6. The Press Expansion & KinderCare Preliminary Plat, Site Plan & Conditional UseI
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CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 * CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
TO: Don Ashworth, City Manager
FROM: Sharmin Al -Jaff, Planner II
DATE: June 8, 1994
SUBJ: Preliminary plat to replat Lot 1, Block 1, and Outlot B, Park One 2nd Addition
into Lots 1, 2, and 3, Park One Third Addition; a Site Plan for a 54,720 square
foot warehouse expansion for the Press and a 10,315 square foot Kinder Care
facility; and a Conditional Use Permit for a Licensed Day Care Center in an IOP,
Industrial Office Park; located at the northwest quadrant of Dell Road and State
Highway 5, Marcus Corporation
The City Council reviewed this application on June 13, 1994. A conceptual approval was given
to the Kinder Care and Press applications. The City Council requested that this application
reappear before them after all issues raised at the Council meeting have been resolved. The
applicant has revised the plans, however, of the issues remain unresolved. The following is a list
of the conditions of approval and their status:
Councilwoman Dockendorf moved, Councilman Wing seconded to conceptually approve Site
Plan Review #94 -1 as shown on the site plan received April 13, 1994, and revised on June
1, 1994, subject to the following conditions:
1. That the applicant must revise plans to include trash screening of the Press site and show
the type of materials used to screen the trash enclosures on the Press site. Plans must be
submitted for staff review prior to City Council meeting.
This condition has not been met.
2. The applicant must obtain a sign permit prior to erecting any signage on site. The
monument sign on the Kinder Care site shall utilize brick as a base for the sign rather
than metal poles.
The applicant has agreed verbally to using a brick base for the monument sign. The
sign permit cannot be obtained until the City Council has approved the project.
MEMORANDUM
Mr. Don Ashworth
June 8, 1994
Page 2
3. The applicant shall provide a meandering berm with landscaping along the south portion
' of the site, between the parking lot and Highway 5. The height of the berm shall be
between 3 and 4 feet. The applicant shall also provide staff with a detailed cost estimate
of landscaping to be used in calculating the required financial guarantees. These
guarantees must be posted prior to building permit issuance. There shall be added
landscaping to the perimeter of the Press expansion of coniferous trees.
The applicant has revised the plans to show a meandering berm as requested in the
conditions of approval. The landscaping materials have been increased within that
area. The cost estimate of the landscaping materials are typically provided after the
' landscaping plan has been approved by the City Council and before a building
permit has been issued.
' 4. The applicant shall enter into a site plan development contract with the city and provide
the necessary financial securities as required for landscaping.
' A Development Contract cannot be entered into until City Council has given
approval for an application.
i 5. Meet all conditions outlined in the Fire Marshal's memo dated March 10, 1994.
a. Submit utility plans showing existing and proposed fire hydrant locations. A
determination will then be made if additional hydrants will be needed.
' This condition has not been met.
b. in the new fier-t# pffk4fig4et, labeled "Ofle -Way", fn ., ., 20 - feet -w •a� dr-ivifig
' lane -between Pa£k4flg Stall This wi a ti s f . th 20 f w ide fire appa fa ti d s
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Plans have been revised and this condition is no longer applicable.
C. Provide turning radius of fire apparatus access roads to Chanhassen Fire Marshal
and Chanhassen City Engineer for approval.
This condition has not been met.
d. A ten foot clear space must be maintained around fire hydrants.
This condition is required by the fire code.
L
Mr. Don Ashworth
June 8, 1994
Page 3
6. The Press addition shall contain some architectural detailing (with relief) to break up the '
long wall masses.
This condition has been met. The applicant has revised the plans showing the relief ,
and landscaping along the new addition to the Press.
7. Concurrent with the building permit, a detailed lighting plan meeting city standards shall t
be submitted.
This condition will take effect at the time of building permit application. ,
8. The grading/utility plan shall be revised to incorporate storm sewers in the parking lot's
drive aisles for the Press. Detailed drainage calculations for a 10 year storm event shall '
be submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval.
This condition is still applicable.
9. The applicant shall apply and comply with the necessary permits from the appropriate
agencies (MPCA, Watershed District, and City Building Department).
The city will not issue a building permit unless this condition has been met.
10. Silt fence shall be placed along the northern property line where the parking lot for the
Press is being relocated.
'
This application will take effect prior to commencement of construction.
11. A rock construction entrance shall also be placed at the driveway entrance to the Kinder
'
Care site off of Dell Road.
This condition is still applicable.
,
12. The applicant shall utilize the existing water service from Dell Road. Open cutting of
Dell Road will be prohibited.
'
This condition is still applicable.
13. The main thoroughfare (drive aisle) located on the Press site north of the main parking
lot area should be a minimum width of 26 feet with turning radiuses at 77th Street West
of 30 feet and two way traffic. In addition, the main thoroughfare (drive aisle) shall be
,
posted with no parking signs.
Mr. Don Ashworth
June 8, 1994
' Page 4
This condition has been partially met. The turning radiuses still need to be
' increased on 77th Street West and no parking signs posted along the main
thoroughfare (drive aisle).
14. The driveway access point shall be constructed in accordance to the City's typical
industrial driveway apron detail.
This condition is still applicable.
15. The applicant shall provide the City with a security deposit (letter of credit or cash
escrow) in the amount of $5,000.00 to guarantee boulevard restoration. All boulevards
disturbed as a result of the site improvements shall be restored with sod.
This condition is still applicable.
' 16. Conditions of the Building Off'icial's memo dated March 25, 1994.
a. Submit a 1/8" = 1' -0" scale plan of the entire existing building indicating
' dimensions and use of all spaces on all floors.
This condition has not been met.
' b. Revise site plans to show site approach details and handicap parking stalls in
compliance with MSBC Chapter 1340.
' This condition has not been met.
7. An ^ e d- �andff Gage 4
�-- speed•- ��,p - s .�,;.� - �e ��d between the --- ° =�s - � � te
SIOW .. �,d &�, v�zs" vaRr - rrava6r o ncx razx Cmts
This condition has been partially met through the changes made to the site plan.
The entrance into Kinder Care has been divided by a median from the Press parking
lot. Turning radiuses are still too tight to maneuver emergency vehicles to and from
the site.
18. No roof top equipment shall be visible from Highway 5, Dell Road or 77th Street West.
The applicant is working n the des of the roof and will have a new rendering at
g g g
the City Council meeting.
19. Brick shall be used on the Kinder Care facade to resembl the building shown in the
submitted photographs.
d
Mr. Don Ashworth
June 8, 1994
Page 5 '
This condition has been met. The applicant has revised the plans to show brick as
the material which will be used on the building. ,
20. The traffic circulation and parking lot layout shall be revised as shown on the revised
plan prepared by Strgar- Roscoe- Fausch, Inc. Access to Dell Road shall be revised to
a right -out only to eliminate short cuts. The maximum number of parking stalls will
be limited to 33.
s '
This condition has not been met. The applicant stated that they need 44 p aces.
21. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the traffic study prepared '
by S RF.
A building permit will not be issued unless this condition has been met. ,
22. There shall be a landscaping easement of 30 feet running parallel to Highway 5 and
then north parallel to Dell Road a distance of 75 feet. A significant number of trees
shall be placed on the southeast corner for an entryway. Plantings around the
building as well as interior parking shall be provided.
This condition has been met. The applicant has revised the plans to show a
designated landscape area for Highway 5 corridor. ,
23. Staff shall review an east /west connection.
Engineering staff believes that access provided by the east /west connection including '
elimination of the Dell driveway access to Kinder Care would provide a more
effective and high level of service to both this site and future development of the
northerly parcel.
24. Proportion of the roof size to the building wall height is incompatible. Architectural
plans must be revised to reflect compatibility. The applicant shall bring in
architectural drawings of the Kinder Care building making it compatible with
buildings in the surrounding area.
The applicant is working on the design of the roof and will have a new rendering at
the City Council meeting.
25. The applicant shall move the Kinder Care building 40 feet to the north to realign the
driveway access onto Dell Road to accommodate emergency vehicle and school bus
turning movements.
I�
i Mr. Don Ashworth
June 8, 1994
' Page 6
This condition has not been met.
26. The corner will be blocked off and made into additional green space.
This condition has been partially met. The applicant has closed off the most
southerly connection between the two parking lots. However, access can still be
obtained via a drive isle located between the two buildings and west of the play
' ground /tot -lot area.
27. The City Council will review the final plans as an agenda item.
This condition is being fulfilled through the submission of the revised plans received
g P
on June 22, 1994, and this staff report.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
' If the City Council chooses to approve this entire application, including:
' 1. Preliminary Plat
2. Site Plan Review for the Press
3. Site Plan Review for Kinder Care
' 4. Conditional Use Permit for Kinder Care
staff recommends the following motions with conditions:
I. SITE PLAN REVIEW (BOTH THE PRESS AND KINDER CARE)
'
The City Council approves Site Plan Review #94 -1 as shown on the site plan received June 22,
1994, subject to the following conditions:
1. That the applicant must revise plans to include trash screening of the Press site and show
the type of materials used to screen the trash enclosures on the Press site. Plans must be
submitted for staff review prior to City Council meeting.
