1e Approval of MinutesCHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
JUNE 28, 1999
Acting Mayor Senn called the work session meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Mayor Senn, Councilwoman Jansen, Councilman Labatt,
and Councilman Engel
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Mancino
STAFF PRESENT: Kate Aanenson, Cindy Kirchoff, Bob Generous, Todd Hoffman, Scott Botcher,
Roger Knutson, Charles Folch, and Anita Benson
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. AWARD OF BID FOR INFILTRATION/INFLOW DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT98-2.
No questions were asked by Council. Acting Mayor Senn stated that he will be pulling this item for the
vote.
B. AWARD OF BID FOR STONE CREEK DRIVE STREET AND UTILITY
IMPROVEMENTS~ PROJECT 98-15.
Councilman Labatt asked if the additional costs for this project would be covered by the developer. Staff
indicated that this project would be 100% assessed. Councilwoman Jansen asked if the city carried any
costs and staff answered no.
C. APPROVE TH 7/41 INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
Acting Mayor Senn asked for clarification from the city engineer on this item.
ge
LYNMORE SUBDIVISION~ FINAL PLAT APPROVAL~ SECOND READING OF A CITY
CODE AMENDMENT REZONING THE PROPERTY~ APPROVE DEVELOPMENT
CONTRACT AND CONSTRUCTION PLANS & SPECIFICATIONS~ PROJECT 99-10.
Staff indicated that the applicant may wish to pull this item off of the.consent agenda for discussion. The
applicant had some questions regarding park dedication. Acting Mayor Senn stated that he would ask the
applicant if he wants to table this item to discuss it further with staffand discuss it at the end of the
agenda.
UPDATE ON Y2K ASSESSMENT FOR PUBLIC WORKS~ AUTHORIZE PREPARATION
OF SPECIFICATIONS FOR NEEDED REPAIRS.
Councilwoman Jansen stated that she did not feel this request seemed Y2K oriented. Charles Folch
explained his rationale for the request. Acting Mayor Senn asked about funding for these items through a
bond issue. The City Manager stated it hadn't been bonded yet but this item could be attached onto a
bond. Acting Mayor Senn asked that this item be pulled off the consent agenda to allow staff to bring
back more information to Council regarding what's been budgeted and what's been spent out of the Y2K
fund and contingency fund.
Ge
APPROVE EASEMENT AGREEMENTS~ LAKE DRIVE WEST STREET AND UTILITY
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 98-16.
Councilwoman Jansen asked if this plan was leaving a gap in the buffer and if this would be setting
precedent. The City Manager and City Engineer clarified this item. Councilwoman Jansen asked that if
this item goes ahead, that a notation be put into the item stating that the landscape buffer was per the
landowners request and should be put in the easement agreement.
H. APPROVAL OF BILLS.
Councilman Labatt had a couple of questions regarding Carver County and the Minnesota Trucking
Association payments which Charles Folch explained.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilwoman Jansen asked if she should abstain from voting on the minutes of a meeting she was
absent from. The City Attorney stated that that would not be necessary.
J. APPROVAL OF GAMBLING PERMIT FOR CHANHASSEN AMERICAN LEGION
CLUB.
No questions were asked on this item.
K. APPROVAL OF 1998 TRANSFER AND FUND CLOSINGS.
Acting Mayor Senn asked about the $300,000 transfer from Park and Rec. Todd Hoffman clarified that
$200,000 had been approved and $100,000 had been talked by the Council. The City Manager provided
options for the council. Acting Mayor Senn asked if this item needed to be acted on at this evening's
meeting and the City Manager stated it didn't have to be, except that it would affect the audit.
Councilman Jansen suggested pull the one item and approving the rest of the 1998 transfers and fund
closings.
L. APPROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT~ SECOND AND FINAL READING.
No questions were asked on this item.
M. APPROVE RESOLUTION EXERCISING LOCAL LEVY OPTION~ 2000 TRANSIT
SERVICES.
Acting Mayor Senn asked for clarification that this item was approving the "opt out" only and not a
funding request, which the City Manager stated was correct.
2. TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAGE AND STRIPING REQUEST EVALUATION ON LAKE
LUCY ROAD~ PROJECT 9%5.
Councilman Labatt asked if the City has jurisdiction to place a stop sign at this location and the City
Engineer stated they did as long as it met with Municipal State Aid guidelines. Councilman Labatt asked
how you could enforce a non-conforming stop sign.
3. REQUEST FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE HIDDEN VALLEY PUD TO ALLOW
CHURCH FACH_,ITIES~ ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES~ OR OFFICES AND MEDIUM
DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AS PERMITTED USES AND TO INCORPORATE SPECIFIC
DESIGN PARAMETERS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF LOT 1~ BLOCK 7~ HIDDEN
VALLEY~ 275 LAKE DRIVE EAST~ FAMILY OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH.
There was discussion on how much public input should be taken at the meeting, since there had been
numerous public hearings held previously. Kate Aanenson outlined the procedure for staff presentation
and what options the Council would have at the meeting. Roger Knutson stated that this was just first
reading for the rezoning and only needed a majority vote of those voting to move it to second reading
where it would require a 4/5 vote. Acting Mayor Senn asked ifrezoning could be done with limitations.
The City Attorney stated that could be done using Conditional Use Permit as an example.
Acting Mayor Senn adjourned the work session meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Submitted by Scott Botcher
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
3
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 28, 1999
Acting Mayor Senn called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. The meeting was opened with the Pledge to
the Flag.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Mayor Senn, Councilman Engel, Councilman Labatt, and
Councilwoman Jansen
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Mancino
STAFF PRESENT: Scott Botcher, Roger Knutson, Kate Aanenson, Bob Generous, Cindy Kirchoff,
Anita Benson, Dave Hempel, and Todd Hoffman
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Councilman Engel moved, Councilman Labatt seconded to approve the
agenda as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Acting Mayor Senn: The consent agenda items tonight, are there any people present or applicants
present who have items on the consent agenda who would like to have those items pulled for
consideration under the regular agenda? One at a time and please come to the microphone.
Bob Ayotte: Good evening Councilman Senn. My name is Bob Ayotte. I live at 6213 Cascade Pass. I'd
like to have item 1 (a) pulled for discussion please.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, item l(a) will be pulled. Okay.
Steve Slutner: My name is Steve Slutner representing Lynmore Subdivision and we would like that item
pulled for discussion please. I'm sorry I'm not organized. I do not have an agenda in front of me.
Acting Mayor Senn: It's l(e). Okay. Is that, now are either of these issues in relationship to issues you
have with the staff on staff report?
Steve Slutner: I would say our issues is just a couple minor clarifications that we want, with regards to
outlot status.
Acting Mayor Senn: Again, trying to save your time more than ours, there's two choices here. If you
have things to work out with staff, we can simply table it at this point and you can go back and work
those out with staff. Your other option is this will be moved to the end of the agenda, which means it
will be at least several hours from now before we get back to this item.
Steve Slutner: I think we'd prefer to stay on the agenda.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, you'd like to stay on and wait till the end?
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Steve Slutner: We feel it's just a couple items that we should be able to take care of this evening.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, that's fine. Your choice. No problem. Bob, what about you?
Bob Ayotte: I pulled some of our neighbors out to discuss it this evening so we'd like to pull it and have
a discussion this evening if we may with council.
Acting Mayor Senn: Alrighty. Okay, so those, let's see here. Items l(a) and l(e) will be pulled at the
request of the audience and/or applicant. Are them any items that council people wish to have removed
fi.om the consent agenda?
Councilwoman Jansen: If we could remove 1 (f).
Councilman Engel: We're not pulling it, we're removing it?
Councilwoman Jansen: Removing it.
Acting Mayor Senn: Remove it from the agenda, okay. Okay, so with those being removed then, could
we have a motion to approve the consent agenda with the remaining items.
Councilwoman Jansen moved, Councilman Eh#el seconded to approve the following Consent
Agenda items pursuant to the City Manager's recommendations:
b. Resolution #99-51: Award of Bid for Stone Creek Drive Street and Utility Improvements, Project
98-15.
c. Approve TH 7/41 Intersection Improvements Project, PW067D-4.
g. Approve Easement Agreements; Lake Drive West Street and Utility Improvements, Project 98-16.
h. Approval of Bills.
i. Approval of Minutes:
-City Council Work Session Minutes dated June 1, 1999
-City Council Work Session Minutes dated June 14, 1999
-City Council Minutes dated June 14, 1999
Receive Commission Minutes:
-Planning Commission Minutes dated June 2, 1999
Resolution #99-52: Approval of Gambling Permit for Chanhassen American Legion Club.
Resolution #99-531 Approval of 1998 Transfers and Fund Closings as amended.
Resolution #99-54: Approve Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Second and Final Reading.
m. Resolution #99-55: Approve Resolution Exercising Local Levy Option, 2000 Transit Services.
All voted in favor and the motion carried.
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAGE AND STRIPING REQUEST EVALUATION ON LAKE LUCY
ROAD~ PROJECT 97-5.
