1l Approval of MinutesCHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JULY 22, 2002
Mayor Jansen called the work session meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jansen, Councilman Labatt, Councilman Boyle,
Councilman Peterson, and Councilman Ayotte
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Kate Aanenson, Todd Hoffman, Bruce DeJong, Justin
Miller, and Teresa Burgess
A. TAXATION PLAN, EHLERS & ASSOCIATES.
Mark Ruff and Jim Prosser from Ehlers and Associates were present to conduct the first of four or
five meetings relating to the city' s taxation plan, or "Key Financial Strategies". Jim Prosser
explained the purpose of this meeting was to brainstorm and come up with ideas unique to
Chanhassen and what the City Council was looking to accomplish. There were six purposes that
were discussed.
.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
"Should costs" or benchmarking.
Impact of fund reserve (tax levy/debt levy).
Prioritization.
Growth impacts on operations.
Generate revenue without raising taxes.
Educating the public.
Jim Prosser stated this process when completed would give the City Council the tools to make
tough financial decisions later on, and stated that Chanhassen had several tools already in place.
He then went over the budget process and the roles of city staff and city .council members. The
council members came up with the following list of financial issues:
Water Treatment Plan
· Community Center/Ice Arena
· Pavement Management Plan
· Life Cycle for Major End Items
· Affordable Housing
· High School being located within the city
· Public Safety/Operations/Services
· Public Works Facility
· Trails/Infrastructures
· City Hall/City Center Commons
· Maintenance Schedule
· Public Document Archives
· E-City Hall
· Homeland Defense
· Staffing
· City Hall/Senior Center Expansion.
City Council Work Session - July 22, 2002
Mr. Prosser stated he would take this information and bring back addition information at the next
meeting, which would take place in about a month. Mayor Jansen adjourned the work session at
6:55 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 22, 2002
Mayor Jansen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was opened with the
Pledge to the Flag.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jansen, Councilman Labatt, Councilman Boyle,
Councilman Ayotte, and Councilman Peterson
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Gerhardt, Roger Knutson, Justin Miller, Teresa Burgess, and Kate
Aanenson
PUBLIC PRESENT FOR ALL ITEMS:
Janet Paulsen
Debbie Lloyd
Alison Blackowiak
7305 Laredo Drive
7302 Laredo Drive
Planning Commission
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Jansen: Under our public announcements, we don't have anything listed but I would like
to pull from our consent agenda a resolution that we're going to be approving this evening, which
is for the National Night Out for the year 2002. And just, if anything, to highlight the date of that
event is August 6th of 2002, so I won't read the entire proclamation but we do have approximately
21 neighborhoods that were involved this last year, and that was an increase of 18 from the year
before so we do have quite a few of our neighborhoods that do participate in this event and it
involves our Carver County deputies as well as members of our own staff that go around to the
different neighborhoods and hold this National Night Out. So I did want to recognize that date as
August 6~. So why don't we then move on to the consent agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman Boyle moved, Councilman Labatt seconded to approve
the following consent agenda items pursuant to the City Manager's recommendations:
b.
C.
d.
go
Knob Hill Second Addition:
1) Final Plat Approval
2) Approve Construction Plans & Development Contract, Project 00-11.
Hidden Creek Subdivision:
1) Final Plat Approval
2) Approve Construction Plans & Development Contract, Project 02-09.
Approve Revised Easement Agreement for Parcel 9, Project 00-01.
Approve Consultant Work Order for Improvement to Lift Stations No. 1 and 10, Project
01-11.
Resolution #2002-65: Approve Proclamation Declaring August 6, 2002 as National
Night Out.
City Council Meeting - July 22, 2002
h.
j,
Approve Amendment to 2002-2006 Capital Improvement Program for the Purchase of
Fire Department Radios.
Accept $1,000 Donation from Target for Safety Camp.
Approve Amendment to Chapter 10 of City Code Concerning Lawn Fertilizer.
Approval of Bills.
Approval of Minutes:
- City Council Work Session Minutes dated July 8, 2002
- City Council Minutes dated July 8, 2002
Receive Commission Minutes:
- Planning Commission Minutes dated July 2, 2002
- Park and Recreation Commission Minutes dated June 25, 2002
m,
Approval of Termination of Access Easement and Grant of Easement Drainage and
Utility Easement, Outlot A, Kellynne Addition, David Peterjohn.
n,
Approval of Easement Agreements for TH 101 Trail North.
Approval of Gambling Permit Request for St. Hubert's Church, Harvest Festival August
10-11, 2002.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
F. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. Iv CHANHASSEN LIBRARY.
Mayor Jansen: Councilman Peterson, you pulled l(f) for separate discussion. Is that a brief
discussion for us to have at this time, or shall we move that to the end of the agenda as we
typically do?
Councilman Peterson: It's 2-3 minutes. It doesn't make any difference.
Mayor Jansen: Okay, why don't we address that now then.
Councilman Peterson: My only point, and I talked briefly to Todd on it this afternoon, was we, re
allocating $14,000 for signage for monument bases and I'm just wondering whether that's more
appropriate, we've had discussions with the City Center Park and signage there, that if we do this
monument we're defining probably what all the signs in that area are going to be like. I don't
know whether or not it's prudent for us to wait so that we have a contiguous sign, kind of feel for
that whole area. I'm opening that up for discussion basically. The second thing was, as I talked
to Todd, we're removing the item PR1SKi 18. We don't need the heater post for city vehicles as
we discussed today, per his recommendation.
Mayor Jansen: Okay. The conversation around the monument sign bases, is that not the same
individual that's doing the signs in the park? Is that being coordinated through our landscape
architect?
Todd Gerhardt: The monument signs would be located on Market and Kerber highlighting the
entrance from an east and a west side of the library so I think the sign should look the same. The
City Council Meeting- July 22, 2002
key thing here is the electrical. They will be back lit so people can identify where those entrances
are at night. You can delete this one from the change order No. 1, however we will want to try to
get that electrical work done so that will probably come along at another change order. So you
want to get the electrical in around the parking lot prior to the library opening before the park is
done so we' ve got to have those signs up prior to the park being done.
Councilman Ayotte: Seasonally it would make sense to do it sooner than later, wouldn't it? In
terms of labor hours required to do that. I mean if we postpone it, are we opening ourselves up to
a seasonal implication?
Todd Gerhardt: Well I' 11 probably be back in either your first meeting or second meeting in
August for Change Order No. 2 so I can bring that back for just electrical and then we can add the
signage as we develop the signage with the park plans and specs this fall.
Councilman Labatt: So this 14,000 dollar figure, does that include the electrical?
Todd Gerhardt: Yes.
Councihnan Labatt: It does. Okay.
Mayor Jansen: And from what you said this covers our east and our west comers.
Todd Gerhardt: Correct.
Mayor Jansen: I don't recall there being an additional monument sign for the park.
Todd Gerhardt: Well we talked about one down along West 78th Street and a couple of kiosks.
Mayor Jansen: The kiosks would be different than the monument signs, and isn't this in the same
location as the one we had talked about on West 78th then, if this is the east.
Todd Gerhardt: No, these would be on Market and Kerber. The placement would either be on
the north or south side of the new parking lot over off of Market and then the entrance off of
Kerber, to highlight residents of where to enter to get access to the library. This one would
probably also include council chambers and the senior center, and the one to the west would just
highlight the library.
Councilman Labatt: Question for the heater post. So we're going to completely eliminate those?
Then we won't be needing those?
Todd Gerhardt: There are I think 3 posts out there right now and that will accommodate the
needs in the area. The change order highlighted 12. The deputies stated they do not need the
electrical outlets. They typically either allow their cars to continue to run or between shifts they
don't sit that long so they can start them up right away.
Mayor Jansen: Okay. I don't think I have any problem with moving the monument sign bases
then to a later approval, but I would hate to hold that planning process up for the park planning
since, I mean it's basically the same landscape architect. The architects for the library are aware
of the park plan. If we can just make sure that whatever is planned for the library is consistent
then with what we're going to do for the park.
City Council Meeting - July 22, 2002
Todd Gerhardt: And I can talk with Damon too. I haven't seen the detailed drawings for these
entry monuments. I think if we run those by Damon, or that he at least has a copy that he makes
the park design signage similar to what Barry's proposing.
Mayor Jansen: Okay. And then I'm assuming that it's also meeting our own sign ordinance that
staff has taken a look at these and it's come through that approval as well.
Todd Gerhardt: Well again I haven't seen the details on that, and I'm sure Kate would like to see
those also.
Mayor Jansen: Okay. Then if I could have a motion for the amended l(f) please.
Councilman Peterson: I make a motion that we amend l(f). The an-tended amendment to l(f)
would be deleting the two masonry monument sign bases, until the appropriate time of $14,308.
Mayor Jansen: And a second please.
Councilman Boyle: I'll second.
Resolution #2002-66: Councilman Peterson moved, Councilman Boyle seconded to approve
Change Order No. 1 for the Chanhassen Library project deleting the two masonry
monument sign bases in the amount of $14,308. Ail voted in favor and the motion carried
unani~nously with a vote of 5 to 0.
Councilman Labatt: Can I just ask clarification? Did we also eliminate the sign, the heater posts?
Mayor Jansen: It was on the amendment.
Councilman Labatt: Am I looking at the wrong one?
Mayor Jansen: That Todd handed us tonight.
Councilman Labatt: Got it.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS.
Don Smith: I'm Don Smith. I live in Chanhassen Estates. I'm here on the landlord versus, I'm
here in regards to the landlord versus the tenants behavior. And I'm totally opposed to this for
many reasons. First of all, I don't know how many apartments there are in Chanhassen and to
what percentage that it accounts for, but I as a landlord have absolutely no control over what my
tenants do. In a common scenario I was thinking of is, I have enough problems collecting the
rent, let alone asking where their credit references are, but when something goes wrong, I have no
power and most of it is in the hands of, if it's disorderly, in the police or some other bureau. If
it's a building code, I take care of it. If it's a police action, like rowdy behavior, drugs or
whatever, you call the police so I'd like to know how anybody on this agenda could possibly
consider the landlord is responsible for his tenant. Whether it's 1 unit, 5 units or 10 units. I think
it's unconstitutional for you or any other board to pass laws like this without either public
referendum, and then include people that own commercial business and say you're totally held
accountable for whatever your people do. A good example is if somebody drinks too much on
my property, which I have no control over, it's an apartment building, and they go out and get
smashed up, who's fault is it? Mine. How am I being held responsible for what they do on their
City Council Meeting -July 22, 2002
own personal behavior? And that's about it. I think that this issue should be thoroughly and
totally investigated. Brought before the public, and put on the agenda for a vote. Enough said.
Any questions? I'd be willing to answer them.