' 2. The applicant must obtain a sign permit prior to erecting any signage on site. The
monument sign on the Kinder Care site shall utilize brick as a base for the sign rather
than metal poles.
3. The applicant shall enter into a site plan development contract with the city and provide
the necessary financial securities as required for landscaping.
4. Meet all conditions outlined in the Fire Marshal's memo dated March 10 1994.
Mr. Don Ashworth
June 8, 1994
Page 7 ,
a. Submit utility plans showing existing and proposed fire hydrant locations. A
determination will then be made if additional hydrants will be needed. '
b. Provide turning radius of fire apparatus access roads to Chanhassen Fire Marshal
and Chanhassen City Engineer for approval. ,
C. A ten foot clear space must be maintained around fire hydrants.
n with building permit, a detailed lighting lan meetin city '
5. Concurrent the u g p t, p g y standards shall
be submitted.
6. The grading/utility plan shall be revised to incorporate storm sewers in the parking lot's
drive aisles for the Press. Detailed drainage calculations for a 10 year storm event shall '
be submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval.
7. The applicant shall apply and comply with the necessary permits from the appropriate
agencies (MPCA, Watershed District, and City Building Department).
8. Silt fence shall be placed along the northern property line where the parking lot for the I
Press is being relocated.
9. A rock construction entrance shall also be placed at the driveway entrance to the Kinder
Care site off of Dell Road.
10. The applicant shall utilize the existing water service from Dell Road. Open cutting of I
Dell Road will be prohibited.
11. The turning radiuses still need to be increased on 77th Street West and no parking signs
posted along the main thoroughfare (drive aisle).
12. The driveway access point shall be constructed in accordance to the City's typical
industrial driveway apron detail.
13. The applicant shall provide the City with a security deposit (letter of credit or cash '
escrow) in the amount of $5,000.00 to guarantee boulevard restoration. All boulevards
disturbed as a result of the site improvements shall be restored with sod.
f Building Official's memo dated March 25
16. Conditions o the , 1994.
a. Submit a 1/8" = 1' -0" scale plan of the entire existing building indicating
dimensions and use of all spaces on all floors.
i Mr. Don Ashworth
June 8, 1994
' Page 8
b. Revise site plans to show site approach details and handicap parking stalls in
' compliance with MSBC Chapter 1340.
17. No roof top equipment shall be visible from Highway 5, Dell Road or 77th Street West.
The applicant is working on the design of the roof and will have a new rendering
at the City Council meeting.
' 18. The traffic circulation and parking lot layout shall be revised as shown on the revised
plan prepared by Strgar- Roscoe - Fausch, Inc. Access to Dell Road shall be revised to a
�( right -out only to eliminate short cuts. The maximum number of parking stalls will be
limited to 33.
19. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the traffic study prepared
' by SRF.
20. Engineering staff believes that access provided by the east/west connection including
' elimination of the Dell driveway access to Kinder Care would provide a more effective
and high level of service to both this site and future development of the northerly parcel.
' 21. Proportion of the roof size to the building wall height is incompatible. Architectural plans
must be revised to reflect compatibility. The applicant shall bring in architectural
drawings of the Kinder Care building making it compatible with buildings in the
surrounding area. The applicant is working on the design of the roof and will have a new
rendering at the City Council meeting.
' 22. The applicant shall move the Kinder Care building 40 feet to the north to realign the
driveway access onto Dell Road to accommodate emergency vehicle and school bus
turning movements.
23. The access between The Press and Kinder Care via a curb cut on the center island
' running north and south shall be closed off and made into green space.
I II, PRELIMINARY PLAT (FOR BOTH THE PRESS AND KINDER CARE)
"The City Council approves the preliminary plat for Subdivision #94 -2 for Park One 3rd Addition
' as shown on the plat received April 13, 1994, with the following conditions:
1. Park and trail dedication fees to be collected per city ordinance.
2. Provide the following easements:
Mr. Don Ashworth
June 8, 1994
Page 9
a. A standard 5 -foot wide drainage and utility easement shall be dedicated along the
common lot line between Lots 1, and 2 and 3, Block 1.
b. Dedication of public right -of -way.
C. A 15 -foot wide drainage and utility easement shall be dedicated on the final plat
along the west property line of Lots 2 and 3, Block 1 to facilitate the extension
of the sewer service.
3. Enter into a site plan development agreement acceptable to the city.
4. A driveway or cross - access easement for use of the access of off 77th Street West. The
easement shall be dedicated in favor of Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 1. The easement
agreement shall be drafted and filed concurrently with a private maintenance agreement
acceptable to the City.
5. The developer shall obtain and comply with all necessary permits from the watershed
district, health department, etc.
6. Erosion control measures (silt fence - Type 1) shall be shown on the grading plan. Silt
fence shall be placed along the north property line where the parking lot for The Press
is being relocated."
III. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (KINDER CARE)
"The Planning Commission recommends approval of Conditional Use Permit #94 -1 subject to the
following conditions:
1. Compliance with conditions of site plan and plat approval.
2. Obtain all applicable state, county, and city licenses."
Attachments
1. City Council minutes dated June 13, 1994
2. Site Plan.
City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994
4 to 1.
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Roger Knutson: You have to rezone. _
Mayor Chmiel: Oh yes. We have to rezone on that one. It is a preliminary plat and rezoning of the property.
Let me rephrase that as a motion. I'll recall the previous motion.
Roger Knutson: Previous motion to rezone.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, let's make a proposal to rezone.
SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR A 10,315 SQUARE FOOT KINDERCARE FACILITY AND A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A LICENSED DAYCARE CENTER IN AN IOP, INDUSTRIAL_
OFFICE PARK, LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST QUADRANT OF DELL ROAD AND STATE
HIGHWAY 5, MARCUS CORPORATION.
Public Present:
Name Address
John Dietrich RLK Associates, 922 Mainstreet, Hopkins
Doug Chesnut 1 Gardner Lane, Dellwood 55110
Greg Eswine 850 Lecroy , Atlanta, GA
John Finnemore 800 Roosevelt, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Carol Riddle 4000 Leslee Curve
Sharmin Al -Jaffa The applicant is proposing to construct a daycare facility and expand the warehouse and press
room of the Press building.
Mayor Chmiel: Just a minute. Mark, maybe you'd like to step down.
Councilman Senn: Well for the time being I'm going to hang tight right here.
Mayor Chmiel: I think according to what the rules would be ... do not have to step down rather than sitting in
Council's position.
Roger Knutson: I spoke earlier on the telephone and ... formally they have no financial interest in this project
whatsoever.
Mayor Chmiel: Good. That has changed from previously.
Councilman Senn: No. It's always been that way. If you'll recall the last Council meeting, that was also
stated
Mayor Chmiel: Okay. ...you're on deck.
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994 1
Kate Aanenson: Do you want to let Sharmin give her staff report? '
Mayor Chmiel: Oh no, Sharmin. I'm sorry. I'm trying to move this too quick. 11:00 is coming quick. ,
Sharmin Al -Jaffa Okay. I promise I'll be done... Okay, full access to the site is being from 77th Street and
187th Avenue West. There's also proposed a right -in, right -out only for Kindercare via Dell Road. There is an '
accompanying subdivision request to replat the site into 3 parcels. Lot 1 is being expanded to accommodate the
Press expansion. Lot 2 is reserved for future development. We are not aware of any pending development on
that parcel and Lot 3 is for the proposed Kindercare. The proposed Press expansion will utilize scored concrete
panels. An identical material to that used on the existing building. The Kindercare building... ceramic tile, a '
canopy and will have a pitched roof. One of the advantages resulting from the expansion on the Press site is
that currently their existing loading docks that can be viewed from Highway 5. With the proposed expansion,
everything is being pushed to the north facing 77th Street so that would provide better views of the building. ,
For the proposed landscaping plan, and berming, certain areas will be screened from views from the highway.
Staff is recommending approval of this application. This item appeared before the Planning Commission and the
Planning Commission recommended approval of the Press expansion. However, they denied the Kindercare
facility. They base their denial on fast of all their electric magnetic field running parallel to Highway 5. No. '
There are electric lines running parallel to Highway 5.