Public Present:
Name Address
Sue & Larry Marry
Stephen Kerkvliet
2117 Lake Lucy Road
2201 Lake Lucy Road
Anita Benson: Chanhassen City Council directed the engineering department to perform a warrants
analysis for the intersection of Manchester Drive and Lake Lucy Road to evaluate the need for a four way
stop at this location and to provide council with a rationale for the double yellow line on Lake Lucy
Road. This item was discussed at the June 14, 1999 City Council meeting. However, due to requests for
additional information, the item was tabled. Additional information requested is the impact of installing
unwarranted signage as it affects the municipal state aid status of Lake Lucy Road. Traffic count
numbers for peak traffic volumes is provided and the public safety department performed a speed study
on Lake Lucy Road in the area of Manchester Drive. In conversations I've had with MnDOT staff, and
the Metro Division State Aid Department, I've been informed that regulation of installation of signs on
existing state aid routes is not performed due to lack of adequate personnel. However, if a complaint is
received by the State Aid division of the installation of inappropriate signage on a state aid route, they
would request that the signage be removed. Additionally MnDOT will assume no liability associated
with inappropriate signage installed on municipal state aid routes.. I've attached in your packets language
from Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169 which outlines the local jurisdictions responsibility. Peak traffic
volumes are included in the report for Wednesday, April 28th through Friday, April 30, 1999 when the
engineering department performed these counts. The correction to the dates listed in the memo presented
at the June 14t~' meeting.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, so essentially we have the information in from of us we asked for. The
primary question we asked was do we have a say over basically the signage and we've got the answer
back on that. Is there any additional council discussion on this information? Does council want to make
a motion or?
Councilwoman Jansen: So based on this information, you've already had the public hearing as far as
taking any input?
Acting Mayor Senn: Yes.
Councilwoman Jansen: Okay.
Acting Mayor Senn: We took the input at the last meeting and these were the items that effectively were
questions that needed to be dealt with or responded to before we were going to take an action on it.
Councilwoman Jansen: Okay. I guess as far as making any comments, with Anita having gotten back to
us with this information. The conversation that we just had briefly in the work session, just to share it
with the residents, was a question of whether or not we can even enforce the stop sign. We would not be
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
able to do that and so the purpose of putting the stop sign is relatively ineffective. If we provide the
increase in speed enforcement. We now have the crosswalk in place and really monitored at this point it
would seem to all of us, and again add comment that we can't really enforce the stop sign as requested in
that it is against municipal state aid guidelines as presented by staff. I guess I would just add that so that
conversation is on the record.
Acting Mayor Senn: Any other comments?
Councilman Labatt: No. Linda has the same as I had.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay if not, could I have a motion please?
Councilman Labatt: I make a motion to, according to staff's recommendation of May 7th memo.
Attached on the back. Right before the map. Reinstall the double yellow line. The crosswalk's been
installed, and the public safety department to increase enforcement of the 30 mph speed limit on the road.
Councilwoman Jansen: I'd second.
Acting Mayor Senn: Discussion on the motion?
Councilman Labatt moved, Councilwoman Jansen seconded that the City CounCil make the
following recommendations for Lake Lucy Road:
The double yellow no passing zone striping be reinstalled along Lake Lucy Road shifting it to the
north to provide the 8 foot parking lane and 12 foot driving lanes.
A crosswalk be installed on the east side of the intersection to provide pedestrian access to the trail
on the north side of Lake Lucy Road.
3. The Public Safety Department provide enforcement of the 30 mph speed limit on Lake Lucy Road.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
REQUEST FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE HIDDEN VALLEY PUD TO ALLOW CHURCH
FACILITIES~ ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES OR OFFICES AND MEDIUM DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL AS PERMITTED USES AND TO INCORPORATE SPECIFIC DESIGN
PARAMETERS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF LOT 17 BLOCK 7~ HIDDEN VALLEY;
LOCATED SOUTH OF LAKE DRIVE EAST AND EAST OF HIDDEN COURT; 275 LAKE
DRIVE EAST~ FAMILY OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH.
Public Present:
Name Address
Brad Johnson
Dan Lorinser
Jim Murphy
P. Benjamin
Gordy Nagel
8026 Erie Avenue
8020 Erie Avenue
8021 Hidden Court
7231 Minnewashta Parkway
514 Del Rio Drive
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Brad Johnson
Jim Sulerud
Steve Nomes
Randy Koepsell
Dawn & Les Dahlberg
Bill & Pamela Franzen
Rod Franks
Chris Anderson
Mark Spangrud
Melanie Wegner
Ronald J. & Elaine A. Larson
Josh Nelson
Sue McCarthy
Sherol Howard
Jean Mansini
Dick & Pat Hamblin
Paul Nicolai
Tom & Kay Faust
Karen Klinsing
Brian Steckling
Dennis Rakoer
Dave Cameron
Tim & Adell Glaser
David Stason
Shari Lindsey
Greg Gmiterko
Carol Watson
7425 Frontier Trail
730 Vogelsberg Trail
1451 Heron Drive
1110 Dove Court
1165 Wildwood Way
2370 Stone Creek Lane West
8694 Mary Jane Circle
16886 Hanover Lane, Eden Prairie
7487 Bent Bow Trail
8727 Flamingo Drive
Waconia
566 Kassel Lane, Chaska
8001 Hidden Court
820 Santa Vera Drive
820 Santa Vera Drive
340 Sinnen Circle
8051 Hidden Circle
541 Mission Hills
8090 Hidden Court
8040 Hidden Court
7250 Greenridge Drive
8161 Hidden Court
8140 Hidden Court
250 Kirsten Lane
250 Hidden Court
8121 Hidden Court
7131 Utica Lane
Acting Mayor Senn: On this item there have already been one public hearing before the Planning
Commission. There's also been a public hearing before the council. The public hearing has been closed.
We will allow some brief comment tonight on this item once the staff report is complete. However, that
comment will be limited to about 3 minutes per person and will be limited in total to about a half hour at
most. And then we will be going on. We have a very full agenda tonight and a lot of items for
consideration so we'll do the best we can on that. Let's see here, let's start with staff report please.
Cindy Kirchoff: Thank you. This item was reviewed and tabled by the City Council on the June 14th city
council meeting to request information to further clarification on several issues. Namely the definition of
assisted living facilities. The traffic that is generated by church and the secondary uses, among other
issues. The applicant has provided a definition of assisted living facilities and that is located in the staff
report in Attachment #13. They also have supplied traffic estimates for the church uses and secondary
uses and that is also located in Attachment #12. And their information indicates that the estimate would
generate more traffic than an office use and staff has compiled a table of the proposed uses for this site,
church, office, residential and assisted living and that is located in Table 2 of the staff report. Staff
would be happy to answer any questions about that table if you have any. Since the last meeting the
applicant has supplied, or has indicated that they have a third requested use and that is an office
residential mix. Essentially what they would like is 2 one story office buildings on the northern portion
of the site and medium density residential on the southern portion of the site. This mix does offer a
transition between the single family homes to the south and the proposed office to the north. Staff does
support this use basically because it is a transition and their other use, which was mentioned at the last
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
meeting is an assisted living facility. Staffdoes support this use because again it offers a good transition.
The applicant has indicated they would like another use. A office use which would be up to 25,000
square feet of office and staff does not feel this is compatible with the single family residential to the east
and the south. When considering these uses the city council could consider the assisted living facility
and the office residential mix as a conditional use and the church as a permitted use under this PUD.
The applicant has revised the development standards and based on the staff recommendations fi.om the
City Council meeting. However, based on the new proposal the office residential mix, staff has revised
the standards. Most importantly the landscaping requirements. Staff would like the buffering to be
increased to Buffer Yard C. This is required by ordinance between a residential and a mixed use
development. And also staff would like to see the buffer yard maintain a 20 foot width around the
perimeter of the site. Staff does recommend approval of a church, assisted living facility and office in
conjunction with the medium density residential on Lot 1, Block 7, Hidden Valley. And also a change in
land use plan from public, semi-public to mixed use. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
Kate Aanenson: I want to add one other thing. Again the objective tonight is to look at the land uses.
We'd have to, this is the first reading. A rezoning takes a second reading and we could come back,
whichever direction the council goes. If you need that, we would come back with the specific PUD
ordinance at your second reading.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay. Just so the audience understands on this one. Parliamentary procedure wise
so to speak, this is first reading tonight. First reading just simply requires a simple majority to go to the
second reading. But once it gets to a second reading, this particular item will require a 4/5 vote to pass,
regardless of how it's passed. So just to clarify that for everyone. Let's start first if we could. Are there
any questions from council on staff's report and staff's updated recommendations?
Councilwoman Jansen: I guess I just pose one question and that being within the recommendation. On
the assisted living, are we adding to that, that it specifically be senior assisted living versus it just being
an open ended assisted living?
Kate Aanenson: Yes, I think looking at the senior.
Councilwoman Jansen: That it being senior.
Acting Mayor Senn: That's basically guidance the council would have to give staff tonight as it relates
to the final action, correct.
Councilwoman Jansen: I think they meant to put it within the recommendation which was why I was
asking.
Kate Aanenson: Well we just left it assisted living. That was your direction at the time.
Acting Mayor Senn: Yeah, they're looking to Council for direction on that.
Councilwoman Jansen: Okay. That was it.
Acting Mayor Senn: Councilman Engel?
Councilman Engel: Nothing yet.
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Acting Mayor Senn: Councilman Labatt?
Councilman Labatt: On Attachment #6. Amendment to existing PUD. Under the residential. Under
residential A. Assisted living density of not to exceed 60 units and a maximum size of 500 square feet
per unit. What potential could be the minimum square footage?
Kate Aanenson: Well if you look in the surveys that we have, the neighbors had put together, there was a
range of some of the surrounding communities.
Councilman Labatt: Right. That's what I'm basing my question on.
Kate Aanenson: 400 to 750 1 guess we kind of looked at the average in that. That was the applicant's
desire. The 500 square feet.
Councilman Labatt: That's their desire for a maximum.
Kate Aanenson: Right, but I think we may want to put a minimum. 350 at least.
Councilman Labatt: Your recommendation.
Kate Aanenson: At least a 350 minimum.
Councilman Labatt: That's all I had for right now I think. I'll find some more here.
Acting Mayor Senn: Alrighty. Alright, so no other questions from council?
Councilwoman Jansen: Not at this time.
Acting Mayor Senn: We'll open it up for public comment on staff's recommendation of staff's report.