Mayor Jansen: Any questions for Mr. Smith? Okay, thank you. As far as the status of that
project at this point, we have had a task force which involved numerous of the actual property
owners here in town giving input to staff as they' ve been pulling together this ordinance. We are
in the process now of taking that out to the public in order to gain public comment. Also the
maintenance portion of that particular item is also going out so we are in the process of collecting
more public input and we appreciate your sharing your comments here with us this evening and I
know you have been in touch with staff and made some comments along the way so we
appreciate your input.
Don Smith: I certainly have, and by the way, if there's problem at Fort Riley, that's a personal
problem. Put up a gate and hire security guards. I don't see the public being held responsible for
somebody's behavior.
Mayor Jansen: Understood. Thank you. Appreciate your comments for this evening. Is there
anyone else who would like to address the council this evening? Mr. Fahey, if you'd like to come
to the podium. Appreciate your being here this evening.
John Fahey: Well thank you Mayor Jansen, and thank you fellow councilmen. We have a great
opportunity in front of us. An opportunity to elect a senator to represent all of Carver County,
and the 3 townships of Jackson, Louisville and St. Lawrence located in Scott County. The last
time we had this opportunity was back in 1940. A gentleman by the name of Henry Wagner out
of Waconia had represented all of Carver County. So what we have before us, we have a primary
on September 10th, and then a general election on November 5th. And myself as a Republican
running in the primary are trying to encourage everyone to get out to vote on September l0th. I'm
a life long resident of Norwood-Young America. I'm a small business owner. I'm a member of
the Norwood-Young America Lions. I've been involved in the District 108 School Board for 6
years, and I'm really encouraged by a lot of people and I'm really excited to have the opportunity
to sit down and meet hopefully with all of you individually and then to take this whole process
forward through September and then onto November. And if anyone has any questions, but thank
you for the opportunity to speak.
Mayor Jansen: Sure, thank you for being here this evening. Any questions for John council?
Councilman Ayotte: I'll do it one on one.
John Fahey: Pardon?
Councihnan Ayotte: I'll do it one on one.
John Fahey: Thanks Bob. I appreciate it.
Mayor Jansen: Thank you.
John Fahey: Thank you.
Mayor Jansen: Is there anyone else who would like to address the council under visitor
presentations?
City Council Meeting - July 22, 2002
LAW ENFORCEMENT UPDATE.
Mayor Jansen: We have Sergeant Dave Potts here this evening looking rather casual.
Councilman Boyle: Are you undercover tonight?
Sgt. Dave Potts: Good evening mayor, council members. No. Still on light duty.
Mayor Jansen: We appreciate you being here this evening.
Sgt. Dave Potts: Be back to full duty in uniform and all that kind of good stuff scheduled for
August 12th SO things are moving along well that way. In your council packets you do have the
sheriff's office area report for Chanhassen for June, as well as the Sheriff' s office area citation
list, which I'm sure you know has been missing for many months now back in the packet of
information. As well as community service officer highlights for June. Any comments or
questions on any of those items from council?
Mayor Jansen: Any questions for Sergeant Potts?
Sgt. Dave Potts: Okay. Moving on to the other items. July 3rd events and July 4th, from our
perspective went off just fantastic. Minor problems here and there but nothing significant, worthy
of even mentioning to council. The July 3rd kiddie parade, we were able to have a deputy as well
as the community service officer help out with that event, and the City Center Park festival had a
contracted deputy as well as 2 of our reserve deputies and the CSO attending that function for
general security purposes. July 4th parade, the sheriff' s office was able to provide a deputy and
squad car to lead the parade out, as well as 4 of our part time and reserve officers and the
Chanhassen CSO to help out with traffic assistance regarding the parade. And then over at Lake
Ann Park, because of the large crowds and then the fireworks later in the evening, we always try
to have some extra officers over at the city park there, and we were able to provide 4 of our
deputies reserves and posse members as well as a CSO to help with the fireworks security and
just general policing of the park, utilizing the sheriff' s department all terrain vehicles in that
endeavor, and we found that to work real well for us. So certainly those kind of things help keep
things nice, smooth and quiet for us. Also, July 3rd the trade fair. We had a combination City of
Chanhassen Crime Prevention and Sheriff's Office booth at the trade fair this year. Trying
something a little new. We had the sheriff' s office photo board which is kind of a collage of
photos from the sheriff' s office, as well as a number of pieces of literature, brochures and what
not regarding crime prevention and safety topics for children, adults, seniors, all the way through.
Gave out just a whole lot of sticker badges and D.A.R.E. stickers and seat belt stickers and
pencils and those kind of things. It was an interesting couple of hours and very busy. A lot of
people go through that trade fair in a short amount of time that it's going on.
Mayor Jansen: So did you feel that that was good exposure then for your services as well as?
Sgt. Dave Potts: Being that it's our first time out on that, it's hard to make a one time judgment
of it. From a PR standpoint, from a public relations, we're out there mixing with the citizens and
had some information for them. We didn't have a lot of people picking up, you know we were
looking to get some of the crime prevention materials and other things out there, and mostly
they're out there having a good time. It's a festival kind of a situation, so as I said, gave away a
lot of the stickers and that kind of a thing. Not a whole lot of takers on some of the materials, but
again I hate to make a judgment based on one time situation.
City Council Meeting- July 22, 2002
Mayor Jansen: Sure. Well we appreciate the commitment to being there. Of course it was one of
our key objectives was to increase the visibility so to have you out there on such a significant day
when we have so many people from the community going through an event like that, we
appreciate your taking the time and doing that.
Sgt. Dave Potts: Exactly, and those are the kind of opportunities we're going to be continuing to
look for but yeah, it was one of the items on our work plan for this year so kind of a big push for
that. Also in your packets you have a copy of a performance tractor. I previously mentioned to
council, I like to throw these things in there when they come across my desk. Sergeant Julie
Bowden, supervisor at the scene of the officer involved shooting at the Citgo station, recognized
Deputy Kyle Perlich for his professionalism and his actions in helping to apprehend the suspect,
and then rendering first aide to the suspect. And this was all after the suspect had threatened to
kill officers and had attempted to attack Deputy Perlich in the process of this situation. And the
same suspect did in fact assault one of the Chaska officers who was assisting, so you just have
that in your packet as information and some good police work on Deputy Kyle Perlich's part.
The last item I have for council is amendments to the hunting area map for the city. Per city
ordinance, it is up to council to amend the allowable areas for bow use and firearm use in the city.
The only amendments that we're proposing are kind of amendments for formality reasons.
Nothing real significant. Hunting is not a large scale activity in Chanhassen. Over about the last
4 years we've had between 110-150 shooting permits applied for and approved per year. All of
the hunting areas in Chanhassen are on private land, except for a very small area down in the
extreme southern portion of the city is some state land. So not only does it require a permit from
the city, it requires permission of the landowner as well, and for the majority of our landowners
it's strictly relatives and friends, that type of thing, that they allow to use their land. But I brought
a color map. You have a black and white map in your packets but I brought a color map this
evening just to kind of point out, in case they don't show up too well on your black and white
map. The green areas are the areas for firearm and/or bow use and the checkered board areas are
for bow use only. The changes that we're proposing are near the intersection of Highway 5 and
Highway 41. The northeast comer of that intersection. Obviously due to the Pulte development
that has gone in there, eliminating that. That was previously a bow hunting area. The other
change is an area that was misplaced on the map, on the previous map, right along Lake Drive
West was more accurately moved to it's correct location just west of Powers Boulevard, north of
Lake Drive West. And then down by Halla Nursery, right off the 101, the southwest comer of
101 and Pioneer Trail. An area that was still on the map even though there's been a
neighborhood there for a few years now. We eliminated that, so those were the 3 changes that
we're proposing to the map. The rest of the areas that you see on the map are areas that have
been there for a number of years. And looking for comments or questions from council on that.
Mayor Jansen: Council any comments? Otherwise we can ask that Mr. Gerhardt put this on our
agenda for approval, if you could do that for us so that we can take care of the amendment.
Okay. Thank you.
Sgt. Dave Potts: Any other comments or questions from council?
Councilman Ayotte: How's the one officer that was hurt, how's he coming along?
Sgt. Dave Potts: I have not heard specifically other than early on after the incident I heard that he
was doing real well. He had been previously injured. This aggravated a previous injury but that
came out of that pretty well so very fortunate situation that way.
City Council Meeting - July 22, 2002
Mayor Jansen: And maybe if you have a few comments to share on the safety camp that you just
held.
Sgt. Dave Potts: Yeah. Would normally save that for next month but sure, since we just did it.
Mayor Jansen: Just brief.
Sgt. Dave Potts: It's, from my perspective, one of the neatest programs Crime Prevention does in
this city. You were there this year mayor, and you got to see what a large group of kids and their
supporting family and friends that turn out at the end of the day. Again, generally for kids going
into third grade, although we don't, you know aren't 100 percent strict on that. If people have an
interest in sending their kids to that program, we try to do everything we can to get them in there,
but this year we did make one change to it. Kind of call it the Carver County Sheriff's Office/
Chanhassen Crime Prevention Safety Camp because of the large involvement of the sheriff' s
office, both providing team leaders as well as presenters for that program. This year we had 4 of
our officers acting as team leaders, and a couple other officers acting as presenters and one of the
areas being personal safety. What to do around strangers and that type of thing. And the other in
water and boating safety. We had our water patrol come out with their boat, their rig and
demonstrate and talk to the kids about that so. It's a full day. It's a long day but it's really a fun
day and hopefully we're just putting that safety spark into kids minds at an early age.
Mayor Jansen: It is fun to see the excitement level of the kids that have participated in the
program, even as they're coming to the conclusion at the end of the day. They're still pretty
excited about what they have just experienced and to see as many officers as were there, and the
interaction that the kids have with the officers, I think it's very encouraging that they make that
contact. They're now more comfortable with the officers that are in the community and certainly
their families who are there also.
Sgt. Dave Potts: One of the most fun parts of the day for me is that, when we get there in the
morning we' re in our t-shirt and shorts. Our safety camp t-shirts and shorts and we spend the
whole day with these kids. And then at the end of the day, as they're getting ready for their
graduation ceremony, we disappear. Put on our full uniform and then reappear as officers so
they, maybe somewhere along the way during the daytime they heard that some of us were police
officers, but they don't really put it together until they see you in uniform. And then they do kind
of a double take, thinking they just spent the whole day with this regular guy or whatever, regular
gal and all of a sudden they find out it's a police officer and they, it must send a rush of thinking
back through the day and if they were minding their p's and q's all day long. But it's a lot of fun.
Mayor Jansen: It is a fun event, so we'll look forward to the detailed report in next month's
agenda but appreciate your giving us a brief update. It certainly is an exciting event. In fact I
heard comments that people from outside of the community had come to this event because they
had heard how excellent the safety camp is here in Chanhassen so word is spreading and we have
a great amount of recognition out there for your program so appreciate your efforts.