Councilman Mason: It's those electric magnetic fields that are doing it. Just kidding. '
Sharmin Al -Jaffa Electric lines create electric magnetic fields. Staff doesn't have the expertise on electric
magnetic fields. However, we have contacted different agencies and ordered their studies. Those studies are '
enclosed in your packets. Kindercare has a policy not to locate their buildings next to electric lines that radiate
electrio magnetic fields. When we read the studies, we have to admit, they were inconclusive and the State
doesn't have a policy regarding this issue. One of the other things that the Planning Commission wanted was to
see the building and the parking lot flip flopped to where the building would be facing Highway 5 and the ,
parking lot would be far from the Highway 5, screened completely by the building. Well that created an issue
with Kindercare. As well as some of the commissioners felt that if there is an issue with electrio magnetic fields,
then there's an environmental issue and are they creating a future problem with the children. Third issue was '
parking circulation. The Planning Commission felt uncomfortable with the parking and felt strongly that traffic
leaving the Press building would just cut through the Kindercare parking area using it as a shortcut. To address
this problem the applicant has introduced a median that would separate the parking lot of the Press from the
Kindercare. Architectural style of Kindercare was another issue. Planning Commission felt it didn't fit in with '
the industrial park. And one last issue was, the access point. The access point onto West 77th Street. We
measured the turning radius off of Dell Road. We measured the turning radius on this access point and we
believe that, we know that a fire truck will not be able to make this turn unless the Kindercare building was ,
shifted back at least 40 feet to accommodate a straight alignment for, rather than having this meandering access
point. With that we are recommending approval of this application If the City Council elects to deny it, you
might want to adopt the ... Planning Commission recommendations. Otherwise, staff is recommending approval of ,
the subdivision, conditional use permit and site plan with conditions outlined in the staff report. Thank you.
Mayor Chmiel: We'll go to the developer first and then we'll come back. Okay. I'd like to, if you have
anything more pertinent than the previous discussions. I think we've gone through the process a couple different '
tortes so I'll let you lead with that.
John Dietrich: Thank you Mayor. John Dietrich from RLK Associates representing the Press and Kindercare I
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994
facility for the proposed site plan review, preliminary plat and conditional use permit for the joint application.
Also tonight is John Finnemore and Greg ... of Kindercare so if there are specific questions in regards to the
facility of the Kindercare, they will be able to address those. I'll be able to address any of the specific issues in
regards to the site plan and layout of the site for the two facilities. What I'd like to do is utilize the overhead
projector here and maybe keep that up. If I could just keep that up so that we have an opportunity to refer to
that. This plan is the culmination of the comments that were made at previous meetings with the Planning
Commission and City Council and it is in response to some of the issues in terms of access from Dell Road and
also in regards to the access for cut thru traffic from the Press facility into the Kindercare ... development. The
site plan also reflects... immediate proposed expansion for the Press facility and it identifies a secondary
expansion for the proposed press room and in that regards the parking lot has taken on a slightly different
configuration around the architectural buildings of the Press. So that the future expansion of the Press would be
done in two phases versus one and the site plan and parking to have responded to this immediate request for the
proposed warehouse expansion along the notch side of the parking lot. A couple of issues I would just like to
refer to and I'd like John to respond to any of the Kindercare issues. One, that this is a joint application from
the Press and the Kindercare. That the application from the Press facility, that is a 13 year office/warehouse
manufacturing facility in the city of Chanhassen. It employs approximately 325 people. And the Kindercare
facility is a nationally recognized chain which will also be able to provide a service to the daycare community,
users in this area where there's an expressed need for that type of facility at this time. We are proposing that
the site plan be expanded according to city codes a '. that this would need to be a joint application in order to
move forward. The property ownership north of the Kindercare is reported to be still owned by the Press for
future options on that site. Kindercare would be purchasing the southwest corner of this lot and they would be
the sole owners of that lot. It will be a joint facility by means of the access coming from West 77th Street.
Joint access will take off some of the pressure for potential U turns at 77th and Dell and allow access into this
facility from both the Press parking area and users of the Kindercare. The added landscape buffer area along the
east side of the Press parking lot will help and eliminate we feel the cut thru traffic that was potentially coming
through the Press parking lot. Also the access onto Dell Road has been modified slightly to provide a larger
radius so that it will be more accommodating to larger service and school and educational facility type vehicles.
The landscaped areas around the site will be constructed according to the landscape plans that were submitted
and we would also like to continue to work with staff to add the landscaping to the eastern island of the parking
lot according to the standards that are already proposed. In addition, the landscape plan that was proposed for
the Kindercare will provide a strong screened element as a complimentary back drop for a proposed entry
element—if so desired by the City Council and staff. The landscaped berm would screen all of the parking from
Highway 5 so that individuals driving west or east along Highway 5 would not have an opportunity to see the
parking lot. We do have one cross section perspective that indicates an existing condition today from Highway 5
looking north into the site. That this berm that is currently out there would be continued to the east so that it
would screen the parking that is further back than the current Press parking is today. The landscaped area for
the Kindercare ranges from 45 feet to 75 feet to the property line. Along the south side of the site. In addition,
if we took from the proposed parking lot area to the back of the existing bituminous trail, the area for planting
expands from 110 feet to 130 feet. We feel an opportunity is here for the city and Council, if they so desire,
t hat this area has the potential to be incorporated into an entry element for landscaping at this site with the
amount of area that is being proposed. The applicant has indicated a willingness to work with staff to modify
the changed landscaped plans necessary so that it would be able to incorporate an entry node design if so
desired. And I should note that if this application was approved, the landscaping would be the last element to go
in and I anticipate that would be the spring of '95 so there's still time to work on getting something put together.
Comments from the ... staff report in regard to the building location of the EMT, electro magnetic frequencies.
I'd like John to speak to those...
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994
John Fmnemore: My name
is John Finnemore. I'm the Construction Manager for Kindercare. In reference to ,
some of the comments from the, the reasons for denial by the Planning Commission. The issue of the electro
magnetic field. It's correct what staff said. There are really no conclusive studies on electro magnetic fields.
However, it is a very well studied and debated topic. And what Kindercare has done as a company, in the event
there are rulings and federal guidelines to come out about electro magnetic fields, what has been thrown about is
a reading of 2.0 milogaust or greater as being the level where electro magnetic fields are a problem. So what we '
have done is, I have what is known as a gaust meter that measures electro magnetic fields in milogaust and we,
that's why we've set the building back where we have. To the point where our building is the point where the
reading is 2.0 or lower. So we are trying to address the potential of this electromagnetic field. If anything is
ever proven about it and it's not something...it is a highly debated topic. And most of the studies, although they '
are inconclusive, have indicated that if there are any ill effects, those ill effects are increased when it comes to
children. So we as a child care company have to be cognizant of that. And that is why we've located the
building at the point we have. As far as just flipping the building and the parking for the sake of doing so, ,
there's not a development up and down throughout the plan that doesn't have the parking in front so to just take
that up here, it doesn't seem like the proper location to do it. That, compounded with the electro magnetic field
potentials. As far as the circulation, I believe that the island that's been added ..will help with the cut thru ,
traffic. If a fine truck needs to access our facility, they can do so off of West 77th Street. And also as far as the
architectural look of Kindercare. We are bringing a commercial type facility into an industrial area. I believe
that we enhance the area as opposed to bringing a detriment to it. It's a good transition from the residential uses
behind us to the industrial areas as you continue on down going west on TH 5. So I believe we would be a '
benefit to the community and help provide much needed child care in the area.
John Dietrich: Just ... City Council, we will be available for questions and we respectfully request that we receive '
approval for the applications that are in front of you tonight with the modifications that staff have recommended
and your proposed staff, proposed modifications that are in the staff report for the site plan review, preliminary
plat and the conditional use permit to allow a daycare facility in an IOP district. Thank you. '
Mayor Chmiel: Thanks.
Carol Riddle: Mr. Mayor and the Council. I'm Carol Riddle. I've live in Chanhassen for about 20 years and I '
know you've had a long night and I won't keep you long but I come from a completely different perspective
tonight about the Kindercare issue. I work with parents who are looking for daycare in the Chanhassen area.
I'm employed by the Keff Agency. We serve Carver and Scott Counties as well as Dakota County. One of the '
programs that I'm involved with is ... referral and we work with parents who call us looking for child care. The
Chanhassen area is very lacking in the necessary child care. You have prepared all the subdivisions. I've
listened here tonight. All the new subdivisions coming in. The young families. This is a people issue and
that's the way I'm addressing you tonight. I'm not coming here on behalf of either side as far as the pros and ,
cons of whether, where it should be. The daycare center should be located. I'm merely coming to tell you that
there is a desperate need for more daycare in Chanhassen. We, in Chanhassen at the present time there are 48
family daycare providers and 2 centers who take infants all through school age for child care. 41 of those 48 ,
child care providers care for infants. The others choose not to. The other 7. Of those 41, they can only, are
only allowed 5. DHS rules that govern daycare, to take 2 children under a year old. Infants I should say.