Please limit your comments to new information. We've already had two hearings on this. We do not
need to repeat old information and your comments need to be confined to 3 minutes. So is there anybody
here who would like to offer comment on this item?
Jim Sulerud: My name is Jim Sulerud. I'm with the Building Committee at Family of Christ. We earlier
decided amongst ourselves that we're not going to have multiple presentations and so I would indulge
you for a couple more minutes beyond the 3 minutes and we'll respond to questions on the issues that
you might raise.
Acting Mayor Senn: Yeah, try to limit your remarks if you can, as close to 3 minutes and then we'll go
to questions anyway.
Jim Sulerud: Okay. Our theme on May 10 was changed and our theme tonight is compromise. We
thank the staff and the council for their patience in the past and for their diligent pursuit of a mutually
doable and community compatible solution. Thanks also to the neighbors for their input in our zoning
process. Usually zoning and rezonings are barraged by citizens who want to exercise their own control
over a neighbor's property for their own benefit. Here however we appreciate the input that these
neighbors have offered towards this compromise solution. That recognizes not only their interest but
also the interest of the whole community. As the applicant our role is to be the presenter. While some
time ago we started out with a somewhat different proposal. We're now before you with an application
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
that represents not only our interests and ideas, but the interests and ideas of many. The proposal is a
composite of compromises resulting from weeks, months, and even years of listening, fact finding and
deliberation, formulation and reformulation. So while we now appear as the advocate of the proposal
before you, you have seen in your materials that there is also, that this is also the same as the staff
recommendation. And I'm moving on here. Earlier tonight you did approve in the consent agenda the
construction of Stone Creek Drive, which is the drive that goes by our new church facility. So the church
has been moving on in it's move toward it's new facility. A full seven years ago this congregation began
the analysis for our decision to sell. After being unable to secure a purchase offer from any church,
about a year ago we began discussions with the city staff for this rezoning solution. And only this last
year did we retain Lotus Realty when it was our recognition that we'd exhausted the possibility of our
sale to another church in the foreseeable future or by any time line that would not dramatically hamper
our ability to serve our current members and welcome the new folks wanting to join. We were fully
expecting that one of the variety of congregations in this area, all with whom we had made contact and
that are worshipping in temporary quarters, would see our facility as a similar stepping stone for their
growth as a congregation. We met with the neighbors individually, collectively. Sometimes in their
setting. Sometimes at our church and over the phone. They were very helpful to us in thinking through
our zoning issues. The question was, if not our church, then what? Land screening and berming would
respect the neighbors desire for visual and sound privacy. Proposed uses and design standards that would
not reach as high as the permitted 40 feet of a sanctuary or church gymnasium also respond to the
neighbors desire for a diminished visual impact. Similarly a use that would not have such an aggressive
build out as our own church future plan would provide for a neighbor, provide for the neighbors a
development of a more neighborhood scale. Low intensity uses would respect the neighbors desire for
moderate to low income traffic volumes and directing non-residential traffic only to Lake Drive East
would reflect it's collector status and not reroute traffic to the residential street. We backed down from
many of what we initially considered office institutional. We looked at high density residential that was
early permitted, or was early guided for the site. We looked at many of the uses within office
institutional and backed out of many of those as considerations. We settled on a recommendation that we
made before you, before for you. Only three uses. Church, office, and a narrow slice of the residential
market that was assisted living. That led to our meeting on May 10 when you listened to us. We listened
to you, and we all listened to the neighbors. This parcel has served our church well for a particular '
period of our history and could have served, similarly served another congregation at that same location
at that same time period. However, this site has not yet been found to match up with the present
circumstance or for future plans of any other congregation. The site was our appropriate choice at that
time considering MUSA, roads, and available land for sale. It is not a site that is appropriate for the
presently known circumstances of any church today, yet it continues to be our priority to sell it to a
church. Similarly, we do not have in hand a proposing for assisted living. We're experiencing some
hesitancy due to site configuration. Therefore we've come up with a proposal that you see on the table
here which is a compromise directed from the council to work with staff and it's for the mixed use. This
is in addition to our request for the, still for the church and assisted living. You've seen and heard the
recommendations of the staff. We see this as a compromise position for the church. It is an important
part of this whole process. Compromise process. The church concurs in the recommendation set forth
by the staff in the recommended motions and design standards with one exception. In design standard,
on page 4, number 7 where it indicates no access to Hidden Court. The proposal obviously for the
residential use anticipates that there would be access to that site. Otherwise we, in the mode of
compromise accept the other suggestions from the staff. Even though we in the city have responded to
the objectively stated concerns of the neighbors and others with descriptions that are appropriate to this
formal planning process, we do not mean to imply that every single neighbor or every single member of
our congregation is supportive of this proposal or compromise. In fact the disappointment of some who
wish for no change is a disappointment that compromise cannot satisfy. So with all of this information
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
behind us... private and institutional interest, what is it that stands out for me as the clearest indication
that we are right on the, that we are at the right time and have the right, appropriate uses in place. The
staff report highlights that if the city looks at this site as a bare piece of land today, one would be led not
to siting of a church, a church school, a church gymnasium and related services, activities and offices, but
one would most likely be led to what we're asked, what we were asked by staff to consider and that's the
mixed use as you see before you tonight. A stepping and a transition from single family residential to the
nearby larger office by way of medium density residential and small, low profile office. It's the right
thing to do in the absence of the parochial issues and it's the right thing to do after the public process
we've all been through. Thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: Thank you. Since Mr. Sulerud offered to be the only speaker from the church, if
there's other people here advocating the church's position, if you'd please stand. And if any of you
would like to come up to the microphone and give your name and address to enter it into the record, that
be fair. If you want to do that. If you don't, we see that you're here.
Audience: Does signing the paper also enter the name into the record?
Acting Mayor Senn: Yes it does. Okay, thank you. Okay is there, I hate to break things down this way
but I'm trying to be efficient so.
Sue McCarthy: I'm Sue McCarthy, 8001 Hidden Court and I represent the neighborhood I guess if you
want to put it in that respect. We also took a vote and we felt that it was easier if one person spoke so I
will try to be concise because a lot of this has already been put into print through e-mails, letters and
reports but there's certain things that I want to stress because things have changed since the last council
meeting and I want to make sure that we address them publicly. First of all I want to say thanks. For all
of your efforts. For listening to us and answering our questions. On weekends, Sundays, etc. I also want
to thank city staff for going above and beyond in supplying us with copies of more zoning regulations
than I ever care to see again so one of the things we really want to put forth tonight is that our focus is
on... Chanhassen City Code. That a PUD should provide a significantly higher quality and more
sensitive proposal than the use of standard zoning districts and development which is consistent with a
comprehensive plan and that's City Code 20-501. With that in mind we have come up with a list of
comments and recommendations on this proposal because that is our goal. We want to make sure that the
PUD does have substantially higher quality than any other type of zoning because that's the whole
definition of why a PUD exists. Number one, we are in favor of this property retaining to be a church.
That has been said over and over again. I don't think you need to hear that in much more detail, except
that I think probably the most important point is that the residents really bought their property with that
aspect in mind because they liked the feeling of church, and that's just an unbelievable statement.
Number two. We are opposed to the office use only which amounts to spot zoning. In that sense we are
in agreement with what the city staff has come forth in their report regarding the use of office only as a
permitted use on this PUD. Basically it's not consistent with the comprehensive plan for Chanhassen. It
was never anticipated to be part of this PUD and as several people have cited as an example of why it
should be, we don't think that the Northcott Office Building on the north side of Lake Drive is an
appropriate example as to why we should continue to increase having an office use only in our
neighborhood. Number three. Third use. The mixed office residential. We feel that that is problematic
for this particular site. This is, as it was proposed to us in this concept plan that you have just seen, we
feel that the density is too great to allow for proper buffering with the neighborhood. For example on the
concept plan that we saw there is no buffering or berms. They have been deleted. An entrance has been
added to Hidden Court, which was not currently discussed with the neighborhood. And we believe that
there should be compliance of this particular example with the city codes as it relates to high density and
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
medium density housing. Actually medium density housing for half of it. We feel that the combination
makes townhomes too compacted on the amount of land that has been attributed to them and we feel that
this will be less desirable to potential buyers on the market. We are concerned with the access to Hidden
Court because we do feel that will create traffic problems on Hidden Court. Not even to begin to address
the type of concerns that will increase on the Lake Drive intersection with Hidden Court. That's another
whole story, especially with Northcott going in this year. Two smaller office buildings are not better
than one. We cite the example in Eden Prairie near the SuperAmerica. We are very concerned that our
neighborhood does not become like that, which is a small clustering of medical office buildings that have
grown and grown in size and it's very unsightly in how it's being put together. We also are probably one
of our major concerns and why we want to make sure that this is in public record, is that this is a last
minute change and it has not been reviewed by the Planning Commission and therefore has not followed
proper procedures and processes within our town codes. We're very concerned by that. But we're also
concerned that a vote is taken so we just want to publicly say we want to go ahead with it tonight but we
don't appreciate the fact that this has not gone through the Planning Commission, as any other particular
property would have to go if it was in this state. Number four, assisted living. We feel that assisted
living may be compatible under certain conditions. If it is determined that one, there is a market need
within Chanhassen and number two, which is probably even more important, that this is the best possible
site within Chanhassen for assisted living. Today there is a loose definition as Steve pointed out on what
assisted living is. And therefore leaves for appropriate development in question. There is no minimum
size defined. Only a maximum. There is no definition on how much percentage of common area should
be included. There is also no evidence of market need presented by the applicant as to why assisted
living is needed in Chanhassen. The proposed density is too greb. t for this site and overpowers housing
based on the plan that's put forth today. The proposed density is 60 units by 500 square feet maximum
per unit. Plus 40% common space for a total of 42,000 square footage. This is twice as large as what the
church's original site plan, which was approved by the city of about 25,000 feet was planned to be. What
do we recommend? As you've heard office we oppose. Mixed office, medium density we oppose.