Sgt. Dave Potts: And a number of real good sponsors that you'll be hearing more about next
month so.
Mayor Jansen: Okay, thank you. Any questions for Sergeant Potts?
Councilman Ayotte: I'll call you. There's a child abduction prevention program that is getting a
lot of notoriety now. Are we tied into it, do you know?
City Council Meeting- July 22, 2002
Sgt. Dave Potts: Yeah, it's not anything that requires signing up or that type of thing. It's brand
new. I just received the materials through the mail recently and yeah we're, like everybody else,
statewide we're part of that as well.
Mayor Jansen: Okay, thank you.
Sgt. Dave Potts: Thank you.
CONSIDER VASSERMAN RIDGE DEVELOPMENT~ LOCATED ON THE NORTH
SIDE OF HIGHWAY 5 AND NORTHEAST OF CENTURY BOULEVARD~ LUNDGREN
BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION.
A.
Be
REOUEST TO REZONE 68.76 ACRES OF PROPERTY ZONED A-2,
AGRICULTURAL ESTATE TO PUD, PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AND
R-4~ RESIDENTIAL MIXED USE,
LAND USE AMENDMENT FOR A PORTION OF THE PROPERTY (1.94
C,
ACRES) FROM RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY TO COMMERCIAL
WETLAND ALTERATION PERMIT,
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR ALTERATION IN THE BLUFF CREEK
OVERLAY DISTRICT.
Kate Aanenson: Thank you. Outlined in black is the subject site. This is an outlot previously
outlotted with the Lundgren subdivision to the north, Longacres. There's two underlying
properties. The Longacres outlot and the group home, American Baptist Church Group Home,
which is 10 acres. The development of this property was predicated on the completion of West
78~ Street and extension of the city services. You can see the wetland complex is also driving
some of the development and the frontage road and the location of this commercial piece on the
Pulte property. Outlined in blue is the primary zone. Again driving some of the development and
the outlotting of some of the property. As I indicated, there is a rezoning request and a land use
amendment. The underlying zoning is A-2 and looking at the subdivision, the developer wanted
to do something similar to the north side which was large lot, and also we indicated when we
looked in the Pulte piece that this piece, which we have recommended PUD-commercial with the
same design standards as the Pulte piece. Because when West 78th was put in place, there was a
restricted access on West 78th Street so we believe that the best access and the best use of this
property, because it's topographically separated, should be tied into that other piece so we're
recommending a PUD and it's got the same design standards as that Pulte piece. So they may
come in, both parties are working together to develop that property which we believe is the best
use, so they'll have to come back with a separate site plan and how they're going to manage the
storm water. So this piece will be commercial and there's ponds on the other two little remnant
parcels there. So looking at the rest of that, and the acquisition of the group home, which after
this plat is approved they have a year to move somewhere else and looking at twin homes and
kind of transitioning this property. Again as we went through the Pulte Arboretum Village, the
applicant on this property indicated that they want to do a single family home and kind of
transition that and creating buffer. In your packet they did do a noise study and looking at the
berm. When this first came in we had some concerns about the location of the berm, and they
were also concerned about noise attenuation and looking at the twin homes and that's built into
the design. So the berm was redesigned in order to accommodate the concerns we had with road
access and the like, and we believe that the design works really well. The other concern that the
Planning Commission had was the preservation of some of the natural features. The wetland
edge for the primary zone, it will be the wetland line so on the second zone which requires a
condition use, we were trying to save some of the features. The most significant natural feature's
City Council Meeting - July 22, 2002
in this area up in here, where there's a significant stand of trees and again that's part of the group
home. The trees on the backs of the lots along the edge of the wetlands, Outlot F along this piece,
the applicant had already proposed the custom graded homes and looking at the tree preservation.
What we did after the first visit to the Planning Commission was on June 18th, is they asked them
to go back and revisit how they could preserve more trees. So that was accomplished through
raising the road 3 feet and doing some more custom grading and tree preservation, so that's
accomplishing what we wanted in the secondary zone. So we believe that the applicant
responded really well to the concerns of the Planning Commission and the staff. So with the twin
homes, moving into the single family homes, they' ve also provided the private park for that
neighb'orhood. One of the other concerns that the Planning Commission had was the trail. If you
look at the overall development of this area, there's a large wetland complex that's compressing
as you go back down towards Galpin, and the official recreation trail plan it shows a connection
through there. But because it's compressed, you can see this wetland, we'll have a trail
connecting through here. They' re actually touching very close because you also have one on
West 78~h. So Park and Rec made the decision it's probably a duplication of that trail. So the
way that the trail is accomplished, we want to tie it into, zoom back out. Tie it into the
Arboretum Village trail, which is a nice experience as you go around the Pulte property which is
the city to control that property. Going around to the south side of the Long acres, which is a nice
loop. So you'll come back down through here. This will all be a trail. One of the other
reco~mnendations is that this area here, that they want also to be left natural and that ties again
with that area that the city acquired with the Pulte property. A bridge is required because there's
a wetland there, and a small wetland here that they are mitigating. We are reconm~ending that a
bridge be put in there instead of mitigation of that wetland, so that will be a nice experience as
you go through there. But it was the Park and Rec Director's recorrunendation that instead of
duplicating that experience, that this actually the trail would then become a sidewalk, so there
were sidewalks through the rest of this project to get you over to the swimming pool and their
private park, and then also get you back to the trail that's on the city street, West 78°~ Street. So
we think it works really welt. The only place there isn't a sidewalk will be the most northerly
cul-de-sac, up in this area. This cul-de-sac does because it does have twin homes. So with that,
we believe that the projects are well conceived. It makes good sense, and again it fits within the
zoning. The R-4 zoning and the low density. There's only 3 options. One would be the PUD
which makes the lots have to average 15. The R-4 or the RSF and again staff recormnended this,
we believe again what makes a good transition with the last piece left which is the Pryzmus piece.
So there are 5 actions that's required they're formulated in 3 motions starting on page 28. The
first is the land use recommendation. For this project to go through, it does require a land use
recommendation for this piece right here. Again that needs Met Council approval before it can
go forward, and the rezoning. And the rezoning is two zones. One, the PUD and the other, the
R-4. The second action is the subdivision itself. And the third motion would be the wetland and
the condition use for the Bluff Creek overlay. Again those conditions start on page 28 and the
findings of fact are right before that. So with that I'd be happy to answer any questions that you
have.
Mayor Jansen: Okay. Council, any questions for staff? Okay, seeing none, we have had a
wonderful presentation from staff. I don't know if the applicant actually wants to make any
further con~nents, but we of course go through the Planning Commission minutes and are aware
of all of the discussions that occurred there. If there's anything new that you would like to bring
to the council's attention, you' re certainly welcome to do that at this time.
Mike Burton: I have nothing new. I'm just here to answer questions.
10
City Council Meeting- July 22, 2002
Mayor Jansen: Thank you. Any questions for the applicant? Okay, seeing none. This is not a
public hearing but if there is anyone here that would like to make comment on this agenda item,
you're certainly welcome to come forward and do that at this time. Seeing no one, I'll bring it
back to council. Council, any discussion?
Councilman Peterson: On the surface, and even deep down, this is a good project. I think that we
talked about it at the last joint commission, Planning Commission/Council meeting as should they
have done what they did? I think the answer is we've got a better product because they did what
they did, and I think they worked well with the applicant to get a better project. I'm glad we can
get it moving ahead and fill up that spot.
Mayor Jansen: Okay, agreed. I want to thank the applicant and staff for working with the
Planning Commission's request as far as more tree conservation and the adjustments that you
were able to make in order to do that. I do think that that did make for a better product and it
looks as though it didn't impact the development too dramatically so appreciate your having done
that. The only comment that I had on the trail is probably more a city issue, and I did speak with
Todd Hoffman about it. Some sort of an identification out on the street identifying that the
sidewalk does lead to that trail connection that goes into that wetland complex. I don't know that
it's going to be that obvious that as you walk through the neighborhood in order to get to that
wetland trail since it will be a concrete sidewalk.
Kate Aanenson: So you're just making sure that there's good cuing that this is a public, to get out
onto that trail?
Mayor Jansen: Exactly. Yeah, some sort of signage out there just so they'd ~know that you get
through that neighborhood and then you' re back out into the wetland.
Kate Aanenson: Because it will have different design specs. One will be an 8 foot asphalt, I'm
assuming, and the other would be a 5 foot typical sidewalk so we can work on that.
Teresa Burgess: It is common for us to post signage for people to be able to find those that are a
little bit more obtuse, and we'll certainly work with Parks to make sure that happens.
Mayor Jansen: This is just such a nice amenity, having that trail system going through that
wetland, I'd just like to make sure as many people are conscious of it as we can make.
Councilman Labatt: The only comments I had is, in reference to that trail, in the wintertime. The
City will maintain the asphalt trail, but does the homeowners association maintain the sidewalks
similar to Longacres or do the individual property owners?
Mike Burton: I'll introduce myself this time. Mike Burton from Lundgren Brothers. Good
evening Mayor and members of the council.
Mayor Jansen: Good evening.
Mike Burton: The homeowners association, we will have it set up that the individual
homeowners is what we had thought would actually maintain their sidewalks just as they would a
normal city sidewalk. So we're still discussing that but it will either be the individual
homeowners or the association. We're not decided on that yet, but it won't be the City.
11
City Council Meeting - July 22, 2002
Kate Aanenson: You bring up an interesting point that the departments heads are in discussion on
that issue specifically. Maybe Todd wants to talk about it a little bit more but.
Todd Gerhardt: We're working on some outcomes.
Councilman Labatt: Probably have some input too right?
Councilman Boyle: Well I would guess there will be some issues.
Kate Aanenson: Yeah. It's been precipitated in other areas.
Todd Gerhardt: Yeah. We have some issues currently in town where homeowners are not
maintaining the sidewalks and we cite them and, but it continues to be a problem so one of the
options we may look at is, we'll go out and maintain the sidewalk and assess them for it, is one of
the options. So we'll be bringing that back as a part of our code enforcement updates, as we go
through the codes and we're updating those. That's one that we're looking at.
Councilman Boyle: But it is a public trail, is it not?
Kate Aanenson: Con'ect. All sidewalks are public sidewalks and we have issues, the school
children are walking and they're not being maintained so it's an over riding city issue.
Todd Gerhardt: Gary, for your information, the city will plow trails. We do not plow sidewalks
and sidewalks are the individual homeowner's responsibility. Our equipment cannot handle. It's
usually a 6 to 5 foot is a sidewalk section where a trail is anywhere fi'om 8 to 10. And our trucks
can go down there and keep them clear so.