Usually these daycare providers, family daycare providers I'm speaking now, are young mothers who are staying '
home with their children and many of them have infants so that lessens the spot to maybe I per provider. 48
spots. Of the centers, one center is licensed for I believe 15 infants. One center is licensed for 20. One of the
centers has a waiting list, their next projected infant opening is August of 1995. So there are just very, very
many people looking for care that's not there. In the last 3 months, 47 parents who have moved into the ,
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994
Chanhassen area have called our office looking for care. Just Chanhassen. Of those 47, 26 were looking for
infant care. As of today I had, including spaces in centers and spaces in daycare homes, I had a total of 8 slots.
That's 8 options that I could offer parents. Well, we check our openings with our providers and with our centers
on a regular basis. You can imagine how far that's going to go. And look at all the places you have opened up
tonight for young families to come. I was working with, I worked with a colleague in Minneapolis and she
called me last week looking for a client of her's who needed care. Who was moving into Chanhassen and
needed care for 2 young children. One was an infant. And I said, not much here and I gave her the spots I had.
3 daycare homes and 5 slots otherwise. And she said, can you imagine why anyone would want to move into an
area with a young family or if they were preparing to have a young family and find that there would be no
daycare there. That would be one of the things you would want to look at first. And you know you'd have to
ask yourselves that same question. How many young families are going to choose not to come here? I've lived
here for 20 years. I've seen the growth of Chanhassen. I've seen it grow from just a little town to the nice
things we have today. We have the Target. We have the Byerly's soon. We have the industrial park. We have
many, many nice things. We have the trails and the parks. We have good schools. But we have to do
something for these youngest members of our community, and one of them is to get affordable and plenty of the
daycare. We need to get as much daycare as we can do. We are working through resource and referral, we
work with lots of things. We are trying to improve the new home daycare providers. If you have the
opportunity to find a spot in Chanhassen for a center that is willing to come here and would serve our young
people. Our young children, then I certainly would urge you to consider that because if we don't have a spot for
these youngest members of our community, I'm afraid that that will limit the growth of our city. Thank you.
Mayor Chmiel: Thank you. Any other questions? Council may have. Before we get into that, Mark just a, in
looking through the brochure. Information that's been prepared by RLK, just make me feel better. It says on
here ... Kindercare, Press site plan approval submission, March 7, 1994. Prepared for the City of Chanhassen,
Minnesota The developer, Marcus Corporation.
' Councilman Senn: There effectively is no, I mean it's a name only Don. There is no developer. I mean as far
as any developer or construction on the Press, that will be done by Opus Corporation. And as far as any on the
Kindercare, that's done by Doug, I forget the name of your company. I'm sorry.
' Doug Chestnut: Real Estate Diversified.
Councilman Senn: Real Estate Diversified. So, we aren't involved in that at all.
' Mayor Chmiel: Okay, there's no involvement by you whatsoever?
J
Councilman Senn: Not personally.
Mayor Chmiel: Within. I just don't understand why the portion of the, the development portion, your
corporation is on it. That's why I'm.
Councilman Senn: Well probably because I'm the one who facilitated it, as I explained.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay. Any specific questions, as I asked before.
Councilman Wing: I just wanted to check. I can't remember from the Planning Commission meeting a month
or so ago. The number of cars delivering morning and night. Wasn't it something like 100 cars coming
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994 1
Sharmin Al -Jaffa It's eliminating the access, exactly.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Okay. And I'm also concerned about the U turns that will take place. But I'm ,
very frustrated that, I mean these issues just don't seem insurmountable to me and yet they have not been
resolved And I'm not saying I have a solution for them. I'm just saying I have a concern about cutting
through. I guess that's my basic concern and just getting in and out of the facility. I don't have a problem with
the use at all, the placement of the parking lot and I guess if there are no better ways to resolve getting in and
out, then between the balance of the pros and cons, I'm willing to let the project go forward '
Mayor Chmiel: Okay. Anything more?
Councilwoman Dockendorf: No. I
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between 6:00 and 8:00 and 100 cars coming between 4:00 and 6:00?
Sharmin Al -Jaffa Correct.
'
Councilman Wing: So very large traffic volumes during these pick -up and drop off.
John Finnemore: It'd be 84 inbound and 72 outbound, a.m. peak.
'
Mayor Chmiel: Colleen.
is fine in an
Councilwoman Dockendorf. Let me state first what I don't have a problem with. I think the use
industrial area It's not more odd than a Jehovah Witness church is in an IOP. And I don't have a problem with
that. The parking in front, I don't have a problem with either seeing that we've got a parking lot right next
door and I have both from a car and on foot looked at the perspectives from Highway 5 and that sidewalk and
'
there truly is indeed a decent sized berm that will screen that parking. The materials that the building will be
built with, I don't have a problem with. I take the develop, well I mean nobody knows about the electro
magnetic fields so it's hard to comment on that issue. The issues I do see is number one, the circulation
'
between the Press parking lot and the Kindercare parking lot. I know we've added a center island or an island
there and you do have a little bit of a dip with a gutter but has it ever been considered just cutting that off
altogether? And if not, what are the reasons for not considering that?
,
Sharmin Al -Jaffa Colleen, you're asking about this?
Councilwoman Dockendorf. No. I'm asking on the other side. The connection to the Press parking. For
completely cutting that off. I mean I think there will be a lot of cutting through. A tremendous amount of
cutting through.
'
Sharmin Al -Jaffa You just need another access point.
Councilwoman Dockendorf. So that's the reason, you need two accesses to any public building, is that it?
'
Sharmin Al -Jaffa Again, I mean this is right- in/right -out only. There is a median right here so that's going to.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Oh, I get it.
'
Sharmin Al -Jaffa It's eliminating the access, exactly.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Okay. And I'm also concerned about the U turns that will take place. But I'm ,
very frustrated that, I mean these issues just don't seem insurmountable to me and yet they have not been
resolved And I'm not saying I have a solution for them. I'm just saying I have a concern about cutting
through. I guess that's my basic concern and just getting in and out of the facility. I don't have a problem with
the use at all, the placement of the parking lot and I guess if there are no better ways to resolve getting in and
out, then between the balance of the pros and cons, I'm willing to let the project go forward '
Mayor Chmiel: Okay. Anything more?
Councilwoman Dockendorf: No. I
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I City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994
1 Mayor Chmiel: Michael.
' Councilman Mason: I don't understand what some of the problems have been with this project to begin with. I
share the frustrations of Colleen. I'm set to move on it. I do think some of the problems have been because, for
whatever reason, Marcus Corporation's name is on it and I think that raises some other issues that perhaps we
' need to take a look at. But in terns of this project, I don't have any trouble with it.
Mayor Chmiel: Mark.
' Council.. a"I Senn: I guess all I'd like s;. say is I went and talked Kindercare into coming here because I think
we realm had an extreme shortage of daycare, okay. I facilitated, I don't know if you want to call it a marriage
or a meeting or whatever between Kindercare and the Press because I thought I saw it as a win -win for
1 everybody. The reason I saw h as a win -win was it enabled the Press to go ahead with an expansion. They had
been contemplating but economically hadn't really found a way to do. I saw it as a win because it took some
very, I'm going to say undesirable elements and hid them by basically getting rid of a lot of I'm going to say
' truck trailers that are being used for warehousing. Invisible because of a current way out. I thought it was also
a good marriage because in effect getting both to move would bring more employment, more jobs, both in terms
of the Kindercare and the Press to Chanhassen. And you know all those elements together I think is and would
be and would continue to be a win -win for the city. I'd really like to see the project go forward and I don't
really quite understand all of the specific issues that have been raised because I think most of them have been
raised and dealt with over a period of time.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay. I guess in looking at the entirety of the project I've been trying to keep an open mind
with this as well. The electro magnetic fields, I can sit and talk on that probably the hours but I'm not going to.
The thing that I did not like about the project in itself was the accessibility out to Dell Road. I think if Dell
1 Road was sealed off completely, because I do envision seeing a lot of vehicles going in and through that
particular area from the Press, and let me back up one or two. I don't think we've had any problem at all with
the Press in doing their proposed warehouse expansion at any given time. This was brought in and as John
indicated, it would have to be a joint application. And I still don't understand that. Making that warehouse
' capacity space, I'd say all well and good. Let's move ahead. I don't have any problem with that. But it
seemed like something else was being pushed to get both things in at one given time and I think that's probably
some of the concerns that we're hearing. But I do see, as I mentioned, the access of the employees coming out
' and getting off Dell Road to reach the stop and go light in that location. I also see some of the other businesses
on down that line possibly using that same exit as well. Creating more traffic. Not just the Press, but you have
two other businesses right along there which is going to, as CoUmn mentioned, I have some concern with that.
And I really do, because there's going to be a lot more traffic moving in this location and going back to the
normal flow and going back in there around the Press on 77th Street and exiting out onto Dell Road. I see that
as one of my real concerns and it's been that way since... Richard.