Trying to keep this quickly. Assisted living we opposed but with the following recommendations. One,
density. Limit it to 12 units per acre which is approximately 44 units at a maximum 500 square feet per
unit to keep with the consistent city code 2671 regarding high density residential standards. Or limit the
total square footage to 25,000 square feet, which is part of the original church site plan, which has
already been approved. Unit size. Make sure that there is a minimum unit size of no less than 350 square
feet, or 70% of the minimum square footage established by the US Department of Housing and Urban
Development for a one bedroom apartment. Why is that important? Because you don't want nursing
home rooms and it's very important that we see that actually articulated. We're concerned about
building height. Limit it to two stories and versus what the city staff says, it should be two stories and 40
feet, consistent with residential building heights. Not or 40 feet. Setbacks. Increase side lot setbacks
abutting housing to 50 feet... Increase setbacks from Hidden Court equal to the building height which is
40 feet, which is the distance from streets suggested by the PUD standards. City Code 20-505(0. Buffer
yards. Require Buffer Yard D with primarily or at least approximately 80% conifers landscaping for
good year round buffering where the applicant provides 100% of the landscape materials. Again, citing
City Code 20-505(m). Market needs. There should be a moratorium on development until independent
market feasibility studies show evidence of market need and this isn't in compliance with what the
Minnesota Department of Health and Alliances said in the fact that they feel this market may be over
saturated. Regulation. In order to ensure that the public health and safety require that the State
registration of housing with services establishment, quote unquote, and any necessary state home
healthcare license obtained be assisted living home health care licensing. And that is to make sure that it
does not become a health care agency for the rest of the city. It is just for that particular building. And
finally that the monument sign should be limited to 15 square feet located on Lake Drive only. In
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
conclusion, we feel that we want to make sure that we continue to fall within the city code for PUD's as
it relates to this particular proposal and again thank you for your time.
Acting Mayor Senn: Thank you. Like with the church side, who else is here from the neighborhood? If
you'd like to stand. And additionally if, I assume you've all signed in. If you haven't, please sign in and
we'll have your names as part of the record. Thank you. Okay we'll bring it back to council for
discussion. If we could let's try to maybe break the discussion down into, let's call it two phases because
I think it will be a lot more understandable to everybody if we do. First phase of discussion would be
over what council feels should be from an overall framework standpoint permitted uses versus non
permitted uses versus conditional uses. Just so people in the audience may understand. We do have a
vehicle available to us which is called conditional use which means we basically say that that type of use
is okay in that zone. But it has to come baCk to council with a specific plan and everything in the future
at which the council can put very specific parameters and requirements on at that time. I think that's an
accurate explanation... I don't try to say it like Roger does.
Roger Knutson: You did just fine.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, so let's deal with that first and then the second part of discussion we'll go to
after that would be discussion of particular, depending on what happens in the first one basically then
discussion of particular parameters as it would relate to any of those permitted or conditional items. So
let's start from there. Councilperson Jansen.
Councilwoman Jansen: I guess first of all thank you to everyone for bearing with the process. Staff as
well as the neighborhood and all the work that you've put into this and the chumh. It's certainly been a
long process. Looking at the proposal as it stands before us, I guess I keep coming back to the original
premise for why all of this was being considered in the original guidelines that were posed to us for
considering a rezoning. And I'll just read those right from the original staff report that we were givem
And in there it's noted, in order to justify the amendment to the PUD and comprehensive plan it must be
shown that the parcel has not been given special treatment. The changes are for the benefit of the entire
community and the action complies with the comprehensive plan. If the action or request does not meet
the three criteria, it can be deemed a spot zoning. Spot zoning is zoning for a lot or parcel of land to
benefit an owner for a use incompatible with surrounding land uses and that does not further the
comprehensive plan. So in trying to apply that condition for being able to consider a rezoning, I certainly
applied it the first time through to the senior assisted living concept in that we have identified even
within our strategic plan that that is a housing need that as a community we have scheduled for next year
to do a feasibility study. So that's an identified and I certainly think then it fits the criteria as far as the
whole rezoning concept, though I would go to the next step to say we would definitely have to get very
specific with the guidelines and that is what we're hearing staff say we can do as far as trying to guide
that to what we need. I keep falling back to wanting a feasibility study to be able to make sure that we
are doing those guidelines properly but there's been some conversation over whether we can generally
approach those guidelines and still protect the interest of the city and we're trying not to give up the
controls that we really need of this property because we do need to protect the interests of the city and
without a site plan and without a specific proposal for this property, we're a little out of control on it so
that's where that second reading would come in as far as being able to put any specific parameters
around it. Where I'm having some difficulty is on the new proposal for the office/medium density. How
does that fit under the rezoning guidelines. I haven't heard that addressed as a specific need within the
community beyond what our comprehensive plan has designated as far as land uses. That availability is
out there so as we're discussing this, if we could maybe have that conversation and I'd like to hear maybe
other comments as to how this rezoning serves the best interest of the entire community if we're truly
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
sitting back and looking at the big picture and what we're trying to accomplish with the rezoning. Like I
said, I can certainly see how we can apply that guideline to the assisted living and to that need but have
we identified that we have a shortage of office and medium density locations? And I guess at this point
that's the crux of where I am at looking at this and again really feeling like it's ambiguous at this point to
be committing to a rezoning and leaving that open to definition at a later date.
Acting Mayor Senn: Councilperson Labatt.
Councilman Labatt: I think some of the questions I raised up earlier. The assisted living. The size of
minimum square footage for the units. I had a question for Kate real quick. On Attachment #7 under
permitted offices. Pull up 15,000 square feet on the southern portion of the site is improved with blank
or 12 is X'd out. So is it going to be 12 or 12 is slashed out. What number should be in there?
Cindy Kirchoff: Actually we'd rather go on the density. That it meet the medium density requirements
of 4 to 8 units per acre rather than specifying a certain number. So you just have to meet the medium
density requirements.
Councilman Labatt: Okay. And then the follow up question is, what's the amount of acreage for the
southern site?
Cindy Kirchoff: They haven't subdivided the property. We're just saying that if it is subdivided, that
site could only accommodate medium density residential and that's 4 to 8 units per acre.
Kate Aanenson: ...line up to then. What we're saying is this would be...density. Wherever that line
falls and how they lay it out.
Councilman Labatt: Let's see office zoning in conjunction with the medium density housing and
typically what type of businesses would be incorporated?
Kate Aanenson: That was one of the instruments.
Councilman Labatt: I have so many attachments.
Kate Aanenson: Number 4. Office institutional .... business, administrative office. Based on our
current codes... That is a broader term and that's~..administrative office and general business office.
That's an issue that was raised, or if you had a medical office expanded and a wide range in there of one
that's more...as opposed to one that might have more extended hours. That was one of our concerns in
looking.., shorten that list.
Councilman Labatt: But we could shorten the list to.
Kate Aanenson: You directed us to say specifically non...
Councilman Labatt: 8:00 to 4:30.
Kate Aanenson: Well that's hard to say something like that but again there's certain uses that have
different hours.
Roger Knutson: You'd exclude all offices if you did that.
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Councilman Labatt: So 10:00 to 2:00 or something like that.
Kate Aanenson: ...we could address or mitigate those impacts by saying the traffic will not be...and
some of the hours of operation. Those are the conditions that were attached to mitigate. What we're
looking at is you don't want a use that might be more like 24 hours which would definitely be in conflict
with the neighborhood. That's where you can attach conditions that would, if they impact noise, lighting,
that sort of thing.
Councilman Labatt: Okay. And then, I suppose it's too early to talk about the medium density housing
as far as market value.
Kate Aanenson: As planners we can address that issue. I guess we just looked at straight rental. We
asked whether they'd be owner occupied or rental units. Again the zoning ordinance doesn't address
that. We just look at unit, per unit basis. Acreage. We did ask the neighborhood to look at different
types of products that are out in the city right now. Whether they're zero lot line. I guess that's
something, smaller lots with attached. There's different products out there with different densities. Even
within 6 units per acre such as North Bay, those are detached products so there's different things out
there. I guess what we asked them to look at was some of the height consideration and materials. I guess
that's how we would like to see it in institution. That was an issue. Kind of... Something like north,
Walnut Grove. Again, the Craftsman Homes. And that's a detached type product and that's close to 6
units per acre. I guess what I'm saying is it doesn't have to be a detached product. It can be a medium
density.
COuncilman Labatt: And then as far as assisted living. I'm pretty much with Linda On that. I'm fine
with that. As long as we're, kind of to find where we're senior assisted living. Minimum 350.
Maximum 500.
Acting Mayor Senn: Councilman Engel.
Councilman Engel: Well I'm not going to try to give a mind dump on everything I've thought of about
this thing but the assisted living is almost a no brainer. It's good for the community. I can see that for
the same reasons that Councilperson Jansen stated. So I won't develop that thought any farther. I have a
little more trouble with the office and medium density residential because it doesn't meet the standard or
the legalese of the guidelines for a zoning change but I'm less concerned about the legalese than I am a
compromise solution. And if a compromise solution's better than legalese, then beck with the legalese.
And I live near office and townhomes and if they're market rate, you'd be surprised how attractive and
expensive they can be. I found them to be pretty good neighbors so I don't have a problem with it from
that standpoint. Under the condition that a conditional use permit can be attached which we've discussed
that helps to meet all the concerns of the neighbors and the McCarthys put together a very good packet
on those concerns and that's a part of the form so. If we could work out the CUP's, if I've got my
acronyms correct. Conditional Use Permit as part of the PUD, if we get to that point, I would like to see
all the concerns they had addressed in the conditional use permits and conceptually I'm not opposed to
the rezoning if we can meet all those requirements.