Mayor Jansen: So not to complicate the situation, but in that this is a such a significant
connection to the rest of that trail, is putting an 8 foot asphalt trail out to Galpin an option instead
of it being a sidewalk that we're going to end up potentially maintaining that.
Kate Aanenson: Well we looked at that as far as aesthetics. I think that the short answer to that
is, we' re looking at through the code. By the time that phase gets completed, because Phase I is
just along up in this area. They've got to wait for the group home to move, which is going to take
years, so we have to have that policy in place from, Todd made some commitments to get a
policy in place, so we'll resolve that problem. I understand the complicate, and it is something
we need to have resolved. I'm not sure that making it wider, aesthetically would change when
it' s somebody' s front yard like that. When it' s a narrower lot. It's part of a twin home and that' s
what we looked at, but what I hear your concern is that we make sure that it's maintained and
then we need to get that policy in place.
Mayor Jansen: Yeah. Well we had such an extensive conversation around the width of these
trails as we were going narrower and staff saying how difficult it is to maintain something that's
narrower, if we're not keeping with our standards so.
Councilman Labatt: If we were to go with the 6 foot trail there, make it still concrete but make it
6 foot, that would allow the Bobcat, wouldn't it to go down?
Teresa Burgess: That would require us to purchase specialized equipment. If you remember
when we discussed the Highway 101 trail, we talked about a 6 foot trail. It requires us to
purchase specialized equipment for maintenance of that trail. So if we go with this small section.
12
City Council Meeting- July 22, 2002
Councilman Labatt: What do we do right now in the city here? On the sidewalk in front of.
Teresa Burgess: In front of City Hall? We use a snowblower.
Councilman Labatt: No.
Todd Gerhardt: Downtown we use a Bobcat.
Councilman Labatt: Yeah, and why can't we use that Bobcat out there then?
Todd Gerhardt: We're going to have a pick-up do the 8 foot trail, so I don't know how that pick-
up is going to make the transition from the trail that goes through the wetland to the sidewalk so
that's a question for Todd. From a maintenance operation standpoint. But we would have to put
a Bobcat on a trailer and have it go out and do, how many feet is this? 1,000 feet, with just for
the Bobcat.
Councihnan Labatt: Well that gets almost down to your assessing portion too though.
Kate Aanenson: How about this? This has to come back for final plat. I'm not sure I can answer
all the questions you have for Todd but how about if we make a condition that we work to
resolve. Either we have a policy in place or we look at some other options when we come back
for final plat.
Councihnan Labatt: Mr. Burton, you're okay with that? Okay.
Mayor Jansen: And where would you have us add that condition?
Kate Aanenson: Probably under the subdivision conditions where...the width of the sidewalk or
a trail. Does that make sense?
Councilman Labatt: So number 49 then?
Kate Aanenson: Sure.
Mayor Jansen: Got that? Any other comments? Okay. Then I'll call for a motion. Steve are
you drafting one for us?
Councilman Labatt: Yeah. Yeah. I'll try to make a shot here. I'd move that the city approve the
Comprehensive Land Use Amendment from low density to commercial for 1.4 acres of property
and approve the ordinance for a Planned Unit Development rezoning property from Ag Estate,
A2 to Mixed Low Density Residential, R-4, subject to the following conditions 1 through 4 in the
staff report.
Mayor Jansen: Good catch. And a second please.
Councilman Peterson: Second.
Councilman Labatt moved, Councilman Peterson seconded that the City Council approves
Resolution No. 2002-67 for a Comprehensive Land Use Amendment from low density to
commercial for 1.94 acres of property: and approve the ordinance for a Planned Unit
13
City Council Meeting - July 22, 2002
Development rezoning property from Agricultural Estate, A2 to Mixed Low Density
Residential, R-4, subject to the findings of the staff report and the following conditions:
1. Approve design standards for the 1.94 acres of conmaercial and zoning for the PUD.
2. Conditions of the subdivision.
3. Conditions of the Wetland and Conditional Use Permit.
4. Approval of the Metropolitan Council for the Land Use Amendment.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
Mayor Jansen: Next motion please.
Councilman Labatt: Okay, I move that we approve the preliminary plat for Vassennan Ridge,
including 84 residential lots, 1 commercial lot, 6 outlots as show, n in the plans dated June 24,
2002, subject to the following conditions 1 through 49. 49 being the latest addition of reviewing
the option of the width of the sidewalk leading to the city trail.
Mayor Jansen: Do you need more direction on 49, or that's acceptable? Okay. And a second
please.
Councilman Peterson: Second.
Councilman Labatt moved, Councilman Peterson seconded that the City Council approves
the prelinfinary plat for Vasserman Ridge, including 84 residential lots, 1 commercial lot,
and 6 outlots as shown on plans dated June 24, 2002, subject to the findings in the staff
report and the following conditions:
Detailed grading, drainage, tree removal and erosion control plans will be required for
each lot at the time of building permit application for City review and approval. In
addition, as-built surveys will be required on each lot prior to occupancy.
,
If importing or exporting material for development of the site is necessary, the applicant
will be required to supply the City with detailed haul routes and traffic control plans.
Each of the ponds shall be designed to National Urban Runoff Program (NURP)
standards.
,
The existing well and septic systems must be capped and/or removed in compliance with
State health codes.
5. Staff will work with the engineer to correct the drainage calculations.
Prior to final platting, storm sewer design data will need to be submitted for staff review.
Depending on the size of the drainage area, additional catch basins may be required at
that time. The storm sewer will have to be designed for a 10 year, 24 hour storm event.
Drainage and utility easements will need to be dedicated on the final plat over the public
storm drainage system including ponds, drainage swales, emergency overflows, access
routes for maintenance, and wetlands up to the 100 year flood level. The minimum
14
City Council Meeting- July 22, 2002
10.
I1.
12.
13.
easement width shall be 20 feet wide. Emergency overflows from all stormwater ponds
will also be required on the construction plans.
Erosion control measures and site restoration shall be developed in accordance with the
City's Best Management Practice Handbook (BMPH). Staff recommends that the City's
Type III erosion control fence, which is a heavy duty silt fence be used for the area
adjacent to the existing wetlands on the north, east and west grading limits of the site.
Type II silt fence shall be used in all other areas. A rock construction entrance must be
shown at the entrance drive that will be utilized during construction. In addition, wood-
fiber blankets will be required on the steep slopes of the proposed berms and off the west
side of the "D" street cul-de-sac. The silt fences shall be removed upon completion of
construction.
Utility improvements will be required to be constructed in accordance with the City's
latest edition of Standard Specifications and Detail Plates. Detailed construction plans
and specifications will be required at time of final platting. Additional manholes and/or
valves may be required at that time. The applicant will also be required to enter into a
development contract with the City and supply the necessary financial security in the
form of a letter of credit or cash escrow to guarantee installation of the improvements and
the conditions of final plat approval. Permits from the appropriate regulatory agencies
will be required prior to construction, including but not limited to MPCA, Department of
Health, MnDot, Watershed District, etc.
The assessments for the BC-7/BC-8 project were based on the existing zoning for the site
yielding a developed total of 68 units. Since the applicant is now proposing more units
(84 + 3 units for the commercial lot) than what the property has been assessed for, the
additional 19 units (87 - 68 = 19) will be charged a sanitary sewer lateral connection
charge. The assessments for the Highway 5 project, based on existing zoning, yielded a
developed total of 76 units. As above, since more units are now being proposed than
what was assessed for (87 vs. 76), the additional 11 units will be charged a watermain
lateral connection charge. The current 2002 lateral connection charge for sanitary or
water is $4,335 per unit. Based on the current rate, the total amount due payable to the
City for the additional 30 units would be $130,050 (30 @ $4,335). In addition, each
newly created lot will be subject to City sanitary sewer and water hook-up charges are
$1,383 per unit for sanitary sewer and $1,802 per unit for water. Hook-up charges are for
core utility system infrastructure, i.e. wells, lift stations, water towers, etc. Connection
fees are in lieu of assessments which were absorbed by the City instead of being levied at
the time of construction. In this case, more units are proposed to be constructed than
originally anticipated.
The total remaining assessment due payable to the City for the BC-7/BC-8 Trunk Utility
Project is $77,350 for sanitary sewer.
The total remaining assessment due payable to the City for the Trunk Highway 5 project
is $112,651 for watermain.
Encroachment agreements will be required for the islands within the fight-of-way.
The applicant shall include a draintile system behind the curbs to convey sump pump
discharge from homes not adjacent to ponds.
15
City Council Meeting - July 22, 2002
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
Areas with a street grade greater than 7% must be revised to meet the criteria.
All plans must be signed by a registered engineer.
Access to the commercial lot shall be via a shared driveway with the neighboring
commercial lot to the west. The access will be located just east of the median on West
78th Street.
Move the pond outlet pipe for the pond in the southwest corner of the site from beneath
the 20 foot berm.
Applicant shall revise landscape plan to show a minimum of 365 trees to be planted.
The developer shall be responsible for installing all landscape materials proposed in rear
yard areas and buffer yards.
Tree preservation fence shall be installed at the edge of the grading limits on Lots 29-34,
Block 1 and Lots 22 -32, Block 2 prior to any construction. A conservation easement
shall be placed over said lots.
The following lots shall be custom graded: Lots 22-28, Block 2 and Lots 29-34 of Block
1. Any trees removed on Lots 29-34, Block 1 and Lots 22-28, Block 2 in excess of
proposed tree preservation plans will be. replaced at a ratio of 2:1 diameter inches.
All trees removed within the utility easement along the north side of the development
shall be replaced 1:1.
All of the proposed house pads must have a rear yard elevation at least three feet above
the HWL of adjacent ponds.
On the grading plan:
a. Show the emergency overflow for the back yard areas of Block 1.
b. Show the rear yard low points for the areas without a pond or wetland.
c. Show the existing contour elevations for the neighboring property to the east a
minimum of 100 feet outside of the site.
d. Show all existing and proposed easements.
e. Show the benchmark which was used for the site survey.
Wetland replacement shall occur in a manner consistent with the Minnesota Wetland
Conservation Act (MR 8420). The applicant shall submit a wetland alteration permit
application. Prior to wetland impacts occurring, the applicant shall obtain City approval
of a wetland replacement plan.
A wetland buffer 0 to 20 feet in width (with a minimum average of 10 feet) shall be
maintained around Basins 1, 3 and the wetland mitigation areas. A wetland buffer 10 to
30 feet in width (with a minimum average of 20 feet) shall be maintained around Basin 2.
Wetland buffer areas shall be preserved, surveyed and staked in accordance with the
City's wetland ordinance. The applicant shall install wetland buffer edge signs, under the
direction of city staff, before construction begins and shall pay the City $20 per sign.
16
City Council Meeting -July 22, 2002
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
All structures shall maintain a 40 foot setback from the edge of the wetland buffer.
