six-month time frame should be added to the resolution. Director Ericson stated it would be added. Mounds View Planning Commission July 20, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 5 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Miller asked if that would be the time limit to remove the old house. Chair Stevenson stated yes. Director Ericson asked if the time frame would be six months after the building permit is issued. Commissioner Hegland stated this is assuming a permit is applied for. He suggested the six- month time frame be tied to the subdivision. He noted he has no problem with allowing a year time frame for demolishing the old house but it needs to be done if no one is residing there for an extended amount of time. Nancy Arndt stated the existing home is currently being maintained. She noted someone has spoken of interest on the second lot. Chair Stevenson stated he feels comfortable tying the entire project to a time frame for demolition of the house. He noted it would be tied to final Council approval, whereby, the applicants have one year to complete removal of the home and structures. Commissioner Miller asked if the applicant was fine with this. Mr. Arndt stated the old house would be removed before they occupy the new house. Director Ericson stated this would be more than enough time. He noted item 7 of the resolution would be modified to include this time frame. MOTION/SECOND: Miller/Zwirn. To approve Resolution 803-05, a Resolution Recommending Approval of a Minor Subdivision Request, Two Lots into Three, with added Stipulations; Planning Case No. MI2005-004. Ayes –5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. ______________________________________________________________________________ 8. Planning Case PD2005-002. Consideration of the General Concept Plan Review of the Medtronic Planned Unit Development. Community Development Director Ericson reviewed the staff report, reminding the Commission that on June 27, 2005, the City Council and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) authorized an agreement with Medtronic, Inc. to redevelop the Bridges of Mounds View golf course. On July 11, 2005, the Council adopted Ordinance 760 approving the transfer of land from the City of Mounds View to the Mounds View EDA and then to Medtronic, Inc. Director Ericson stated Julie Snow Architects and OPUS Architects & Engineers, Inc. have submitted a general concept plan site rendition for Planning Commission review. The first two buildings are proposed to be a maximum eight stories tall with approximately 50,000 square feet of space on each level. The first phase would involve construction of either surface parking or a combination of surface and structured parking stalls totaling approximately 3,000 spaces. The second and third phases will add two more buildings, for a total of 1,500,000 square feet of floor area. Some parking stalls and greenery will be in the City of Blaine. Mounds View Planning Commission July 20, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 6 ________________________________________________________________________ Director Ericson requested the Planning Commission review and discuss the Medtronic general concept plan. He stated the public hearing is scheduled for August 3, 2005. Commissioner Miller asked about eight story buildings, noting code does not allow this. She also asked if the FAA would have to review and approve an eight-story building. Director Ericson stated the Council amended the zoning code to eliminate the maximum three- story building within a planned unit development district. He stated the City has received a confirmation letter from the FAA stating they had no issues with a 90-foot building; however, they will need to get confirmation for a taller building. He noted the buildings would need to adhere to FAA policies, i.e. installing beacons. Dan Dixon, OPUS Architects & Engineers, Inc., stated Medtronic sees the proposed site as a wonderful opportunity for their world-class headquarters. He noted Medtronic’s intent is to incorporate into the site seamlessly. He stated the ramp structures would allow the large masses of trees to be maintained and will serve as a buffer and screen for the ramp. He noted the concept plan suggests square buildings; however, they will have architectural style. He noted stormwater ponding would also be done on the site. Commissioner Hull asked if all four buildings would be eight stories tall. Director Ericson stated that is currently the intent; however, each may eventually vary in height. Chair Stevenson asked if eight stories would be less than 90 feet. He also asked what would happen if the FAA states the buildings cannot be taller than 90 feet. Mr. Dixon replied eight stories are more than 90 feet. He noted a letter is being sent to the FAA at the end of the week for approval of the taller height and if it is not approved the site plan will be revamped for reduced height. Commissioner Zwirn asked if the height were reduced would there be more buildings. Mr. Dixon stated he is not sure, it would depend on if the four buildings could be made wider or longer. He noted the plan looked at putting five buildings on the site and they fit well but the applicant would like to try and stay with four. Char Stevenson asked about the time frame in passing resolutions. Director Ericson stated there are no resolutions tonight but he would anticipate a resolution for approval to City Council on August 3, 2005. He noted tentatively, final plans would go to City Council in September. ___________________________________________________________________________ 9. Review Council Authorized Sale of Land to Medtronic for Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Community Development Director Ericson reviewed the staff report indicating on July 11, 2005, the City Council adopted Ordinance 760 approving the transfer of land from the City of Mounds View to the Mounds View EDA and then to Medtronic, Inc. At this time, the City Council also approved the Comp Plan Land Use Amendment for the Bridges site, redesignating the area from Mounds View Planning Commission July 20, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 7 ________________________________________________________________________ Passive Open Space (OSP) and Outdoor Sport and Recreation (SRO) to Office (OFC). The transfer of land to Medtronic needs to be reviewed by the Planning Commission to ensure consistency with the City’s Comp Plan. Chair Stevenson stated he was comfortable with this land sale and requested Director Ericson read the resolution. Director Ericson read Resolution 804-05 indicating on June 27, 2005 Council approved a purchase and redevelopment agreement for the proposed transfer and redevelopment of the Bridges Golf Course to and by Medtronic; on July 11, 2005 Council approved a Comp Plan amendment pertaining to the Bridges site; the new Comp Plan designation for the Bridges site is “office”; Medtronic intends to redevelop the Bridges site as a corporate office campus; Medtronic intends to develop the site preserving the large wetland and improving characteristics and flow of the judicial creek; a corporate office campus is consistent with the newly adopted future land use designation for the Bridges site; therefore, the Planning Commission finds the proposed sale of the Bridges site to Medtronic would be consistent with the Comp Plan and directs Staff to forward the resolution to Council. MOTION/SECOND: Miller/Stevenson. To approve Resolution 804-05, a Resolution Recommending Approval of a General Concept Plan Review of the Medtronic Planned Unit Development. Ayes – 3 Nays – 1 (Zwirn) Abstain – 1 (Hegland) Motion carried. Commissioner Hegland abstained because he is a Medtronic employee. Commissioner Zwirn stated that he felt staff and the Council profaned and abrogated their responsibilities to the citizens of Mounds View, further adding that he did not think there was due diligence on the project and that the citizens of Mounds View should be listened to rather than dismissed. ____________________________________________________________________________ 10. Next Planning Commission Meeting: August 3, 2005. ______________________________________________________________________________ 11. Adjournment to Agenda Session There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair Stevenson adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m. (The meeting immediately adjourned to the Agenda Session) Respectfully submitted, Mounds View Planning Commission July 20, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 8 ________________________________________________________________________ Jim Ericson Community Development Director Transcribed by: Cheryl Felix TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.