Acting Mayor Senn: Let's see from my perspective the church use would be fine as a permitted use and
the assisted living as well as office residential would be fine as far as I'm concerned as conditional uses.
But have very specific parameters attached to them. To the point that we would go to the second phase
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
or to a site plan review. So with that could we maybe have a motion on the first element of this which
would be to outline what would be permitted and non permitted and conditional uses.
Councilman Engel: I'm not quite sure that, can we break this up into two votes?
Acting Mayor Senn: Yeah, because the second part will be direction basically to staff and to the city
attorney as far as drafting the actual document for second reading.
Scott Botcher: Do you want to vote on the uses separately though Mark? Is that what you're saying?
Councilman Engel: I'm questioning if we're going to vote conceptually on the rezone and then move to
the basis of the CUP, the conditional use permits.
Acting Mayor Senn: What I'm trying to get to is if we just do it as a permitted use then there's no real
further discussion needed on parameters. If we do it as a conditional use, there is. If we do it as a non
permitted use, again there isn't so it's just kind of break it to a point that we know what we need to
discuss further on. And I don't think that's a problem as far as the action, is it Roger or is it?
Roger Knutson: If you do it that way or maybe what you'd like to do is, assuming, I hate to put words in.
If there's a consensus that the church will be a permitted use, assisted living of some form would be a
CUP within the PUD and office medium density would be a CUP within a PUD. If that's the consensus
then you might want to just start going through for the assisted living and the office/medium density with
directions to staff and at that point just pass it on for second reading and tell us to draft a document in
accordance with your instructions.
Scott Botcher: The only thing I might give caution for you all to think about is that while I think all of
us have been supportive of the church use, I think and I think Kate's probably the one who brought this
up to me first. Everyone is, I shouldn't say this. There's an assumption out there that the church use is
peaceful, quiet, whatever else. The approved plan for this church when fully built out are not
unsubstantial. So, and I think this was said at the last meeting I was at where they talked about change
and what happens if the church has to stay here and what are ultimately the choices that all of us face.
The ultimate build out for this church is going to have impact on the property in the neighborhood as
well. That being said, you may want to give some thought to making a church use a conditional use
within this zone if that passes muster with Roger. I mean if we talk about, we talked about traffic
standards not less than Level C, D, whatever you want to pick. A church use at specific times certainly
can impact traffic standards, ambient lighting standards and noise standards, whatever else to certain
levels that you may find acceptable. Unacceptable, I'm sorry. It's just a thought. I'm not bent out of
shape about it.
Acting Mayor Senn: Those are good points but I think.,.
Roger Knutson: Say what's there is permitted and expansion is a conditional use.
Scott Botcher: Or a change in the function.
Acting Mayor Senn: Increase in density or increase.
Scott Botcher: Or you know what if the church wants to get more into the education business? What
does that mean in terms of traffic patterns and time of day business standards, that sort of stuff so I don't
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
think, I mean I'm unaware of any complaints we've had about the operation of the church to date. These
folks you know they don't want to be in the church business at this site. We may have a whole other
congregation at that site that may not be as responsive to staff as these folks have been, and you know if
you're at this point now, now is when you really have the opportunity to place some conditions on there.
Roger Knutson: As far as the existing church, I mean you could say permitted church is the church, the
footprint that's there today. If that's what you wanted. If you want to expand it, if you want to do this,
change functions inside, then you need a CUP. But what you have there today you can keep if you don't
change it. So then any changes, your condition is must remain is or get a CUP.
Acting Mayor Senn: Let's go back to if there wasn't any proposal before us other than an expansion of
the existing church. Under this PUD. Is that something that we have governance over or not?
Roger Knutson: Yes, you could require them to get a CUP to expand the church.
Acting Mayor Senn: Yeah, you could do the CUP to every use except the existing use.
Councilman Engel: Right, any expansion.
Roger Knutson: You wouldn't want to give a CUP to the existing church.
Scott Botcher: I personally don't. Could you?
Roger Knutson: Yes you could.
Scott Botcher: I think you probably could but I don't think it serves any function at this point.
Acting Mayor Senn: So what's the consensus of council? Do we have a consensus on this as far as use
of the CUP vehicle and maybe looking at that method to go to the next step?
Councilman Engel: I would support that.
Councilman Labatt: I would.
Councilwoman Jansen: Meaning for the church?
Councilman Engel: Everything.
Acting Mayor Senn: Everything.
Councilman Engel: Any expansion should be subject to a conditional use permit so we can bring it back
and put any kind of conditions on it that the groups might want.
Councilwoman Jansen: I don't know if you're going to actually call for a vote on this. I would be fine
with that on the church as a conditional use. And the senior assisted living as a conditional use only.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay.
Councilwoman Jansen: If you'd like me to phrase that as a motion I could do that.
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Acting Mayor Senn: Well in that we have consensus from 3 out of 4 basically for the, for all the
conditional use permits why don't we just jump to the next level of discussion and take on the issue of
what or specific parameters we want to give direction or see staffand council address as it relates to
going forward on this. So if we could do that, okay? Councilperson Labatt.
Councilman Labatt: With the assisted living, obviously I'd like to attach a condition of minimum square
footage of 350 square feet per unit. Okay, with the square footage of 350 minimum and maximum, I'm
fine with the staff report of 500. Do we need to get as specific as each unit has it's own bathroom or?
Scott Botcher: Let me take a shot at this. Do you guys want us to take a run at putting this, these
conditions together.'?
Councilman Engel: I think that wouldn't be a bad idea.
Scott Botcher: I'll be candid and I know some, most of you weren't at the work session, haven't been at
the staff meetings but, and Roger is probably aware of this. I'm the one who's been pushing as hard as
anybody else for maintaining as much control on the city's part as ever and the folks at Lutheran
Brotherhood and such probably aren't going to like to hear that but my line is so sue me. We represent
-the citizens and they can just sue me if they don't like it. But I think that for you guys to really reach a
consensus on the infinite numbers of conditions that you could possibly come up with, you know if for
expediency sake, you know give us the hot ones maybe Mark and let us flush out a balance of an outline
Kate I think is a very good point.
Kate Aanenson: ...got the neighbors is a very good point. I think there's a lot of concurrence... We'd
like to take a stab at drafting that. Work with the neighbors... If it takes a draft by you and then come
back with a final...
Scott Botcher: We're willing to do that.
Acting Mayor Senn: Is everybody okay with that?
Councilman Labatt: Oh yeah.
Councilman Engel: I think having the neighbors with the concerns is probably the starting point. The
biggest one I saw is I can't recall ifI read it in a report and there's so many pieces of information. Did
you look at moving the access from Hidden Court back onto Lake Drive East into the medium density
component? I know it'd be.
Kate Aanenson: ...point on that but I think this, as the neighbors put together, there's some very good
points...I think we can work with all of these. I don't know how effective it is to try and go through all
that right now but I think we're in concurrence.
Scott Botcher: And understand that once we get to the point, if we get to the point that there actually is a
site plan before the city, it may look nothing like this. I mean that's part of the crux of this whole issue.
We don't really have a firm site plan upon which to base a review. So your point is well taken. If that's
a condition you want to place that you'll have no access on Street XYZ, that's fine. This may or may not
be the site plan that ultimately ends up there.
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Councilman Engel: When's the next scheduled meeting though because we're at the end of a month
here.
Scott Botcher: The 15th, 14th. Something like that. The task before us is substantial so I don't know if it
will be two weeks or not. Obviously we'll get the neighbors involved and a representative of the church
and try to pull it together but.
Acting Mayor Senn: So it may very well be the 12th. It may very well be the 26th.
Kate Aanenson: Yeah, it might be a rough dral~ to...
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, but you'll keep both parties informed.
Scott Botcher: Right. And please keep sending your e-mails. I originally I tried to respond in writing to
every one of them. I gave that up.
Acting Mayor Senn: But they do get read.
Scott Botcher: They do get read.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, thank you all for coming.
INTERPRETATION OF PUD DESIGN STANDARDS FOR ARBORETUM BUSINESS PARK
TO DETERMINE IF AN OFFICE/ASSEMBLY-WORSHIP SPACE IS A PERMITTED USE AS
DEFINED BY OFFICE USES~ STEINER DEVELOPMENT.
Bob Generous: Thank you Mr. Mayor, council members. This is pretty straight forward. The apPliCant
has a lease agreement with a church in it's building. It's for office and assembly use. We've interpreted
the code to mean that assembly's not permitted. They are requesting that through the PUD they can go to
council and have our interpretation appealed...and that's their request. Staff believes that the assembly
is not listed or permitted in the PUD standards.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, and if my recollection is correct and I think we have two new council people
here since this came through, but if my recollection is correct in relationship to setting up the PUD, we
were very specific as to each use for each parcel.
Bob Generous: That's correct.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay. So there was a fair amount of discussion and thought that went into that at
the time and stuff so, from there are there any questions of staff from council first?
Councilwoman Jansen: No.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, if not would the applicant like to elaborate on their request?
Fred Richter: Councilman Senn, I'm Fred Richter with Steiner Development. Here tonight are Don
Finger of the New Life Christian Fellowship and our leasing agent Joe Smith with Steiner Development.