All proposed trails and trail easements shall be located outside of the wetland buffer area.
The grading and erosion control plan shall show the actual wetland buffer widths
proposed to meet the minimum average buffer width requirements as well as the 40 foot
wetland buffer setback.
Structures on Lots 11, 12, and 13, Block 2 shall be designed to accommodate decks or
other accessory structures within the 60 x 70 building pad or the lots shall be
reconfigured to provide more flexibility.
The proposed development shall maintain existing runoff rates. Storm water calculations
shall be submitted to ensure the proposed storm water pond is sized adequately for the
proposed development. On-site storm water ponding shall be sufficient to meet all City
water quality and quantity standards.
Drainage and utility easements shall be provided over all existing wetlands, wetland
mitigation areas, buffer areas used as PVC and storm water ponds.
Demolition permits must be obtained before demolishing any existing structures.
All on-site sewage treatment systems must be abandoned in accordance with City Code.
Prior to permit submittals the developer shall meet with the Inspections Division to
discuss the design and construction of the twinhomes.
Final grading plans and soil reports must be submitted to the Inspections Division before
building permits will be issued.
A 10 foot clear space must be maintained around fire hydrants, i.e. street lamps, trees,
bushes, shrubs, Qwest, Xcel Energy, cable TV and transformer boxes. This is to ensure
that fire hydrants can be quickly located and safely operated by firefighters. Pursuant to
Chanhassen City Ordinance #9-1.
When fire protection, including fire apparatus access roads and water supplies for fire
protection is required to be installed, such protection shall be installed and made
serviceable prior to and during the time of construction. Pursuant to 1997 Minnesota
Uniform Fire Code Section 901-3.
In the cul-de-sacs with the center island "no parking" signs will be required. Contact
Chanhassen City Fire marshal for additional information.
No burning permits will be issued for trees to be removed. Trees or shrubs must be either
removed from site or chipped.
Submit street names to Chanhassen Building Official and Chanhassen Fire Marshal for
review and approval.
Submit cul-de-sac to Chanhassen City Engineer and Chanhassen Fire Marshal for review
and approval.
17
City Council Meeting- July 22, 2002
44.
45.
Additional fire hydrants will be required. One will be required at the intersection of "A"
Street and "B" Street; one will be required between Lots 23 and 24, and an additional
hydrant will be required at the intersection of "C" Street and West 78th Street Frontage
Road.
The applicant shall be required to build the "wetland" trail between Lots 18 and 19 and in
the rear of Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25. This trail shall be 8 feet wide and
constructed with bituminous pavement per city standard specifications. The trail shall be
connected with the existing trail, which terminates at Lot 13 of The Meadows at
Longacres. A permanent 20 foot wide trail easement shall be described by the applicant
generally centered on the new trail and granted to the City to allow the maintenance and
upkeep of this public trail. The applicant is eligible for reimbursement of the construction
costs of said trail, including materials and labor, but excluding engineering, surveying,
legal and all other associated costs. To be eligible for reimbursement from the city's trail
fund the applicant shall submit construction plans and specifications and construction
costs to the City 45 or more days prior to the start of construction for review and
authorization. Assuming authorization to proceed is received and upon completion of
construction, the applicant shall be eligible for reimbursement. Said construction shall be
covered by warranties equal to or exceeding industry standards.
46.
The City shall accept the small upland portion of Outlot F in the northwest comer of the
project as parkland dedication as all of Outlot F is transferred into public ownership. The
dollar amount of this credit will be calculated per City ordinance.
47. All remaining park and trail fees shall be collected per City ordinance.
48. All lots meet the standards of the R-4 zoning district.
49.
City staff will review the option of the width of the sidewalk leading to the city trail prior
to final plat approval.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
Councihnan Labatt: I'd recommend that we approve the Wetland Alteration Permit for alteration
and conditional use permit for development within the Bluff Creek Overlay District as shown on
plans dated June 24, 2002, subject to the following conditions, 1 through 11.
Mayor Jansen: And a second please?
Councilman Peterson: Second.
Councilman Labatt moved, Councilman Peterson seconded that the City Council approves
a Wetland Alteration Permit for alteration and Conditional Use Permit for development
within the Bluff Creek Overlay District as shown on plans dated June 24, 2002, and subject
to the findings in the staff report and the following conditions:
The applicant shall install a bridge over the swale between Basins 2 and 3 to avoid
wetland impacts and enhance the aesthetics of this area.
18
City Council Meeting -July 22, 2002
Wetland replacement shall occur in a manner consistent with the Minnesota Wetland
Conservation Act (MR 8420). The applicant shall submit a wetland alteration permit
application. Prior to wetland impacts occurring, the applicant shall obtain City approval
of a wetland replacement plan.
A 5 year wetland replacement monitoring plan shall be submitted. The plans shall show
fixed photo monitoring points for the replacement wetlands.
,
The applicant shall provide proof of recording of a Declaration of Restrictions and
Covenants for Replacement Wetland.
,
A wetland buffer 0 to 20 feet in width (with a minimum average of 10 feet) shall be
maintained around Basins 1, 3 and the wetland mitigation areas. A wetland buffer 10 to
30 feet in width (with a minimum average of 20 feet) shall be maintained around Basin 2.
(Those buffers considered for Public Value Credit (PVC) under the Wetland
Conservation Act (WCA) shall maintain a minimum width of 16.5 feet.)
Wetland buffer areas shall be preserved, surveyed and staked in accordance with the
City's wetland ordinance. The applicant shall install wetland buffer edge signs, under the
direction of city staff, before construction begins and shall pay the City $20 per sign.
All proposed trails and trail easements shall be located outside of the wetland buffer area.
The grading and erosion control plan shall show the actual wetland buffer widths
proposed to meet the minimum average buffer width requirements as well as the 40 foot
wetland buffer setback.
.
10.
Drainage and utility easements shall be provided over all existing wetlands, wetland
mitigation areas, buffer areas used as PVC and storm water ponds.
Type III silt fence shall be provided adjacent to all wetland fill areas, areas to be
preserved as buffer or if no buffer is to be preserved, at the delineated wetland edge. Any
disturbed wetland areas shall be reseeded with MnDot seed mix 25A, or a similar seed
mix that is approved for wetland soil conditions. All upland areas disturbed as a result of
construction activities shall be immediately restored with seed and disc-mulched, covered
with a wood fiber blanket or sodded within two weeks of completion of each activity in
accordance with the City's Best Management Practice Handbook. The silt fences shall be
removed upon completion of construction.
11.
The applicant shall apply for and obtain permits from the appropriate regulatory agencies
(e.g. Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District, Army Corps of Engineers) and
comply with their conditions of approval.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS: COUNCIL/COMMISSION LIAISON UPDATES None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS..
Todd Gerhardt: I just want to update the council. We had Standard and Poors in last week and
gave them a nice tour of town. Sat down and talked about the library project. Occasionally
19
City Council Meeting - July 22, 2002
Standards and Poors will come into a community and make sure development is occurring. Meet
staff and give them a copy of our CAFR and had a nice tour. That was about it. I did meet with
Rosemount today. Had a good discussion. They talked about transferring of some of their
property on Lot 2, next to the park to us. If we would allow them to sell, I think Lot 3 up by the
highway, and told them that I will be putting a full report to the council on their options sometime
in August so. And met with Carver County HRA on the bowling alley site. They came in and
beat me up a little bit on purchase price, so I'm looking at some additional options on that
property. Looking at potentially maybe an all retail site, or finding some tenants that can work
with Carver County on the joint housing retail. Right now they wanted me to take over the
master lease on the retail, and I don't think that's something we want to get into, is into retail
business so hit a snag there. And I' ve asked to look at their financials but they have not provided
those to me as of yet, so we' re moving along there. And coffee shop proposal. Met with the
Friends of the Library this morning and went through their request to try to implement a coffee
shop in the library. One of the elements missing front their proposal is a layout, so I can do cost
estimates to look at the rent that they were proposing. They said they would get that to me before
the end of next week. Then I'll sit down with Barry to do some estimates to do a full fledge
analysis of the cost benefit of that coffee shop. That's about it for me.
Councihnan Peterson: When's the bank building going down? Old bank building.
Todd Gerhardt: The old bank building is being used as the construction trailer for the library
project, so Kraus-Anderson is operating out of there. As the library is under construction and we
get a roof on, they will vacate that building February-March and move into the library and
operate their construction facilities out of the library. And then during that time I'm working
with public works to do that as a winter project for demolition.
Councilman Peterson: So we're going to do it ourselves?
Todd Gerhardt: Yes. We've done probably 3 or 4 buildings in the downtown. We have done an
asbestos review on it. There is asbestos in there so we will have to have that removed. Contact
the DNR on the demolition, and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and take her down.
Councilman Peterson: The DNR is involved with asbestos removal?
Todd Gerhardt: No. Just notification that you're demo'ing a building. I have no idea. They
conmmnicate back...
Councihnan Peterson: That's even more weird than their getting involved in asbestos.
Todd Gerhardt: Yeah. Well Minnesota Pollution Control gets involved in asbestos.
Councilman Peterson: Yeah, that I can understand but, well.
Mayor Jansen: And it was actually a cost savings to the city to have Kraus-Anderson using the
old bank building as their headquarters so that worked out rather nicely for us as a cost saving
measure.
Councilman Boyle: You mean they're paying rent?
Mayor Jansen: They're not charging us.
20
City Council Meeting- July 22, 2002
Todd Gerhardt: We had a pre-construction, or pre-bid meeting with all the contractors and asked
them if there would be a cost savings if we allowed them to use the old bank building, and they
all agreed so we made that accommodation so it was included in their bids.
Mayor Jansen: Okay, anything else? Then if I could have a motion to adjourn please.
Councilman Boyle moved, Councilman Labatt seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted
in favor and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Gerhardt
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
21
CHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 16, 2002
Chairwoman Blackowiak called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Alison Blackowiak, LuAnn Sidney, Rich Slagle, Uli Sacchet, Bruce
Feik, Craig Claybaugh, and Steve Lillehaug
STAFF PRESENT: Kate Aanenson, Community Development Director; Sharmin A1-Jaff,
Senior Planner; Justin Miller, Assistant City Manager; and Jason Angell, Planner.
PUBLIC PRESENT FOR ALL ITEMS:
Jerry & Janet Paulsen
Debbie Lloyd
7305 Laredo Drive
7302 Laredo Drive
.PUBLIC HEARING:
CONSIDER THE ~ FOR VARIANCES FROM THE _L_A_KESHORE WETLAND
SETBACK F~-'-_ A~ N_ *DOITIO~N PROPERTY ZONE~D~_~_~. SIOENTIAL SINGLE
FAMILY ~ LOCATED AT 8591 TIGUA~ GORDON SCHAEFFER
Public Present:
Name
Tom Whitcomb
Gordon Schaeffer
Brenda Schaeffer
_Address
6741 Plymouth Avenue No, Golden Valley
8591 Tigua Lane
27306 County Road A, Spooner, WI 54801
Sharmin A1-Jaff presented the staff report on this item.