Councilman Wing: Let me ask a question...
Mayor Chmiel: No, go ahead.
Councilman Wing: I take a little, maybe a couple other little off beat approaches here. We just got done tonight
talking about a building we're really frustrated with across the street and the use of block and it's roof and so on
' and so forth. And if we look at items I thru 10, the daycare issue I mean is very significant. I would agree
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51 1
with that and I support daycare anyplace we can get it. I think there is a need for that but I'm not willing to try
and it someplace it doesn't belong nor am I willing to drop my development standards to get it there. And
put
that's kind of how I felt. As this thing evolved we were talking about cars careening out of control. I'll bring
up a tank truck careening out of control at Dell Road or a haz mat spill or incident at Dell Road. It's a 55 mph
highway. We're worried about traffic going out of control and then the power line issue came up. So this
didn't turn out to be a very warm, fuzzy, cozy corner for a daycare center all of a sudden. If it had been moved
to the north lot I wouldn't have questioned the building, it's style, anything. I think it's a great idea. But
,
suddenly we had kind of a home like structure coming into an IOP district, which I agree with Colleen. May be
no different than the church going but this is on our highway. It's not second tier or off our highway. They're
tucked down in an industrial path somewhere down the road. 'Ibis is our gateway lot to our city so we're trying
,
to put a daycare center under power lines with heavy traffic with a traffic flow that doesn't, apparently doesn't
work real well. Planning Commission hasn't felt so. And it just, I started to back off you know. Would I want
to put my children here? Well I started to say, no. I don't think 1 would approve this because I don't think I'd
put my children there if we're talking about cars that can go out of control and power line issues that we can't
'
resolve because we don't know, and I'm not going to use those as excuses because I don't think either one are
real big issues. So daycare I support but I guess I don't' support it in this lot. With the health issues that were
brought up. With the access issues that were brought up. With the Highway 5 corridor study and it's desire to
,
have parking lots and everything behind. The building's forward. The building forward. All the parking lot and
elements behind the highway and that wasn't met. And then I went out and I looked at 4 Kindercare buildings,
and if you thought the Goodyear was appalling, I was really set back by what I saw in Bloomington and Eden
Prairie and I took pictures of the roofs and I brought them back to Planning and I said, if nothing else, if you
approve this, at least improve the roofs. Get rid of, I mean just the straight linear roof has been an issue. And
they're just not qualify buildings. You can call them commercial but there's homes in the area that I think are
of better quality. So I didn't see this compatible in an IOP district. As a matter of fact, if I could digress just to
'
a New Yorker cartoon where it has the little old lady with the shotgun across her lap. Sitting in her little
Victorian house rocking and on all sides of her are these enormous skyscrapers and she says, I'm not going to
sell. I kind of looked at this building up against the quality building of the Press, it's kind of that same style. I
mean it's sort of, it just didn't go together so for me this just didn't sell. And the Planning Commission I think
just did everything possible to try and extract the quality we have a right to deserve on Highway 5. Again, if
this was second tier I wouldn't question it but this is the front tier of Highway 5 and I think they did a good job.
I think they had every angle they could. They tried to do the best they could. I could just pick a page at
'
random here, which I just did and they talked about not fitting in and the problems with the traffic. That
daycare isn't dependent on being on a major highway. It doesn't need that exposure. I mean there's a desire
there. They could fill it up tomorrow. I mean they've got all these applications in. We're trying to work
'
something in that just doesn't fit. Circulation wise. So I agree and I guess what this boils down to, and let me
just get it into one sentence. I just guess in this case I really do support the Planning Commission
recommendations and would approve the Press. I have no problem other than with that wall ... seeing that design
and if you elect to go with this Kindercare, then I at least think we ought to extract something off this roof.
We've got a mistake across the street and I think the roofline on this building, based on what I've seen of the
other buildings, is very poor. So I support the Planning Commission recommendations.
,
Mayor Chmiel: Okay.
Greg Eswine: Mr. Mayor, I would like to respond directly to a few of the comments please.
Mayor Chmiel: Sure.
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994
Greg Eswine: My name is Greg Eswine and I'm Director of Real Estate for Kindercare and I was the person
who chose this site, as I have many others throughout the United States. I've been doing this for approximately
10 1/2 years. I've done major consulting with a lot of corporations, companies that utilize childcare throughout
the country as well. In speaking to the traffic issue, again traffic circulation and traffic is always a main concern
for us because anytime we're selecting a site, probably the most primary concern that we look at is ingress and
egress and how, about the safety and how easy and accessibility it is for the parents. Because parents, when
they're choosing child care, besides the fact the lack of facilities, is how easily they can get in and out of a
facility and on their way to work and vice versa coming home to pick up their children. When we talk about
capacity of building and Mr. Mayor, you were responding directly to you. You see a major flow and for some
reason conceptually people think because you have 100 child capacity center, all 100 children you know
converge on this piece of property all at one time. In other municipalities we've done studies where basically,
because in our business, we actually have sign in and sign out sheets. We don't have a drop off area where
children can get out. They have to sign in and sign out on these sheets and studies in the past, what we have
done, and we do have peak hours. We have peak hours from basically 6:30 to probably 8:30 and then in the
afternoons from again probably 4:30 to 6:00 or 4:00 to 6:00, depending on what area of the country that we're
in. In those studies we have found that typically the number of students that you're talking about on the
sizability and capacity, probably any given half hour no more than 28 to 32 cars per a half hour period. And
again, it may vary on this particular building as to capacity but again, when people start relating in half hour
segments and the fact that these people, and a lot of people do go to work at many of the same times and some
at different times and I'm not arguing what the traffic studies and any of it's case. The other thing they don't
take into consideration is a big majority of our capacity is after school children which we do a pick -up scenario
at the schools and the location which takes up a large percentage of those children as well. Now in the
afternoon, yes. They are being picked up but also those percentage of children also, when you're looking at
traffic and cars, you're also looking at a percentage of those that are two children families which again, reduces
the number of cars. I'm not saying traffic. Traffic is a consideration but it's not, it's not as mass congestion as
what you're talking about. The reason that we selected and had initially in this plan more parking spaces than
was last recommended by the plans is the fact that we try to have the sufficient parking spaces and even the
drawings on this plan, what it does take in large consideration. You don't have stacking problems when you
come in off of Highway 5 taking, whether you're heading west or heading east. You go to 77th Street and take
a left and come down again the Press Inc. combination drop. Now in our demographic studies, and you know
your own neighborhoods but to the north we expect a lot of children from this neighborhood, which we feel
again Dell Road, and having the right -in and right -out, we feel is a benefit and alleviates some of the problems
and makes the access to get in and out very easily. As far as some of the other things that we're talking about,
when it comes to building and I'm getting off of traffic but I looked at, and again I'm not talking about other
child care. I've looked at the competition that we would look at just like they would look at us. You know New
Horizon is right off the Highway 5 traffic circulation and again, I realize this is what you're saying. You want
to make sure that everything is better than what's been allowed before. You want to improve the aesthetics and
the accessibility for the community. But speaking circulation problems, this is probably about 250% over that.
You go up north of this site. There's a child care up near the little strip center with gas pumps and you pull
into the little strip center and everybody's going in and out of the store and talk about access again. This is
probably 250% better and we're counting on the accessibility being much better and safer and so forth for our
parents. Mr. Wing, in chatting with you about the building. Again, I can't always tell you that all our older
facilities around the country has been state of the art. In fact the sites that we do select nowadays we probably
view for the practice of investment and everything else. We probably go to more so commercial sites. We are a
public company and there are concerns from a public standpoint in our investments. But the building that we
have, and I've been told numerous times of the comments and I've heard your comments before and again,
they're well respected. I mean the aesthetics and the concerns that you guys are putting for us are the same
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994 1
53
thins that we want. We don't want to o into an area where the area goes down. Our investment goes away. I
8 B 8 g Y
mean many times we're concerned and just as much as you are, about the same thing. To me the industrial area,
again I realize we're going for a special use to get into this part of it. How you can say that our building is
'
detrimental or less than what the Press Inc or any of them sitting there, and this again, the Press Inc. is very
viable and valuable to us as well in reaching say a partnership. Well not a partnership but there's still some
cross items that we all have to agree to. I feel our building's very compatible and actually I feel our building's
even aesthetically better and to have a gateway to the area as opposed to an institutionalized building, I feel it is,
'
as John had indicated, a very good building transition wise. The roofline, and I've got some recent photos of
our current building, and I'm sorry if you folks have not received these but yes we do have some venting on the
roof line. It is painted and we try to be brought in the color scheme with the roof line where it doesn't stick out.