Basically, let me just give you kind of the background. This is a 4,400 square foot space within a
115,000 square foot building. So it's about 4% of the building and from our viewpoint it's an interim
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
use. It's a four year lease that does not have a renewal clause. It is a space adjacent to the parmers in
this building, Direct Response Insurance. Their primary goal in owning the building was to have
expansion space so we see this as more of an interim use as I said. And obviously with...owning the
building ourselves it would always stay on the tax roles. From a planning standpoint we feel it's a very
benign use. It fits in well with our interpretation of managing an office warehouse building in terms of
parking, adjacent neighbors and so on. Not only the neighbors within the building but as you know the
Arboretum Business Park is pretty much isolated from residential by the wetlands and the future park. In
looking at interpreting the PUD, the Planned Unit Development agreement, it's a rather lengthy and we
have 89 acres that were outlined and there is the two lots to the north, albeit they aren't labeled assembly
but they are labeled hotel/motel, which have assembly, obviously large conference rooms in them. And
conference convention center. That is listed on the two lots directly to the north. So, and I guess one
other thing, there was no statement excluding chumhes or religious assembly. So from that standpoint
we've kind of walked in this maybe a little naively but we thought we were on logical grounds from a
physical sense and maybe in our terms a liberal interpretation but interpretation on the PUD. So I think
from that standpoint we feel we're utilizing a local church group. Helping them out as they grow and I
think in the future they could move on to further western suburbs where land is cheaper or end up settling
in Chanhassen. That's a ways out but it probably won't be in the Arboretum Business Park and this use
is really just a relatively small use in this building. And we think it'd be helpful to us to get on, get our
building leased and get another building going so we can get it on the tax roles.
Acting Mayor Senn: Any questions of the applicant?
Councilwoman Jansen: No.
Acting Mayor Senn: Fred, I've got a couple ifI could. One is, my recollection is when this came
through the first time that there was a fair amount of discussion and concern in relationship to creating a
situation of the probability of chunks or parcels of this land going tax exempt, given the commitments we
made on a TIF district and all that. So I mean that's an underlying concern at least of mine carrying
forward from there. And that's not so much a question but more a confirmation I guess, but it goes to the
question that what I was wondering is, would it be acceptable to you guys to simply do an amendment to
the PUD contract allowing this use in this size of a space in this situation only?
Fred Richter: Yeah. I think our intentions are really just with this immediate, it's kind of an infill thing
for us. We're not trying to establish a large presence of a church or off the tax roles. It's a whole other
issue.
Acting Mayor Senn: My next question is Roger can we do that?
Roger Knutson: Certainly.
Acting Mayor Senn: Always have to ask him.
Roger Knutson: But you'd have to go through the PUD amendment process which would require a
hearing at the Planning Commission and back up here.
Acting Mayor Senn: What does that do to you timing wise?
Fred Richter: It's my understanding that would probably push us out for all practical purposes a month
from now. Maybe a little bit. I guess our important thing, you know timing's one thing. I don't think we
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
want to come back here and face, I mean we're looking at kind of getting a reading tonight to see if this is
agreeable.
Acting Mayor Senn: Conceptually what the council thinks?
Fred Richter: Yeah. I mean we'll be back if it takes that. I think we've got your patience? It's hard to
negotiate a real estate deal in public here.
Acting Mayor Senn: You're telling us? Okay, thank you. Let's bring it back to council for discussion
then. Councilperson Jansen.
Councilwoman Jansen: I guess that raises the question then to staff. It says the church assembly use
requested by the proposed tenant requires separate fire and building code, parking and zoning review and
then is required, than is required for an office user. Can this piece of property be retrofitted to meet these
requirements? You already know what those are?
Fred Richter: Yeah, we just tum this thing, we maybe again got a little ahead of reality but we're always
optimist. We had already tumed this in for a building permit and those were those issues where 2 hour
separation, a few other details.
Councilwoman Jansen: Okay, very good.
Acting Mayor Senn: Councilman Engel.
Councilman Engel: I am not against an interim use there for a church.
Acting Mayor Senn: Councilman Labatt.
Councilman Labatt: No problem.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay. Could we have a motion then? So wait, you don't want a motion? You
just want basically.
Roger Knutson: You're giving them the sense of the council. I think that's what they need.
Acting Mayor Senn: I think what you're hearing is there's no problem with the council on that basis and
if you'll initiate the process.
Kate Aanenson: The PUD ordinance doesn't allow that so I guess our interpretation was that you need to
amend the PUD to allow a church as.
Roger Knutson: That's what I just said.
Kate Aanenson: Oh, I'm sorry.
Acting Mayor Senn: I'm sorry, no. That's what we were just suggesting. Oh yeah, what we were
talking about doing was basically going back and amending the PUD to allow for this use in this amount
of space.
2O
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Kate Aanenson: Go back through the process.
Acting Mayor Senn: Yes. And to basically you know do that in the quickest or accelerated manner that
we can and go from there.
Councilman Labatt: Can an expiration date be put on a conditional use?
Roger Knutson: It's an interim use permit and the answer is yes to that~ It's required as a matter of fact.
Scott Botcher: And 30 days might be optimistic.
Kate Aanenson: I guess my question, what's the trigger?
Roger Knutson: I think we should talk about the details.
Acting Mayor Senn: Yeah, I think you guys should talk over the details with the applicant and bring it
back. Okay.
Scott Botcher: Leave the room Kate, it all goes right in the dumper, doesn't it?
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, thanks. So what should we do on that item? Should we table it then or
what?
Roger Knutson: No, I think it'd be, my preference is always when you have something on your agenda
because if we look back in yester years from now trying to figure out what happened to it, I think you
should take formal action and if you agree with staff just say, a motion to concur with staff's
interpretation that it is not currently an allowed use.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, and then as they come back through the process with the other, it gets
clarified with the amendment?
Roger Knutson: Then it will be fine because if you approve it then...
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay. Could we have a motion to that effect then please?
Councilman Engel: I'm not quite sure what the motion.
Councilman Labatt: Make a motion to concur with staff's recommendation.
Councilman Engel: Move to concur with staff and come up with an acceptable recommendation.
Acting Mayor Senn: No. What you should do.
Scott Botcher: You're concurring with the recommendation to make them go back through the PUD
process.
Councilman Engel: Thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: As Councilman Engel just said through Mr. Botcher. Okay, is there a second?
21
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Councilwoman Jansen: Second.
Councilman Engei moved, Councilwoman Jansen seconded that the City Council concur with
staff's interpretation that church assembly is not an approved use within the Arboretum Business
Park PUD. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
,,REQUEST FOR PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL TO SUBDIVIDE 19+ ACRE PARCEL
INTO TWO LOTS; 10151 GREAT PLAINS BOULEVARD~ NORTH OF LAKOTA LANE~
DAVID TEICH.
Public Present:
Name Address
David Teich
Carol Snell
1217 South Monroe, Shakopee
906 East 4t~ Avenue, Shakopee
Cindy Kirchoff: The 7 acre outlot is proposed to accommodate a single family dwelling with well and
septic. The remaining 12 acres will remain vacant and unbuildable until urban services are available.
This item was reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission on the 2"a of June and since the
Planning Commission meeting the applicant has expressed a desire to dedicate right-of-way for Lakota
Lane and this right-of-way is 60 feet in width and this is number 10 in the conditions of approval. The
subdivision is consistent with the zoning ordinance requirements and the comprehensive plan. Therefore
staff is recommending approval with conditions 1 through 10 and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay is there any questions from council?
Councilwoman Jansen: I have a question. I was just a titch confused as I was reading that the size of the
lot, the first paragraph under proposal summary noted the medium density of 1 unit per 10 acres. And
this home, ifI gather is going on 7.68. Does it need to be 107
Cindy Kirchoff.' No it doesn't. You just have to maintain the density of 1 unit per 10 acres so the total
parcel is 19 acres so they can only have 1 home on that whole area but they're deeding or requesting that
the 12 acres be an outlot status so you cannot build on the 12 acres.
Councilwoman Jansen: Okay.
Kate Aanenson: Actually our ordinance allows you go as small as the 15,000 square feet. We changed
that a number of years ago to allow for better subdivision in the future when urban services are available
and we did ask the applicant to...ghost plat the property so his home is sited in such a way that it can be
further subdivided. But as Cindy indicated the density is 1 per 10...no further building can occur on the
rest of that until urban services are available. The person building on that will be on the remaining 7
acres for pasturing horses.
Councilwoman Jansen: Okay, very good. And then I had one other question. On the landscaping,
required reforestation to 77 trees. And you've come up with just requiring the 25%. Where did you
come up with the 25%?
22
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Cindy Kirchoff: Basically we didn't want to burden the one property owner with the 77 trees and that
will be addressed when the property's further subdivided. We decided 25% would be an appropriate
number since there is only going to be one home on the whole 19 acres.
Councilwoman Jansen: Okay. I did note of course you've got in here at one point you're saying after it
is within the MUSA line, this has been a requirement. Does the reforestation need to be stated that way
also? That although you're coming down to the 25%, that they would be required to plant the balance of
the reforestation requirement once it is within the MUSA?
Kate Aanenson: ...when it's subdivided in the future, when it's platted again, that same...be in place so
I think with the next subdivision that condition would be in place.
Councilwoman Jansen: Okay.
Councilman Labatt: Expand the MUSA in what, 20?
Councilwoman Jansen: 2015.
Kate Aanenson: Again that's when we've got it guided. As we say we're going to bring it in in 2015. It
may not be available if there's nobody petitioning to bring it down that way so it may be longer.
Councilman Labatt: So is that an issue now?
Kate Aanenson: Well the comprehensive plan, you mean the landscape?
Councilman Labatt: Yeah, on Linda's issue. Should we deal with it right now and put the verbiage in
there now?
Kate Aanenson: We can check with Roger but I'm not sure what the point of putting trees out there for
15 years when we don't know how it's going to be subdivided. We've had them ghost plat it. We just
think it's probably overkill when he's going to put horses on the property. I guess that was our
interpretation. It's been farmed in the past. Pretty much void of most vegetation so we think the number
of trees we're making him put on is responsible for the size home that he's doing and the fact that they
will have horses up there. And then to further subdivide the property in 15 years...
Councilwoman Jansen: I'm okay with that.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay. Other questions? If not, could we have a motion to approve as per staff's
recommendation?