Blackowiak: Commissioners, any questions of staff at this time?
Clayba.ugh: I've got a question Sharmin. You indicated that one of the properties, adjacent
propemes was 120 foot setback from the water. Are we doing apples to apples? Or is that in
relation to the OHW?
A1-Jaff: I only have the OHW on one lot, and that is where the applicant actually staked it for us.
When we measured, we measured to the water where we thought it made sense.
Claybaugh: What is the distance to the water of the subject property?
AI-Jaff: 139. No, it's more than that.
Claybaugh: ...like 186 1 think I read somewhere so...about 50 feet.
A1-Jaff: There is an additional probably 30 or 40 feet. There is one other thing that, if I may.
It's the DNR that sets the OHW on lakes and one of the things that we looked at was could we
have the DNR go out there again and re-survey the OHW for this lake. It takes 3 years for them
to process such an application and the applicant didn't want to wait that long.
Planning Commission Meeting - July 16, 2002
Claybaugh: There was some mention in the report about Highway 212/312. I didn't hear any
comment on that at all. Don't see that as a factor in this application?
A1-Jaff: Well it will.
Claybaugh: I'm asking from the staffs standpoint. Is that a consideration2
A1-Jaff: Well it is, however the alignment for the highway has been in place for a number of
years. So when the house was situated, it should have been taken into consideration.
Claybaugh: Okay. That's all the questions I have.
A1-Jaff: It is a hardship though.
Blackowiak: Okay, any other questions? Uli.
Sacchet; Yeah Madam Chair. Sharmin. Why 1507 What are we trying to accomplish?
A1-Jaff: DNR says.
Sacchet: It's a DNR said, I mean I just want to have a clear understanding.
A1-Jaff: Yes, it is a DNR.
Sacchet: Where it comes from. What we're trying to do with the 150.
A1-Jaff: It's a DNR request.
Sacchet: Based on that it's considered a natural environment.
A1-Jaff: That's correct.
Sacchet: Okay. And then you said one of these neighboring houses is about 120 feet from the
water. So that would make it even less from the high water lines. And here we're looking at 125
from the high water.
A1-Jaff: That's correct.
Sacchet: Okay. Do we know how many of those neighbors actually encroach, and about how
much? Is that an exception that 120 or is that pretty much the rule of those neighbors? I mean
looking at this area, it seems a little hard. It' s really hard to tell. But yet they all seem pretty, if
you look at the canopy border, they all seem to be pretty much closer.
A1-Jaff: I have another aerial. Now this one is off of city' s aerial and we don't have the 877,
unfortunately. We have the 878. And again, it will show you that all of these homes pretty much
encroach into the 150 foot setback, with the exception of 2 homes that were built within the last 4
years.
Sacchet: And are they all about the same amount encroaching in there? I mean what I'm trying
to establish is that, a pretty clear pattern.
Planning Commission Meeting- July 16, 2002
AI-Jaff: There is a patter of homes encroaching into the 150 foot setback. Now.
Sacchet: But not necessarily to how much. I mean we don't, we can't really establish that.
A1-Jaff: I can't.
Sacchet: That easily at this point, okay. Do we have the timing when 212 comes in?
Feik: Good question right?
Blackowiak: Yeah, I was going to say.
Sacchet: Alright, question withdrawn. Not a fair question.
Blackowiak: Okay, anyone else have questions? Rich.
Slagle: I just have one I think Sharmin. Again, following along Uli's idea. I'm trying to
understand exactly what's happened in this neighborhood. If I look at what is here and 1980 is
when this was divided, some homes were built. You just mentioned that 2 newer homes have
been built. Were those homes built outside the 1507
Al~Jaff: Yes they were.
Slagle: Okay, so properly.
A1-Jaff: Situated, yes.
Slagle: And my guess is those are the 2 homes sort of.
A1-Jaff: Close to the road, yes.
Slagle: Okay, that's all.
Lillehaug: I have one quick question. I think all my other questions were already answered but
there is an out building on the west side of the main structure. Does this, I don't know if it's a
garage or a studio.
AI-Jaff: Studio.
Lillehaug: Is this falling within approximately the same setback as the house or is it more non-
conforming?
A1-Jaff: Pretty much. I have one point as far as the 877. The studio is located in this area.
Probably less, no more non-conforming so it's closer to that line.
Lillehaug: Okay.
Blackowiak: Okay, thank you. Would the applicant or their designee like to make a
presentation? If so, please come to the microphone and state your name and address for the
record.
Planning Commission Meeting- July 16, 2002
Gordon Schaeffer: My name is Gordon Schaeffer and I can answer your question. It's in
alignment with the house but there's a possibility it may be 2 feet closer to the OHW. The studio
and office, but I did file the permit and we had it surveyed and it seemed to be all in compliance.
That was 3 years ago. Basically, I know this is a difficult situation and I would not ask for a
variance if I didn't feel there was another alternative. I' m right on the city property on the east.
I' ye got the freeway on the south. I've got the studio on the west, so this would be the only place
I could build out. I'm looking for about 12 feet. 9 feet from my deck and for those of you that
walked out, I do have some structural damage. I'm going to have to replace the northern wall
either way, and it should would be nice if I could do this and it's also, it' s key for my profession
too. I want to put a screening room in and I do music for fih-n and television and I really don't
have another place I can do it so I'm pretty excited about it, but I also know that it may not
happen but I just wanted you to know that I looked at all the options. I've got an architect here if
you have any questions. The design will be specifically geared towards the environment, to be
naturally aesthetically put in. It will be stone and wood windows and it will be done with respect,
integrity and I can assure you can watch, or see the plans whenever you want them. If you have
any questions let me know.
Blackowiak: Thanks. Commissioners, any questions of the applicant? Start down here, Rich
anything?
Slagle: Just, I have a fun question. What kind of what like 4 wheel drive vehicle do you drive
back there? When I was trying to find your driveway and your place, that's back there.
Gordon Schaeffer: Yeah, I kept the gravel driveway intentionally. I like it. You feel like you're
going to another world back there, and I actually don't have a 4 wheel drive right now, but I've
got a plow so.
Slagle: Well good.
Gordon Schaeffer: It's a special spot too. The other thing is it's so beautiful when you go back
there and I don't have any view of the lake and it's like, I'm appreciating it more and more living
out there. It's my fifth year and I bought it from my mother who used to be there, so it's really a
spectacular place.
Slagle: That was really it.
Sacchet: One question. There is some room between your studio on the west side of the main
structure. There is no way you could expand that way a little bit? It seemed like looking on the
plan, you were actually adding a little bit on the west side too or is that already there? I wasn't
quite sure whether I read your plan correctly.
Gordon Schaeffer: Actually, there already is a room there that's finished. And then there's a
deck that we might have to remove just because when we lay a foundation. That was something
that Tom said we may have to, I'm hoping we can save the deck but we may lose it.
Sacchet: So those rooms are already there?
Gordon Schaeffer: Yeah.
Planning Commission Meeting- July 16, 2002
Sacchet: I wasn't quite sure when I read. It said like new, there was like a window that was
closed off on the plan and it looked like a new, something new shelving or whatever and I
wondered whether you're actually building out there at the same time too.
Gordon Schaeffer: That's actually built but there would be some re-orientation that was
recommended by the architect to make kind of...
Sacchet: Line things up... But you wouldn't actually change the roof structure there?
Gordon Schaeffer: I don't believe that.
Sacchet: Not necessarily.
Gordon Schaeffer: Yeah, the roof structure would not be changed and it would not be a great
place to go between those two buildings. It' s kind of an awkward amount of space.
Sacchet: So it's certainly nice to have more space between that studio or what you call the little
building.
Gordon Schaeffer: The other thing I'm really concerned about is the north wall, and that's,
there's about 5 holes and my entire top log is concave and I'm concerned about the structure.
Sacchet: Going to have to do the same thing there, right. Right.
Gordon Schaeffer: And I can't really put windows on that lower level because the logs are the
structure, and it's really hard to put windows in a log wall. So we, believe me, we really went
through this many times and looked at, I wanted to actually go the long way and we decided it's
best to get, stay away from the lake as much as possible so we built it more across the house and
in the indentation too, it was designed to have, set it back as much as possible and none of the oak
trees would be damaged. There'd just be a couple small aspens.
Sacchet: Okay, that's my question. Thanks.
Sidney: That was my question.
Blackowiak: Okay. Any questions?
Lillehaug: I see that you are removing the deck on the northwest comer of the house, and then
potentially a new deck location on the north of the garage there. You also indicate that it's an
optional bedroom. If you were to have that a bedroom, then you'd potentially look for a new
location for your deck. What I'm getting at is, would you be putting a deck, would you come
back here in a couple years and ask for another variance to put a deck on the north side there?
Gordon Schaeffer: Well if this plan was approved, as long as it stayed within that distance,
would it be okay to build it? Okay, if this plan's approved and the deck's in the schematic there, I
wouldn't be going any closer, do I have to build it now? Or could I build it over time?
Blackowiak: You could actually build it, if it's in the plan, you could build it. I think the
question, and Sharmin correct me if I'm wrong. I think your question is, assuming it's a
bedroom, not a deck, will we see, would we see you potentially back here in 3 years saying I
Planning Commission Meeting - July 16, 2002
made it a bedroom but I really should have made it a deck. I'd like a deck now. I want to go a
little closer to the water. I think that's what his question is,
Lillehaug: Yep.
Gordon Schaeffer: It really wasn't part of the plan, but I guess I haven't thought about it. I
would hope that we could salvage part of the deck on the west side and build it out that direction.
I'm not looking to get closer. I don't know, I just haven't thought about it. I'm going to be real
honest. I was anticipating that that's probably going to be a deck. One thought is we may lose a
bedroom with this plan so it may be a good idea to consider a bedroom. But I'm not looking to
get closer to the lake at this point.
Lillehaug: Okay, thank you.
Blackowiak: Craig, did you have a question?
Claybaugh: Yeah. From the ordinary high water mark, and this may be a question for staff as
well. Is that parallel with the north face of the subject house? What I'm asking is, does the
ordinary high water mark, with the setback, does it run through at an angle or is it pretty much
parallel with the other face of the structure?
Gordon Schaeffer: We actually measured it straight out and it was 139 and 141, so we took the
closest measurement.
Claybaugh: Okay.
Gordon Schaeffer: And we did both sides of the house. And the, I have a much more gradual
slope than my neighbors and the water's actually closer to 175-180.