,
That there are certain things from licensing from state agencies and so forth, that we do have to vent to have
proper bathrooms and the different things that we require to have in these facilities. And I've got so many, I'd
like to just, there's a couple looks of our building and our current, that's one of our newer buildings. If you
would like to, front and back. I'm not sure ideally what it is you're looking for and again, I guess we can all
say you can go to a certain extreme and everything's better but also the fact is that we do have to look at the
economics and affordability from the parents side in providing this. We feel that we're providing a start of the
art building. The setbacks of this building from a major highway and the signalization that you have in slowing
,
and controlling traffic is ideal as far as we're concerned. Having the equipment and the different things there,
we feel again it's all very beneficial. I mean we're not looking to build something that's not viable and
acceptable to parents. That would be the worse thing that we could possibly do. Chanhassen's very important to
us. We want to get into this community and I can assure you that if we succeed in this situation, we know
there's another school site that's being built and so we look to probably sometime within another 18 months put
another facility in. And we're doing things throughout the Minneapolis community. Again, when they talk
about electro magnetic fields, I don't want to get into all of that but basically, as John indicated, we're looking at
'
these things for future investment, not only in our property and our buildings but for the children's future as
well. And I think being a very aggressive company, we only have to be able to address those things. A couple
other items just very quickly is I noticed there was a comment about turning radius. Again, having a street
that's parallel going in to the Press Inc and also Dell Road, you know fire trucks and different things as far as
turning radius I feel has again as probably as good of access, more so than any of the other child care facilities.
And again, I'm not comparing. It's like comparing yourself to something that's less than what you expect and
I'm not trying to do that. In fact we try to better our conditions and even some of our own buildings I can
assure you ... even our monetary efforts to be able to do so to select better sites. Back a number of years ago we
were not capable of what we are not today so. Again, I didn't mean to go into a long speech here but I did feel.
it was necessary to note some of the things. Not that it changes anything in your mind. But again I do feel that
'
we have addressed and looked at all the issues that you say. There's probably a few things if we could make
everything absolutely ideal, we could probably change a couple of those items but where do we do that.
Mayor Chmiel. Well I think really what I was saying, I'm sure you need the accessibility for parents and easy
access in and out but what I'm saying too is you're looking at approximately 3, 5, maybe 600 total employees
that work on that particular road who would possibly use this entrance for an exit coming from the west going
,
east to get onto Dell Road. And that's where I see a lot of flow that would be there. Including the Press
people. There's no way you're going to stand there. You can make that appeal to your employees to not use it
and that might work for 2 weeks but after that it's gone.
Greg Eswine: I can understand that. We do have relationships ... universities, hospitals. We have two sites down
at Disney World which we have a lot of the very same type circumstances and in those cases those companies ... I
don't know how that would be quicker in getting out but again, I understand what you're talking about...I won't
'
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I rationalize a way.
Mayor Chmiel: Yeah, and as far as the lines that are there, the magnetic fields, I have more concern with the
S02 content that's there coming from those vehicles more than anything else as well.
' Greg Eswine: I'm sorry, the what?
Mayor Chmiel: The S02 that you're getting from your vehicles. And there's a lot of vehicles moving up and
down Highway 5 on a continuous basis. Something... looked at. Richard.
' Councilman Wing: Kate, you know even if this moves ahead and approve I've got to ask a couple of questions
here. I've been to every Council meeting and we're talking Highway 5. We're talking quality. And again when
I back up tonight and we're frustrated with what's happened to Goodyear. I have never seen, I've gone out and
looked at 4 Kindercares and other numerous daycares, and you've eluded to your older buildings. I won't
question a minute that those are older buildings but I don't want them in my neighborhood.
' Greg Eswine: You don't want what?
Councilman Wing: I don't want the buildings I saw, Kindercare buildings in my neighborhood I don't want
them to happen on my shift and I would, I'll grant you they were older buildings. Kate, I'm sitting here as a
Council member. I have never seen a drawings. A sketch. A picture. I have seen nothing to do with this
building. I'd like to know more about roof design. It says here that no roof top equipment shall be visible from
Highway 5, Dell Road or 77th Street. The pictures we saw are loaded with stuff. Fences. Fence colors. One
daycare had some wrought iron fence on the main road side and then the chain link on others. I mean there's
just, the fence, the landscaping, what about the landscaping issues? Have those been resolved on this great big
wall the Planning Commission was talking about? Are the trees there and where are the landscape plans for
this? You're coming at us here with absolutely nothing. That's the only drawing I've ever seen in 2 months.
That's not very impressive and then you present the pictures tonight. I've never seen that building before
tonight. How can we be looking at a gateway project without any information whatsoever? I mean we really, if
those of us here that care about quality and design in some of these issues, aside from the daycare issue, where
is the information? I didn't attend two of the Planning Commission meetings, mainly in deference to Mark. I
didn't want to be there and confuse his presentation and put pressure or stress on him so I relied on what was
' coming tonight. And you needn't go any further but I haven't seen this building. I haven't seen a picture of it,
a design of it or a drawing of it. And I'm, if I approve it tonight I'd just be saying okay. I'd rather have
daycare. I don't care about these other issues. Daycare's all that matters.
' Councilman Mason: Isn't this site plan review and preliminary though Richard?
Don Ashworth: That's correct.
Councilman Mason: I mean this stuff typically follows later. I mean these are discussions that, these are
discussions.
Councilman Wing: Well no.
Councilman Mason: Well these are.
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994 1
Councilman Wing: Next time it's final. It's done. I
55 1
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Councilman Mason: These are discussions that I know have been problems with Planning Commission in
expecting everything on the first round and I don't think we're being fair if we expect everything.
Councilman Wing: Next one could go on the consent agenda Mike.
'
Councilman Mason: No. Not final plat approval.
Councilman Wing: What's going to be different? Are you guys going to come in here with more
presentations? For what reason? Who would ask for them or deny them?
Councilman Mason: Dick, Dick. What I'm saying is, and this is the discussions I've had with people in the city
and what not and why would a developer who is entertaining an idea of coming to the city spend all the money
and all the time knowing that they might get turned down. This stuff, unless I'm incorrect, this stuff comes later
down the line.
,
Mayor Chmiel: Some of it does, yes.
,
Councilwoman Dockendorf. And I would think staff knows that in a project like this we would see it on a
second round and it wouldn't go on a consent agenda.
Councilman Wing: What are we going to see different than we saw tonight?
'
Kate Aanenson: Well it was included in your site, all the renderings and building elevations are included in your
packet. There wasn't at Planning Commission pictures that were available and a lot more detail or spent on
'
architectural. I guess if you wanted us to go through that part in more detail in the staff report we could. That
was a rendering that was represented that showed the building elevations. What you see from Highway 5.
Councilman Wing: The only thing it really shows maybe what we're doing is the pictures themselves which.
Kate Aanenson: Right. There's all those materials were shown at the Planning Commission... building and
architectural stuff if you want.
,
Councilman Wing: For some reason then Planning didn't buy this.
Kate Aanenson: Well we listed the reasons in the report why the Planning Commission.
'
Councilman Wing: And architectural standards and IOP compatibility were a couple of them.
Kate Aanenson: Well I think it's clear what Sharmin put in here. Maybe Commissioner Mancino may want to
address it but I think architectural style was discussed and I think the focus was incompatibility between the
Press building and the Kindercare. I'm not talking about...
'
Councilman Mason: You know we talk about a gateway and we talk about, I'm getting, I don't know. Maybe
the frustration level is high tonight but what better sign for people coming into Chanhassen. You know I'm not
even saying I'm for or against this project. But I'm hearing this doesn't fit in. This is gateway. This is this.
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994
This is that. You know, my kids are older now so I won't use it but on the other hand, driving into town and
seeing child care right there, what kind of message is that for people driving through Chanhassen?
Councilman Wing: Daycare was my number one consideration. No problem. I'm talking quality. Architectural
design. Standards, etc, etc. I don't want to drop those standards to get daycare on that comer. I'm not opposed
to the use.
Councilman Mason: I don't think anyone's saying those standards are necessarily going to get dropped. I'm
hearing they've got all this room they're going to give us to landscape or put in some kind of monument. I
mean I'm not, it's like I'm hearing some mixed messages here. Maybe it's' me not hearing right.
Councilman Wing: I haven't seen or heard any of that. It's theory. And I'm basing everything again on having
gone around to tour daycare centers. No one showed me where this is going to be a quality building.
Compatible with an IOP district. Compatible to.
Mayor Chmiel: But not only with that preliminary you also have a conditional use. You're approving a
conditional use. You then approve it with conditions contained within.
Councilman Senn: Those are the same plans that were submitted to the Planning Commission several months
ago.