Councilman Engel: Move approval per staff recommendation with conditions 1 through 10.
Acting Mayor Senn: Is there a second?
Councilwoman Jansen: Second.
23
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Councilman Engel moved, Councilwoman Jansen seconded to approve the preliminary plat
request (99-7 SUB) to subdivide a 19.68 acre parcel into a 7.68 acre parcel and a 12 acre outlot as
shown on the plans dated received May 4, 1999, subject to the following conditions:
The proposed 7.68 acre parcel shall be shown in the form of a lot and block legal description and
the 12 acre parcel shall be shown as Outlot A on the preliminary plat with a subdivision name
acceptable to the City and Carver County.
The applicant shall enter into a development contract with the City establishing that no building
eligibility remains for the 12 acre parcel until such time as urban services are available.
Detailed grading, drainage and erosion control plan showing two approved septic site and well
locations shall be submitted to the City for review and approval prior to issuance °fa building
permit.
The applicant shall dedicate on the final plat a 30 foot wide right-of-way for Lakota Lane along the
southerly 30 feet of the property.
5. The applicant shall pay the City GIS fees according to city ordinance.
Two individual sewage treatment site (ISTS) must be located and shown on the site plan. The sites
must be evaluated by a licensed ISTS designer and must be submitted for approval by the City.
Twenty trees will be required for reforestation. Five of the 20 must meet minimum ordinance
requirements (deciduous 2 ½" diameter). The remaining 15 will be required to meet a 4' or ~A"
diameter minimum and can be deciduous or evergreen. The deadline for satisfying the
reforestation requirement will be by the time the Certificate of Occupancy is issued for the
proposed home.
8. Park and trail fees shall be paid at time of building permit application.
SWMP fees shall be deferred until further subdivision of the property is proposed pursuant to city
ordinance.
10. The applicant shall dedicate sufficient land for Lakota Lane to create a 60 foot wide right-of-way.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
,REQUEST TO AMEND THE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT TO ALLOW SCREENED
AND/OR ENCLOSED DECKS OR PATIOS~ CHAPARRAL 2N°~ 3RO AND 4TM ADDITIONS~
CIMARRON HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION.
Cindy Kirchoff.' This amendment was reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission on the 2"a of
June. Essentially it will allow the fourplexes, existing fourplexes to construct screened porches and/or
patios on existing fourplexes. In 1988 the PUD was amended to allow decks to encroach into the 30 foot
front yard setback with the three conditions that are listed. The deck cannot extend from the building
further than 10 feet. It must maintain a 20 foot front and rear yard setback. And it must be a 10 x 20 foot
dimension. This amendment would permit setbacks that are consistent with other townhome
24
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
developments within the city. Staff does recommend approval of the amendment with the conditions in
the staff report. Thank you and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Acting Mayor Senn: Questions of staff?.
Councilwoman Jansen: No questions.
Councilman Engel: None.
Acting Mayor Senn: May I have a motion for approval as per staffrecommendation please?
Councilman Labatt: So moved.
Acting Mayor Senn: Is there a second?
Councilman Engel: Second.
Councilman Labatt moved, Councilman Engel seconded that the City approve an amendment to
the development contract entitled "Planned Residential Development Contract Plat of Chaparral
and Chaparral 2nd, 3rd and 4th Additions" to allow screened patios and porches on the fourplexes
with the following conditions:
1. The screened patios and porches cannot extend from the building further than 10 feet.
2. The screened patios and porches must maintain a 20 foot front and rear yard setback.
3. The screened patios and porches may not exceed a 10' x 20' dimension.
Ail voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR AN 11,095 SQ. FT. 1 ¼ STORY RETAIL
SHOWROOM AND OFFICE BUILDING; LOCATED AT 550 LAKE DRIVE IN THE
VILLAGES ON THE POND PUD, THE PEDDLER CYCLERY, VIGIL COMPANIES, LTD.
Bob Generous: Thank you Mr. Mayor, council members. This project is located within Villages on the
Pond. It's the most westerly site on the north side of Lake Drive. It's shown in blue on the overhead that
we're providing. As part of the PUD this is a mixed use development. One of the, this site was
specifically shown for a retail office space. It was up to I believe 12,000 square feet and this is an 11,000
square foot building. Building elevation. We believe this site plan and building elevation has
incorporated all of the design standards that the city had put forward as part of the planned unit
development for Villages on the Ponds. We believe it will be a good addition to the Villages and the
City and are recommending approval of the site plan subject to the conditions of our staff report. I'd be
happy to answer any questions you might have.
Acting Mayor Senn: Any questions of council?
Councilwoman Jansen: No questions.
Councilman Engel: None.
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, if not could I have a motion to approve as per staffs recommendations?
Councilwoman Jansen: Motion to approve as per staff recommendations.
Acting Mayor Senn: Is there a second please?
Councilman Labatt: Second.
Councilwoman Jansen moved, Councilman Labatt seconded that the City Council approve Site
Plan #99-10, plans prepared by Lampert Architects dated 4/30/99 for an 11,095 square foot 1 ½
story retail, showroom and office building, The Peddler Cyclery, subject to the following
conditions:
1. The applicant shall enter into a site plan agreement with the City and provide the necessary security
to guarantee erosion control, site restoration and landscaping.
2. Site plan approval is contingent upon the site receiving final plat approval and recording of the
subdivision.
3. The development must comply with the Development Design Standards for Villages on the Ponds.
4. The developer shall provide bicycle racks.
o
Provided that signage is only proposed on two building elevations, the applicant may choose which
two elevations will have signage. All signs shall require a separate sign permit.
Three decorative, pedestrian scale lights must be installed along the sidewalk from Lake Drive to
Pond Promenade. The lighting fixtures shall be designed to provide a 90 degree lighting cut-off.
Fencing adjacent to the storm water pond and wetlands shall be decorative and compatible with
fencing provided elsewhere in the Villages on the Ponds. The applicant shall work with staff to
provide options for decorative fencing around the retaining walls.
8. Two accessible parking spaces will be required for the thirty-four spaces that are provided. The
spaces must be located near the main entrance.
9. Install and indicate on plans the location of the PIV (post indicator valve). Contact Chanhassen Fire
Marshal for exact location.
10. A 10 foot clear space must be maintained around fire hydrants, i.e., street lamps, trees, shrubs,
bushes, NSP, US West Cable TV and transformer boxes to ensure that fire hydrants can be quickly
located and safely operated by firefighters. Pursuant to Chanhassen City Ordinance 9-1.
11. Comply with Chanhassen Fire Department Policy regarding fire department notes to be included on
all site plans. Pursuant to Chanhassen Fire Department Policy #04-1991. Copy enclosed.
12. Comply with Chanhassen Fire Department Policy regarding premise identification. Pursuant to
Chanhassen Fire Department/Fire Prevention Division Policy #29-1992. Copy enclosed.
26
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
13. The applicant shall pay park and trail fees at the time of building permit application pursuant to city
ordinance.
14. All landscaping in planting holes near the building shall be irrigated.
15. All trees in planting holes near the building shall be protected by tree grates.
16. The grading plan shall be revised as follows:
Denote a 6-foot wide concrete sidewalk on the plans along the north/south street and eliminate
the retaining wall fence and re-grade the pond slopes.
Provide sufficient cover around relocated hydrant with a minimum of 7.5 foot bury depth. Revise
elevation of storm sewer outlet to 940.0 (normal water elevation).
Provide erosion control measures to encompass the north, west and south sides of the site and
protect existing storm sewer inlets. Construction access shall be from the east side of the
property and not Lake Drive.
Show existing catch basin in the northeast comer of Lake Drive and north/south street.
· Provide valley gutter through proposed drive aisle access onto north/south street. Leave
openings in curb for drainage through proposed median to maintain drainage along the
north/south street.
Clarify responsibility for removal of existing bituminous sidewalk/trail along Lake Drive and
installation of 6-foot wide concrete walk in accordance with Villages on the Ponds hardscape
plan.
Show location of relocated street light and street sign.
17. All disturbed areas as a result of construction activity shall be immediately restored with seed and
disc-mulched or wood fiber blanket or sod within two weeks completion in accordance with the City
Best Management Practice Handbook.
18. The applicant will be responsible for obtaining the necessary permits for relocation of the hydrant
and installation of storm sewer from the City's Building Department. The applicant shall give a
minimum 48-hour notice to the City to request turn-off or turn-on of City water for relocation of the
hydrant."
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
APPEAL DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A VARIANCE FROM THE 30
FT. FRONT YARD SETBACK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITION~ LOCATED AT
6728 LOTUS TRAIL~ TODD FROSTAD.
27
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Cindy Kirchoff: On June 2na this item was reviewed and partially denied by the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission denied a request for the front and side yard setbacks, but did approve the bluff
setback. The applicant is appealing the decision. Based upon the discussion that took place at the
Planning Commission, the applicant has reduced the size of the addition from 46 feet to 41 feet to
eliminate the side yard variance to reduce the front yard setback variance fi'om the original 12 to 7. The
applicant contends that the smaller addition is the lowest or the least amount of area he needs for this
type of, it's a log home. Staff believes that the applicant can modify the interior of the addition to
accommodate an access on the lower level and can construct a 20 foot by 34 foot addition within the
required setbacks and that a reasonable use already exists on the site so staff does recommend denial.
Thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: Are there any questions of staff from council? None. Is the applicant present
tonight? Okay, can we have a motion to approve per staff's recommendation.
Councilman Labatt: So moved.
Roger Knutson: Excuse me, and that's based upon the findings set forth in the staff report which you've
incorporated as your own.
Acting Mayor Senn: Yes, whoever makes that motion. Is there a motion? I'm sorry.
Councilman Labatt: To what now?
Acting Mayor Senn: A motion to approve as per staff recommendation and findings as found in the staff
report.