Claybaugh: You said you added a studio a few years ago. 3 years back you stated. What
considerations at that time did you give to some of the conditions that you're facing now and also
the Highway 212/312 issue?
Gordon Schaeffer: Well what I, the studio, the one hurdle I had to jump over was the fact that my
wood shed was possibly encroaching the city land. Is that what you're asking tonight?
Claybaugh: I guess I'm asking back in 1982 1 could make some allowances for lack of foresight
with respect to a future highway coming through. To me that was one of the more compelling
things in reading the report that it's your view that this is coming through and by looking out in
the memo, which is why the house was orientated that way in my mind, and now you're going to
have a freeway coming through there and that certainly, if I was the occupant there, that would be
a strong consideration for me. What I'm asking is, in 1982 that's one issue. But you put an
addition, which now is, becomes a limiting factor in where you can go with future additions back
3 years ago. I'm asking you what considerations you gave to the issues that you're putting in
front of us now at that time?
Gordon Schaeffer: Well the freeway, I had heard about it but I didn't always know how close it
was going to be or how soon it would be here, and when I realize it was less than a n-die away at
this point. I started to get a little nervous, so I wasn't fully away of all the let's say effects that the
studio would have. I really wasn't, and my mom might interject. I don't think she knew about
the freeway when she bought the house.
Planning Commission Meeting -July 16, 2002
Brenda Schaeffer: Also you have to move that, what's now a studio, we had to move those logs
so it wasn't.
Gordon Schaeffer: Yeah, there were some other factors. That lot got divided. That building was
on the next door neighbor's lot. We had to move it and make a decision.
Claybaugh: So the studio, is that a structure that was on the site that just got relocated on the
site?
Gordon Schaeffer: It was one, when it was 7 acres, it was on.
Claybaugh: Okay, so you relocated it over adjacent to the house.
Gordon Schaeffer: And it was really the only place that we could, made sense to put it.
Claybaugh: The new space that you're acquiring as part of that is for your profession?
Gordon Schaeffer: Yeah.
Claybaugh: Okay. I read in there obviously for audio reasons, privacy reasons, they wanted to
orientate it away from the highway, future highway noise and so forth?
Gordon Schaeffer: Absolutely. The ambience rumble. Motor noise. It would be really
beneficial. Plus we can design the house specifically. You know it's a rectangular. It's like...
room specifically for this.
Claybaugh: I wouldn't be able to speak for my fellow commissioners but to me it's very
important to understand what you're going to do with it. Maybe I understood it incorrectly but I
felt that you inferred that if this was approved, that anything out that 18 foot or 12 foot additional,
you had some latitude there in the future to do and pluck something in there or put the deck in
there or optional bedroom, so on and so forth as long as it didn't go closer than that. And from
my standpoint, I wouldn't be willing to approve it that way. I'd want to know.
Blackowiak: Well, any more questions here? We'll just get.
Gordon Schaeffer: No, no. So you wanted to know if we were going to do the bedroom or not?
Claybaugh: Yes. I'd like to know specifically what the plan would be.
Gordon Schaeffer: Okay.
Claybaugh: But evidently we're running out of time so.
Blackowiak: No, we're not running out of time. I just don't want to get into a long dissertation
of you know theories. I mean if bedroom or no bedroom.
Claybaugh: Well that's a factor in my decision so.
Gordon Schaeffer: We took it this far because, and actually I think Tom went quite a ways
knowing that this could get denied, and we wanted to think of every option. And if it fits within
Planning Commission Meeting - July 16, 2002
the budget and if the aesthetics, then I'd like to build a room there, but I can't give you that
answer. But what I don't want to do is build closer to the lake.
Claybaugh: That's all the questions I have.
Blackowiak: Okay. This item is open for a public hearing, so if anybody would like to speak on
this issue, please come to the microphone and state your name and address for the record. Seeing
no one, I will close the public hearing. Commissioners, time for comments. Craig do you want
to go ahead. Sorry I cut you off.
Claybaugh: No, that's alright...give Rich a chance.
Blackowiak: Alright, Rich.
Slagle: I'll n-take it short and simple. I'm going to vote to approve the request for the variance,
for a few reasons. Specifically, and I want to preface this by saying staff did exactly what they
should have and recon-unended exactly what the way they should have. But I'm going to take the
other approach and basically because a number of these lots are indeed closer. I do believe that
this is set back quite some bit. I realize the relevance of the history of this place, and the fact that
it really is in some ways it's own unique spot. It is certainly not surrounded by neighbors who
will feel immediately impact on their property value or their sights or anything like that. This is a
pretty private spot so I'm just letting my corm-nissioners know that I will vote for granting the
variance.
Feik: My concerns stem a little bit from what this body has done in the past regarding
consistency. At the request of staff we were to look at a garage a couple of weeks ago regarding
a very narrow setback to the street, and were instructed that was consistent with the neighborhood
and we should be cognizant of that and take that into consideration. We also specifically looked
at the townhome association just to our north regarding some decks about this time last year
where they encroached on the front yard setback and again were, this body basically stated that
they want to be consistent with the neighborhood. I find the recommendation to deny
inconsistent with what we have done fairly recently. I do very much appreciate the applicant's
awareness of the site, the uniqueness of the site, and I think it' s a great addition. I would agree
with my fellow commissioners in that if you're going to put a deck, I'd want to see it on the plan
today, not tomorrow, so based upon the plan as presented, which would be, I guess it's not a new
deck or a bedroom, it's blank space, I would approve this today.
Blackowiak: So can I just clarify? Regardless of what it is, you would approve the size and the
footprint as is? You would not approve any, I'm sorry what? So in other words, based on this
plan, whether it's a deck, whether it's a bedroom, you would feel comfortable approving this as
is? But not adding any kind of a deck in the future. Nothing else in the future.
Feik: I don't want to nickel and dime it so I would be willing as well, as much as I'd hate to table
it kind of thing, I would like to see the final plan. I would like to vote on a final plan, up or down
versus what potentially I understand could be a partial plan or 75 percent of a plan with maybe a
change or addition or something a year down the road. I would prefer not to see that. But based
upon the plan as presented, based upon the consistency that we've done with some of the other
variances that have come before this body I would approve.
Blackowiak: Okay thanks, Uli. Any comments?
Planning Commission Meeting- July 16, 2002
Sacchet: Yes, quickly. Whether this is going to be a deck or a bedroom is not really an issue for
me. I mean it is on the plans, it could be one or the other, and the plan states there is something
there and that doesn't mean it could be something else that has a similar setback, but it's what's
drawn on the plan that we're looking at that we're deciding upon, so I'm relatively clear about
that. Now in terms of the hardship issue, I think staff did really an excellent job on this. And
with the hardship, already when I thought about it and in discussion tonight, I really come to the
conclusion that there is a hardship. I think there is clearly a hardship on three fronts. One
hardship is obviously that the north wall needs to be fixed or partially replaced. And given that
on the west side we're not already doing major work, it's a hardship. If the applicant has to do,
hope to do work, major work in both places. Further I think it's a hardship that the highway's
coming in there. I mean that plays into it. It's not the major component but it certainly plays into
that. So the north wall fixing. The western space doesn't really have that much room, and that
plays into that so I would say there's clearly a hardship. Where I have a little harder time is
whether this is applicable to other properties in the area. Initially I thought well it is applicable
because there are no recorded variances on the record, but based on the presentation tonight, it
appears that the majority of houses in that neighborhood are actually encroaching, some of them
more than the requested variance does, puts me a little bit into a split opinion. Because on one
hand the recent things that were built there, they had to follow the required setbacks but then all
the other ones that were there before haven't so weighing that works as the hardship is still little
bit of a problem for me. How to resolve that. But then on the other hand, to be totally frank, it
seems like City Council has been rather amenable to variance requests that come in front of them.
I don't know if that's because it's an election year or what, but it, I mean I think the hardship is
significant and I may as well stick out my neck and I'm more leaning towards approving it at this
point.
Sidney: I'd like to voice a different opinion, and agree with staff's interpretation of the
ordinances. I guess this body and City Council have dealt with a lot of issues having to do with
structures and use of those structures but really I guess my feeling is that when we're dealing with
issues of variances at the Planning Commission level, we should be looking at the land use. And
in this case I don't believe the hardship is really demonstrated. The applicant does have use of the
property. I guess the requirement that hardship be caused by a particular physical surrounding,
shape or topography or condition of the land is really what I'm focusing in on. That we don't
have a land, well piece of land or lot that is unbuildable and somebody requests that this is the
only option that you have. And I agree the structure, or the roof line you know lends itself only
really to what you have proposed but still interpreting the ordinance as such, I just don't see that
linkage with the topography a unique situation of the land. So I guess, I hope that made sense.
So really it's not a question of lot size increments or whatever, so I guess I just don't see the
hardship and would like to stick pretty much to staff s interpretation of the ordinances at this
point. Although I agree, you know this is such a...I can see, you know I could be swayed another
way if we discussed this further but I think the idea of the highway coming through is a big issue.
And then also I think just the mere fact that other buildings are also encroaching into the setback
potentially might be an important factor. And I would think staff may want to actually get those
numbers and have the supporting documentation as to the neighboring properties and those
setbacks. But I think backing up here to my original statement, I guess I don't see that we meet
the requirements in the ordinance for granting a variance, at least in my opinion in this case.
Blackowiak: Thank you LuAnn. Craig.
Claybaugh: Yeah, I'd like to commend the applicant on their presentation. I think they
considered a lot of different possibilities and hit most the key points. As I indicated earlier, I
could support this with certain conditions. Approving it within the square footage of the footprint
Planning Commission Meeting - July 16, 2002
that's non-conforming on the plan would be important to me tonight as voiced by Commissioner
Feik. The structural consideration for me is a non-issue. I understand that it's convenience to be
able to do that addition and achieve that new addition, wall, restructuring that wall but from a
variance standpoint, for me that's a non-condition. But I am interested in limiting the degree of
non-conformity but the most compelling element for me is that you' re affected by an external
condition, that being the expansion of Highway 212. That's all my comments.
Lillehaug: I agree with Commissioner Sidney, and I'd like to maybe comment on a few other
items here. I believe that this south property is very well screened with trees. I'm not saying that
it's going to screen 212 100 percent. It's screened about as best as it could from a trunk highway.
From interstate. I realize you're going to get a lot of noise from that 212 and that probably is a
hardship for you. But the point I'm hung up on right now is, as staff indicated that the DNR
mandates 150 foot setback. And the questions in my mind are what are the legal implications if
the city were to approve this variance at this point? Does staff know? I don't like coming to
you...with a question like this either but I guess I'm not comfortable approving this variance not
knowing the implications that by approving this, can the DNR come back on the city with this
matter? And impose anything onto the city because of this.