Greg Eswine: Mr. Wing, I'm standing here before you and listening to you and I heard you address and actually
you've seen the very same items... cancelled meeting approximately 30 days ago. In fact I was very irritated
when I came back and saying how can we get to this stage after going through all the number of things that we
did for you not to have seen pictures of our building. To be referring to the things that we do and when I asked
these questions and so forth, I was told that it was all in the packages and it was before staff and the packages, I
assume from you guys, had not been looked at at this point because it hadn't gotten to you. I asked the question
at that time, and I do this all over the country. Do I need to go before these people and again, because this
project is special for us. Do I need to personally address, and I'll be glad to show you any renderings or
anything that is necessary? I'm told that your procedure is such that you review each and every bit of that and
that your staff does a complete job and that they have these things to be able to show you. I'm not sitting here
and I don't want to be argumentative but the same questions you're asking...
Mayor Chmiel: I'm ready to hit my gavel with the position that you're taking and I don't particularly like that.
I think you should just settle back and go back and sit down and let us finish our discussions.
Greg Eswine: Yes sir, I'll be glad to. I didn't realize I was being disrespectful. I apologize.
Mayor Chmiel: To a certain point you were.
Greg Eswine: I didn't intend to be.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay. Any other discussion?
Councilwoman Dockendorf. Just a comment that I would. I would fully expect to see this not come back on a
consent agenda. That we get one more look at it to make sure all the is are dotted and is are crossed. And
that we're completely happy. If we do pass it tonight. That it come back.
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994 1
Mayor Chmiel: Good, thank you. Okay. I think there's been a lot of discussion on this. And there's been a lot I
57 1
Councilman Wing: Colleen if I've couple comments I'd just like
g you do pass it tonight, a got Just a up J you to
consider. Number one, next to the Burnet building in Eden Prairie, I don't like that building but right next to it
is that medical office building. It's a brick building with glass. That roofline, something about it is real quality.
It's got some breaks in it and it's got some shadowing too. I don't know what they've done or how they've
done it or what kind of roof element it is but I'd like to make sure we're capturing that type of quality on this
building. Other than that I don't, the daycare center and the building itself I don't have a problem with but let's
not put on the Goodyear roof. We made a mistake. Let's get this, and I want to make sure staff specifically
'
goes down and looks at that one building because for some reason it's a good looking building. It's not
cluttered up. The second thing, the fence issues, let's not just put in chainlink fence. Let's do something that's
got some quality to it. The traffic issues, I don't know how to address that. And also, what are you doing with
that wall on the Press? Is it landscaped? Are the trees? Do we have numbers and stuff? All that's coming
back to us? Is that large wall being cared for the way the Planning requested with trees and architectural
breaks?
'
Shartnin Al -Jaffa Yes it is.
Councilman Wing: You don't have to go over that now. We've dragged this out far enough.
1
Sharmin Al -Jaffa There is landscaping being introduced.
Nancy Mancino: Mr. Mayor, I was wondering. The Planning Commission, if I could give you any of our
thoughts, etc. I'm not talking from a personal point of view ... Planning Commission as a whole. There were ... and
2 who did. I can tell you on one issue that had to do with architectural issues, that we were all in agreement of
the roof of Kindercare. The massive roof and not fitting in with the roofs already there and not being
compatible. So that was one area we did want Kindercare to go back and look at the roofline because it was so
massive and when you leave Eden Prairie and come into Chanhassen, on both the north and south side, if you
look at DataServ, if you look at the Press and the other buildings in that area, there's more of a flat roof. There
is not a roof that's real visible so all of a sudden when the Kindercare, and there was such a massive roof.
There's no breakup or anything. To us did not feel like a transition. It was something that just felt very
incompatible. So we did ask them to go back and look at that. And we didn't get any... Technically circulation,
'
I think that became a public issue for us as far as having any sort of depressed—going to and egress from the
Kindercare lot. We were concerned with toddlers that were being picked up or dropped off and you know a lot
of times you have 2 and 3 year olds, they won't stay with you. They just kind of go running off ...whether it's to
the car or to the building that they're taken to. So that's why we were concerned with having that opening from
,
the Press parking lot out to Dell Road. That we just felt that we wanted to make sure that that didn't happen.
And we didn't want to happen once an accident. We didn't want everybody to say, here's an accident that
happened. We should have shut it off. We were concerned, and I think that we need your leadership and vision
'
here. We did talk about the Highway 5 ... because in there it very specifically says that parking lots are to be not
on the highway side. I mean very specifically. It also talks about architectural compatibility. It doesn't say that
we want all of our buildings to look alike. To be exactly the same. We want character. We want a difference
but this one, I can tell you from the Planning Commission, we just didn't feel was compatible so we need your
'
leadership if we are going to go with the Highway 5 guidelines, what that means to you because we just didn't
feel that this fit in with them. And that is, and all the way up and down Highway 5 so we would like to hear
from you...about that because we look at it with those guides. We have two of us who are intimately aware in
it...very well the comprehensive guide plan. So if we're not going to follow it, tell us what to do.
Mayor Chmiel: Good, thank you. Okay. I think there's been a lot of discussion on this. And there's been a lot I
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994
of verbiage that has been put down as to the Council's basic concerns. If we move on this, this evening, to give
that preliminary plat approval, I think somehow with the conditional use permit, that we put some specifics in
there and maybe some of those specifics can be taken from discussion that we've done and be part of that
conditional use. If they don't meet those specific requirements as to what we're looking for, then it's not
approved. Once a conditional use is issued, it's pretty hard to... You just can't do it but somehow I think I'd
like to see some, Roger. Would there be any kinds of conditions that we could put within that conditional use to
make sure that discussion that was done tonight would cover much of the concerns?
Councilman Wing: Don, they're all in here under staff recommendations.
Mayor Chmiel: I know. I know. But there could be more than what was really related to in that part of what
we were talking about.
Roger Knutson: One suggestion I have Mayor is that certain points in the recommendations it says, this is an
example. The applicant will provide plans to include trash screening of the Press site and show the type of
materials. Where it says revise and do something, rather than having the staff approve it. If you wanted to, you
could have that come back to yourselves for approval. If you wanted discussion to revise a landscape..., you
want to see it back yourself, you can make that as a condition. But if you drop back and ... But I haven't gone
through all these items. Where that exists in conditions.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay. Is there any discussion on that?
Councilman Wing: Shingle type style and quality.
Mayor Chmiel: As an additional?
' Councilman Wing: Well let's see. Proportion. Number 24. Proportion of the roof size of the building, wall
height is incompatible. Architectural plans must be revised to reflect compatibility. The applicant shall bring in
architectural drawings of the Kindercare building to make it compatible with surrounding buildings in the area.
That's a big order. I guess I'd just, roofing material shall be of highest quality. I mean the recommendations
we've got are pretty stiff.
Mayor Chmiel: Yeah, and of course some of the concerns that we had. You know one of the things that's not
' really being addressed is the parking issue as well.
J
Councilwoman Dockendorf. I'd like to throw out an idea My big concern, I'm thinking how I would get out of
the Press parking lot or even some of the businesses to the west. If right here we ended this, end here. Have
this...I think it'd get rid of a lot of the traffic that would shoot through here and there would be some that would
come from here. We still wouldn't get access, although someone could if they really wanted to get out there but
we might be able to make ... cut off these areas. Could that be a..
Mayor Chmiel: I don't think it has but that has some potential. The existing parking on that side of the
building.
Councilwoman Dockendorf. We did have another option ... that they recommended that they show you...
Sharmin Al -Jaffa Engineering department suggested close off this access and instead between the playground
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994 1
area and proposed Lot 2, have a drive. This is going to be an out only. Right -in, right -out only. '
Councilwoman Dockendorf. So you're planning on cutting off.
Sharmin Al -Jaffa So you're cutting off this one. So traffic that will be circulating within this area is going to be
Kindercare strictly. '
Councilwoman Dockendorf. Why wasn't this idea developed further? I mean this seems to solve a lot of.
Sharmin Al -Jaffa It is in the staff report. '
Councilwoman Dockendorf. I mean that solves a lot of problems for me.
Sharmin Al -Jaffa You could make it a condition of approval. r
Councilman Wing: But then you, I know the building, they want the building where it is. If it went further to ,
the south and the playground moves on the side and the parking lot to the north, does that get too close to the
wires?
Sharmin Al -Jaffa We played with this. ,
Councilman Wing: It's the flip flop I'm speaking of.
John Dietrich: We did look at trying to turn the building and place the lot areas to the side and circulating it
like this ... by going further to the west with the amount of parking that was still necessary for the Press to make
those numbers work so the lot was ... for this type of site plan.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: What do you think about moving the road to the north?
John Dietrich: I think your first suggestion of actually closing this off would be a preferred option so that '
there's still access directly into the parking lot of the Kindercare and out because we're setting up a roadway
here not knowing what this use is. That may not even be ... to the north parcel but I think it would be important
to still have direct access of right -in and right -out for the number of vehicles that are coming from the north into ,
the daycare facility and still allow direct access into the Press.
Councilwoman Dockendorf. So there's absolutely no concepts of what may go in that north parcel?
John Dietrich: None that I'm aware of. ,
Mayor Chmiel: Well, they could also put another expansion onto the warehouse facility in itself.
Kate Aanenson: It could be parking.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay. I would entertain a motion. And also incorporate into that motion, I'd like some of
those things that were brought out by Roger to bring back to Council. We had that brought under the conditions.
I would probably think maybe Roger, should that be under the conditional use permit?
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I City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994
' Roger Knutson: Under all three. Site plan review and preliminary plat.
' Councilwoman Dockendorf: Well I will move that adding a condition 26 that that corner be blocked off and
made additional green space instead of the road there. And on condition 3. I don't think the last S words are
needed in that paragraph, unless that specifically references something that you need I've never seen us do
something like that.
' Councilman Wing: Whoever Mancino is. I know what coniferous trees are.
L
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Councilwoman Dockendorf: And I guess also, I don't know if this is a condition but I do want to see this come
back in front of Council.
Mayor Chmiel: That should also be in there.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: That we need to see it again. And I do trust that staff is aware of our concerns.
Kate Aanenson: So you're tabling it and you want to see it again?
Councilwoman Dockendorf. The final. Just on the final. I don't want to see it a consent agenda item. I want
to see it.
Kate Aanenson: ...only do the site plan review once. I understand you want to see it back things that are
missing but you want to see all of it come back?
Councilman Wing: Well there's 26 conditions on here. One of them is that they have to redesign the roof.
Those are major issues that have to come back. And I want to see the landscape plan.
Kate Aanenson: Shouldn't that be a tabling?
Roger Knutson: What they're giving is concept. Essentially concept approval.
Kate Aanenson: Do we have a concept...?
Mayor Chmiel: Well, that's a questionable thing too. Should this be tabled rather than giving concept or come
back?
Roger Knutson: Mayor, it's your call. You could do it, either one does the same thing.
Mayor Chmiel: Yeah. I guess it doesn't really matter to me. One way or the other.
Councilwoman Dockendorf: Well I'd rather do a concept site approval than a tabling. Whatever that hybrid is.
A concept site approval.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, we have a motion on the floor.
Councilman Wing: Second.
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994 1
Mayor Chmiel: It's been seconded. Any other discussion? '
Councilwoman Dockendorf moved, Councilman Wing seconded to conceptually approve Site Plan Review '
#94-1 as shown on the site plan received April 13, 1994, and revised on June 1, 1994, subject to the
following conditions:
1. That the applicant must revise plans to include trash screening of the Press site and show the type of '
materials used to screen the trash enclosures on the Press site. Plans must be submitted for staff review
prior to City Council meeting.
2. The applicant must obtain a sign permit prior to erecting any signage on site. The monument sign on '
the Kinder Care site shall utilize brick as a base for the sign rather than metal poles.
3. The applicant shall provide a meandering berm with landscaping along the south portion of the site, '
between the parking lot and Highway 5. The height of the berm shall be between 3 and 4 feet. The
applicant shall also provide staff with a detailed cost estimate of landscaping to be used in calculating '
the required financial guarantees. These guarantees must be posted prior to building permit issuance.
There shall be added landscaping to the perimeter of the Press expansion of coniferous trees.
4. The applicant shall enter into a site plan development contract with the city and provide the necessary '
financial securities as required for landscaping.
5. Meet all conditions outlined in the Fire Marshal's memo dated March 10, 1994. ,
6. The Press addition shall contain some architectural detailing (with relief) to break up the long wall
masses. '
7. Concurrent with the building permit, a detailed lighting plan meeting city standards shall be submitted.
8. The grading/utility plan shall be revised to incorporate storm sewers in the parking lot's drive aisles for '
the Press. Detailed drainage calculations for a 10 year storm event shall be submitted to the City
Engineer for review and approval.
9. The applicant shall apply and comply with the necessary permits from the appropriate agencies (NiPCA, '
Watershed District, and City Building Department).
10. Silt fence shall be placed along the northern property line where the parking lot for the Press is being
relocated.
11. A rock construction entrance shall also be placed at the driveway entrance to the Kinder Care site off of I
Dell Road.
12. The applicant shall utilize the existing water service from Dell Road. Open cutting of Dell Road will be
prohibited.
13. The main thoroughfare (drive aisle) located on the Press site north of the main parking lot area should
be a minimum width of 26 feet with turning radiuses at 77th Street West of 30 feet and two way '
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j City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994
'
traffic. In
addition, the main thoroughfare (drive aisle) shall be posted with no parking signs.
14.
The driveway access point shall be constructed in accordance to the City's typical industrial driveway
apron detail.
15.
The applicant shall provide the City with a security deposit (letter of credit or cash escrow) in the
'
amount of $5,000.00 to guarantee boulevard restoration. All boulevards disturbed as a result of the site
improvements shall be restored with sod.
'
16.
Conditions of the Building Official's memo dated March 25, 1994.
17.
An island or a speed bump shall be placed between the Press and Kinder Care site to slow down and
discourage traffic from cutting through the Kinder Care site.
18.
No roof top equipment shall be visible from Highway 5, Dell Road or 77th Street West.
'
19.
Brick shall be used on the Kinder Care facade to resemble the building shown in the submitted
photographs.
'
20.
The traffic circulation and parking lot layout shall be revised as shown on the revised plan prepared by
Strgar- Roscoe - Fausch, Inc. Access to Dell Road shall be revised to a right -out only to eliminate
short cuts. The maximum number of parking stalls will be limited to 33.
'
21.
The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the traffic study prepared by SRF.
22.
There shall be a landscaping easement of 30 feet running parallel to Highway 5 and then north
parallel to Dell Road a distance of 75 feet. A significant number of trees shall be placed on the
'
southeast corner for an entryway. Plantings around the building as well as interior parking shall
be provided.
23.
Staff shall review an east/west connection.
24.
Proportion of the roof size to the building wall height is incompatible. Architectural plans must
'
be revised to reflect compatibility. The applicant shall bring in architectural drawings of the
Kinder Care building making it compatible with buildings in the surrounding area.
25.
The applicant shall move the Kinder Care building 40 feet to the north to realig. Lire driveway access
'
onto Dell Road to accommodate emergency vehicle and school bus turning movements."
'
26.
The corner will be blocked off and made into additional green space.
27.
The City Council will review the final plans as an agenda item.
'
All voted
in favor, except Councilman Mason and Councilman Senn who abstained, and the motion
carried.
' Councilman Mason: Where does abstaining fit into this? I'm abstaining from this vote.
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City Council Meeting - June 13, 1994
Councilman Senn: I will too. '
Councilman Mason: I guess I want to go on the record as abstaining.
Councilman Senn: So am 1.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, two abstentions and three who... I
Don Ashworth: Just a clarification. I think what staff is treating this as, a vote by the Council telling the
developer to either work this stuff out if we're going to approve these things. It really has no other meaning '
than that. It's just kind of a rough, an initial approval that's putting the challenge back to them to work this out.
Councilman Wing: Well if we go with this hybrid, I guess I would gone along with staff recommendation for
the preliminary plat with the 26 conditions. But still to get to final you have to have all 26 conditions met, 1
right? To me it doesn't make it, and I don't care what you choose to do. Either one is fine with me. And I can
approve this as is but 26 conditions have to be met.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, we'll move on. '
CITY CODE SECTION 18 -57, STREETS, BY AMENDING (N) AND (0) TO INCLUDE STANDARDS '
FOR PRIVATE DRIVEWAYS SERVING R4, R8, R12, R16 AND NON - RESIDENTIAL USES.
Sharmin Al -Jaffa One of the reasons why we're trying to develop standards for private streets is because we
have three applications coming in. Planned unit developments for multi- family projects which are Mission Hills, '
Chan Corporate Center and Heritage Development that will be utilizing private driveways. Frankly we don't
have any standards for them. We do have standards for residential single family. Up to 4 single family homes
can utilize a private street. Those conditions have been a result of meetings between planning, engineering and '
the fire department. We are recommending approval of this ordinance. Planning Commission reviewed this
item. They approved it. There were a couple of issues that they looked at which was impact of this ordinance
on affordable housing. And because it narrows the width of those, you're going to have less cost associated.
Also, the impact of hard surface... surface coverage and again, that's going to be less because your streets are ,
going to be narrower. We are recommending approval with the ... shown in the staff report.
Mayor Chmiel: Okay, you're saying they're going to be narrower. From what to what now? From 30 to 24? I
Whatever it was in here.
Sharmin Al -Jaffa Well, assuming that we go with a typical street section, then it's 60 feet versus the widest you ,
will find on this ordinance is 36 feet
Mayor Chmiel: Okay.
Councilman Wing: For a private street driveway.
Sharmin Al -Jaffa Correct. t
Kate Aanenson: This is typical what you find in, like Opus has...and some of the individuals to get to the
apartment complex there are private streets that are servicing those. So typically they're just found in, as '
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