A1-Jaff: I can speak from experience as to what has happened in the past. There was one
situation and it was on Lotus Lake. It was encroachment into the 75 foot setback with an after the
fact deck, and the DNR strongly recormnended against it. The City approved it. There was no
action taken from the DNR.
Lillehaug: Okay, so you're saying is, if the DNR did not put this 150 foot setback requirement,
the city setback would be 75 feet?
A1-Jaff: No. No. We have adopted the DNR's requirement of 150 feet on environmental lakes.
And that would be the case with this one. So city ordinance requires a 150, and where it came
from was DNR standards.
Lillehaug: Okay. I'm going to ask a question, and just so it's clear in my mind. If we were to
approve this, with the setback, it would be 125 feet or are we looking at a little more than that? I
guess what, when I add up the numbers I get a little more than, or a little less than 125 feet.
Maybe, closer to 120 feet. So looking at a 30 foot variance. I mean do we have exact numbers?
Is this 125 feet, is it exact? Exact being within a couple feet. I'm looking at it, if we approve
something tonight, and these plans, I mean if we approve a 25 foot variance and these plans are
showing a 30 foot variance.
Gordon Schaeffer: 127...
Lillehaug: So we need a 23 foot variance?
Sacchet: How is that possible?
Blackowiak: Sharmin, why don't you go ahead and try and clear this up for us.
A1-Jaff: Explain this, thank you. This point, from here, from this point to this point we have 139
feet. This addition is 14 feet. So 139 minus 14 is 125. That's where I came up with 125.
Lillehaug: Okay. So we're looking at a 25 foot variance then?
10
Planning Commission Meeting- July 16, 2002
AI-Jaff: Co~TeCt.
Lillehaug: Out of 150 foot.
A1-Jaff: Yes.
Lillehaug: Okay. That ends my comments.
Blackowiak: Okay. I just had a few comments. I tend to also agree with staff on their
interpretation of the variance request in this case. First of all, the property owner does have
reasonable use of the property. There's a structure on it. It might not be as ideal as, he's shaking
his head. It might not be your ideal property, but you've got a home and that's how we define a
reasonable use. I mean it's not what your business is. It's not what you might like it to be, but
it's, do you have a home? Is it residential single family, is there a home on it? That's a
reasonable use. That' s the legal definition of the city. Secondly, approving this variance would
increase the non-conformity of the setback and depart downward from pre-existing standards.
According to variance requirements, unless we find that it will not increase a non-conformity, we
can as a commission go ahead and grant it and I stand by that. I agree with staff's interpretation
of that. Three. We have current non-conforming neighbors. I believe we might be even setting a
precedent. I mean we're talking about neighbors that are about 120 feet. Now if we grant a 25
foot variance here, we'll have other neighbors coming in and saying well guess what? He got 25
feet, I want 25 feet. So even though they may be even closer to the lake than this neighbor is,
they would have a strong argument for receiving the same treatment that thek neighbor received.
And I worry that we're going to be getting in under 100 feet at places when we should be at 150.
Homes that have been built in that area recently comply and I think that's a big thing that we need
to take into consideration. Finally, 212/312. I live on the north side of Rice Marsh Lake. Yes, I
'know it's going to be a hardship. It's been in the works for 50 years. I mean everybody kind of
knows it's coming. We don't know when. No one's got a crystal ball. I wish I could say you
know when it's going to come but it's been there. The alignment's been there. Everybody knows
so it's something I think we all have to realize that it's going to come and it comes when it comes
and we deal with it the best we can. But I do believe that based on what my main four reasons
that the staff made the correct recommendation and I would support denying the variance. So, I
need somebody to make a motion.
Gordon Schaeffer: Can I make a last comment?
Blackowiak: No, sorry. We're done. We're ready to vote.
Slagle: I do want to point out something Ijust observed. That the number of feet, and I don't
know if that's what you're going to address, but it seems like there's a difference of opinion of
the exact feet for a variance. Is that? I just want you to know that we possibly could be voting on
a variance request that is different than what the applicant thinks, based upon some things I just
heard. So I'm just wondering if we can ask the question of staff.
Blackowiak: Okay, yeah. If you want to clarify that.
Slagle: Yeah, is the number of feet, I mean copasetic with what they're applying for.
A1-Jaff: 14 foot addition.
Blackowiak: From 139.
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Planning Commission Meeting - July 16, 2002
A1-Jaff: It's from 139. If you take 139 negative 14, that's 125.
Slagle: I'm with that.
Sacchet: Point of clarification in this context.
Blackowiak: You know, let's just let Rich.
Slagle: Okay. Is that what you're thin~ng?
Gordon Schaeffer: I thought it was 12 feet, but I guess 14.
Slagle: Okay. That's better perhaps.
Sacchet: Point of clarification.
Blackowiak: Okay, so you're comfortable with that? Okay. Uli, what was it?
Sacchet: Well the problem is that our starting point, reference frame is not clear and it would
take 3 years for the DNR to provide a final clear reference frame. Isn't that part of the situation?
It could be considered part of the hardship.
A1-Jaff: Sure.
Blackowiak: I don't agree. I think that the OHW is what it is.
Sidney: It's elevation.
Blackowiak: Yeah.
Sacchet: We 'know where it is?
Blackowiak: Right.
Sacchet: That's what I'm trying to establish here. That's what I'm trying to clarify.
Blackowiak: And they're saying if somebody wants to contest it, they'll go out and measure it
but it's going to take them a few years.
Sacchet: But we are clear at this point where we consider it to be?
A1-Jaff: It's at the 877, which is reflected on all city maps as well as DNR maps.
Sacchet: Okay. So that we actually have a solid reference.
Claybaugh: It is the official OHW at this point.
Blackowiak: Yeah, it's the official.
Sacchet: Okay, that answers my question. Thanks.
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Planning Commission Meeting - July 16, 2002
Blackowiak: Okay, so we're all clear. We know where we're coming from. Still need a motion.
Slagle: Question. Do you want, since the motion here as it stands from staffs recommendation,
do you want to try that?
Blackowiak: You just go ahead with whatever you would like. You know whatever motion you
would like to make.
Slagle: I don't know if I need to make the motion.
Blackowiak: Okay. Well then whoever's ready to make the motion.
Lillehaug: I'll make the motion. Chanhassen Planning Commission denies the request of 25 foot
variance allowing a structure to encroach into a lakeshore setback for the expansion of a home
based on the negative variance findings A in the staff report.
Blackowiak: Okay, there's been a motion. Is there a second?
Sidney: Second.
Lillehaug moved, Sidney seconded that the Planning Commission denies the requested 25
foot variance allowing a structure to encroach into a lakeshore setback for the expansion of
a home based on the negative variance findings (a.) in the staff report. Lillehaug, Sidney
and Sacchet voted in favor of the motion. Claybaugh, Blackowiak, Slagle and Feik opposed
the ~notion. The motion failed with a vote of 3 to 4.
Blackowiak: So the motion fails 3 to 4. So now I need someone to make.
Claybaugh: I'd like to make a motion. The Planning Commission, the Chanhassen Planning
Commission approve the requested 25 foot variance allowing the structure to encroach into a
lakeshore setback for the expansion of a home based on the variance findings in the staff report.
Blackowiak: Okay, there's been a motion. Is there a second?
Slagle: I'll second but clarification. Is the variance findings in the staff report, or is that
something that we discussed here that we have to add, that's what I'm thinking.
Blackowiak: I would think that'd be a little more, because it's not the findings.
Slagle: Yeah, exactly.
Claybaugh: That's why I dropped the word negative.
Blackowiak: Yeah, that was a good start.
Sacchet: Do we have a second?
Slagle: Yes, I seconded.
Sacchet: Can I do friendly amendments?
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Planning Commission Meeting - July 16, 2002
Blackowiak: Motion and second.
Claybaugh: Certainly willing to entertain friendly amendment.
Blackowiak: Go ahead I guess.
Sacchet: Alright, friendly amendments. I really don't think the staff report supports this motion.
Blackowiak: I don't think we really need amendments. I mean it's just, it's got conditions.
Sacchet: Don't we need to say?
Blackowiak: You can just add discussion.
Claybaugh: Say based on discussion.
Sacchet: Based on discussion of points brought up in discussion?
Blackowiak: Yeah.
Sacchet: And then I wanted to tied clearly into the layout of the plan in front of us from June 6th
02.
Blackowiak: Okay, well let's vote on this motion and then you can make comments after.
Sacchet: Well shouldn't that be a condition?
Slagle: Yeah, if you want to make it a condition of the motion.
Sacchet: I think that should be a condition.
Blackowiak: So that based on the plans dated June 6a~.
Claybaugh: The non-conforming square footage is as shown on the drawings. Not to exceed.
Sacchet: Yes.
Sidney: So you made a friendly amendment to your own?
Sacchet: Specifically when it says new deck or optional bedroom, that it will not be bigger and
will be there. Whichever it's going to be.
Blackowiak: Right.
Slagle: It just won't encroach further into.
Sacchet: Right.
Blackowiak: Okay, we've got a motion and a second.
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Planning Commission Meeting- July 16, 2002
Claybaugh moved, Slagle seconded that the Planning Commission approve the requested 25
foot variance allowing the structure to encroach into a lakeshore setback for the expansion
of a home based on the preceding discussion. Claybaugh, Blackowiak, Slagle and Feik
voted in favor. Sidney, Lillehaug and Sacchet voted in opposition. The motion carried with
a vote of 4 to 3.
Blackowiak: Okay the motion carries 4-3. Is that enough for a variance?
AI-Jaff: No.
Blackowiak: Okay.
Sidney: Now we explain.
Blackowiak: So let's explain. It has to be 60 or 2/3?
A1-Jaff: It has to be 3/4.
Blackowiak: 3/4 okay, so it would have had to have 5 commissioners to say yes for the motion
to. The motion actually passed but the variance did not, if that makes any sense whatsoever.
A1-Jaff: The applicant can appeal the decision.
Blackowiak: Yeah, bottom line is yes, you can appeal the decision to the planning department
within 4 business days and either talk to Sharmin after the meeting or give them a call and let
them know you intend to appeal.
Sidney: Then it goes to City Council.
Blackowiak: Yeah, if you choose to do that, that will go to City Council and then they can make
the final decision.
Lillehaug: I'd like to make a comment on my vote.
Blackowiak: Oh certainly, go right ahead.
Lillehaug: I believe that increasing the, by increasing the non-conformance to a 25 foot is
desirable, but I don't think it's reasonable based on city codes. I think 25 foot is too much.
Blackowiak: Okay, thank you.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Feik noted the minutes of the Planning
Commission meeting dated July 2, 2002 as presented.
NEW/OLD BUSINESS. None.
Chairwoman Blackowiak adjourned the Planning Commission meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Submitted by Kate Aanenson
Community Development Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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