Councilman Labatt: Make a motion to approve staff's recommendations and the findings set forth.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, is there a second?
Councilwoman Jansen: Second.
Councilman Labatt moved, Councilwoman Jansen seconded to deny the request for a 7 foot
variance from the 30 foot front yard setback for the construction of an addition based upon the
findings presented in the staff report. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
APPEAL DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A 578 SQ. FT. VARIANCE
FROM THE 1~000 SQ. FT. MAXIMUM ACCESSORY STRUCTURE SIZE; LOCATED AT 6570
CItANHASSEN ROAD~ CHARLES KLINGELHUTZ.
Cindy Kirchoff: This item was reviewed and denied at the June 2na Planning Commission meeting. The
applicant is appealing that decision. Staff believes that the applicant can demolish an existing structure
and meet the 1,000 square foot maximum allowable size for accessory structures. Increase the size of the
proposed structure to meet that requirement or attach the garage to the existing house and meet the
ordinance requirements that way. The applicant has stated that he is willing to demolish an accessory
structure in order to obtain a variance for the 30 x 32 foot garage. Staff does believe that other options
exists therefore a hardship has not been demonstrated and staff does recommend denial. Thank you.
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Anita Benson: Can you hear now? Can you hear me? Okay. This issue was raised by resident living
along Pleasant View Road. Concerns regarding the speed of traffic and safety. Residents have requested
that the speed limit be enforced with a squad car set up with radar a minimum of three times a month.
That the roadway be striped and that reflective markers be installed in the middle of the double yellow
stripes around the curves. They have requested road signage be installed to warn drivers to watch out for
pedestrians and they have requested that the extension from Peaceful Lane to Pleasant View Road not be
completed. Additionally several faxes and e-mails have been received since this initial request came in
and those have been distributed to council. Speed limit on Pleasant View Road was changed in 1983 due
to a speed zoning study which was requested by the city council. Based on the speed study MnDOT
recommended authorization ora 25 mph speed limit from a point approximately 800 feet west of
Pleasant View Way, or Pleasant View Lane all the way west to Powers Boulevard. The public safety
department has conducted a speed study through the corridor and the results of nine separate studies are
included in the packet tonight. Additionally Bob Zydowsky, the Chief Law Enforcement Officer did
provide a memo tonight and indicated that several of the citations that they have written over the past two
weeks have been to resident that live either on or near Pleasant View Road. This indicates that it's not
just a problem of commuters going, using the roadway as a shortcut over to 101. Pleasant View Road has
been described as a "beautiful, narrow curved road that wraps around Lotus Lake". Pleasant View Road
is a municipal state aid route and serves as the only east/west connection between Powers Boulevard and
101 in northern Chanhassen. Additionally Pleasant View Road is designated as a Class II minor collector
roadway in the comprehensive plan. Class II collectors focus on inter and intra neighborhood
connections. The challenges posed by Pleasant View Road are not new. The comprehensive plan
identifies the existing roadway alignment as inadequate in severhl areas. The characters which make
Pleasant View Road beautiful, such as sharp curves, vegetation, garages located at the right-of-way line,
Hidden driveways and frequent views of Lotus Lake all combine to create traffic safety concerns. The
inadequacies of this road will continue to intensify as traffic volumes increase. Average daily traffic data
for 1995, 97 and 99 are included in the report for tonight. Near Powers Boulevard on Pleasant View
Road the traffic data for 1995 indicated 1,513 average daily traffic. For 1997 the number increased to
1,603. And for 1999 an increase to 2,504 total average daily traffic. On the east end of 101, near Near
Mountain Boulevard, we do not have data for 1995. However 1997 data indicates 3,295 vehicles per day
and the 1999 data indicates 3,466 vehicles per day. Due to deterioration of the pavement on Pleasant
View Road, the City of Chanhassen completed a maintenance bituminous overlay in 1998. The overlay
project reinstalled bituminous curbs and widened the roadway where practical in an effort to address
drainage issues and to improve upon the narrow width of the roadway. However, currently the road
width varies from 21 to 30 feet. Even with the widening done with the overlay project, the roadway is
not sufficient to provide a safe designated on road bike or pedestrian trail. Traffic control devices have
been requested for Pleasant View Road and due to the increased traffic levels over the past 4 years and
the slight widening of the roadway that occurred in 1998, it may now be appropriate to install the double
yellow, no passing zone striping the entire length of Pleasant View Road. However, the installation of
raised pavement markers on the curves is not necessary or practical as they would be removed by
snowplowing operations. The installation of signage to warn of pedestrians on Pleasant View Road is
inappropriate based on the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Signage to inform
motorists of high concentrations of pedestrians are used in situations such as trail crossings, schools and
parks. If petitioned by the majority of property owners in neighborhoods directly accessing Pleasant
View Road, a feasibility study could be prepared for the construction of pedestrian trail at the direction
of the City Council. The final issue raised by the residents was the Nez Perce Drive extension. The Nez
Perce Drive connection with Pleasant View Road has been a point of contention for 10 years. It has been
planned since 1989 when Vineland Forest Plat was approved. The need for the connection was identified
to improve access needed for local trips and to ensure adequate provisions for emergency services and
future development of the adjacent parcel. The city was named in a lawsuit by some of the neighbors
30
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
along Pleasant View Road and Nez Perce Drive in 1993 and 1994 who opposed having Nez Perce Drive
extended to Pleasant View Road. The courts denied the neighbors lawsuit against the city and a
settlement agreement was reached. This settlement agreement allows the city to construct the Nez Perce
Drive connection not before September of 1998. Nez Perce Drive is identified in a comprehensive plan
as a recommended local street improvement. And now we'll get to my recommendations. We
recommend the enforcement of the 25 mph speed limit recognizing that other areas of the city require
speed enforcement and that all residents living along the corridor take some personal responsibility for
their driving habits through the corridor. And also we'd recommend that we install a double yellow, no
passing zone striping the entire length of Pleasant View Road. This will clearly define the center line of
the roadway and especially on the curves will, if people follow the center line and don't cross over, will
be forced to slow down to make the sharper curve rather than utilizing the rest of the road. And if
petitioned by at least 50% of the property owners in neighborhoods directly accessing Pleasant View
Road, the engineering department could conduct a feasibility study for the construction of a trail along
Pleasant View Road. The rationale behind the necessity of at least 50% of the residents petitioning for
the project would be that the trail project would likely be assessed. And also as a final recommendation,
it is recommended that the Nez Perce Drive neighborhood connection to Peaceful Lane be constructed as
stipulated in the settlement agreement. Thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: Is there any questions from council for staff at this point?
Councilwoman Jansen: I think staff answered one of my questions when you did say that the trail would
have to be assessed so I gather we don't own much of any of a trail easement along Pleasant View Road?
Anita Benson: The right-of-way on Pleasant View Road varies from starting at Powers Boulevard, from
66 feet wide to 30 feet wide to 48 feet wide back to 66 and 73 feet wide at the east end. So there is quite
a long segment in the middle that is only 30 or 48 feet of right-of-way currently. Total right-of-way. So
in the 30 foot area it'd be 15 either side of the center line is right-of-way.
Councilwoman Jansen: Okay, thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: As follow-up to Linda's question. I did not see at least in what was reiterated as
far as the neighborhood request goes for a trail. Is that something that's being added on our end or
what's the basis of that?
Anita Benson: The concern expressed by the residents was, the initial request that we had was that
signing be installed to warn of pedestrians on the roadway. Such signing would be completely
inappropriate. It would indicate that the road's okay to be walking on and it simply is not wide enough
with the volume of traffic it carries. Therefore, I put that out as a suggestion and in some of the, actually
many of the e-mails and faxes that I handed out to you tonight, which you probably haven't had an
opportunity to review, there were requests for a pedestrian trail.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay. On what, I'm assuming now that many of the homes in that area along
Pleasant View and off of Pleasant View, when they built their homes and purchased their lots paid parks
and trail fees. Why are you suggesting that this trail would only happen if it were assessed when
effectively funds have already been paid towards trails?
Anita Benson: I did not intend to imply that that would be an only means for funding it. However it
would be a mean of getting a trail constructed ahead of what the waiting list would be for trail
construction knowing the high demand that there is and the priorities that do exist with the city. I've
31
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
been given the indication that this is a very pressing issue with residents along the corridor and presented
that as an option.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay. Makes sense. Alrighty. Good. Let's see here. In the interest of time here I
see or assume there's a number of neighbors here. Is there a spokesperson for the neighborhood that
could expand on the request or has staff covered it or?
Jack Fess: My name is Jack Fess and I represent the 10 to 11 neighbors. I manage Ridge Road which is
the Chanhassen portion of the private road that goes up to the chain in Shorewood and Christmas Lake,
okay. I don't have any qualms whatsoever about some of the things that are going on with the road.
We've hashed this over, as you said, 10 years ago. I think the reason why we're here tonight, the number
one reason is, is because we finally got an advocate that had enough of the speeding that's going on on
Pleasant View Road. Now it's been going on probably more since we paved it because it's a nice road
and it's also as we know, a shortcut to 62 Crosstown. We knew that 10 years ago. Shorewood has their
own problem with Covington Road. Same deal. But it is a wider road. The problem we have is that, as I
told Nancy when we were up here developing the Mars' property and put 5 or 6 more houses on Ridge
Road a few years ago, that Ridge Road is being used by not only the folks that live on Pleasant View
Road and Fox Chase, but I'd be willing to bet there's more walkers now walking Christmas Lake, access
up Pleasant View and over Ridge Road and around the lake than we have right now walking the new
trails on County Road 17. It's the prettiest walk probably in Chanhassen so in order to get to that road
you have to come down Pleasant View. And it's, you know so I don't think we're ever going to be able
to stop the walkers coming down Pleasant View because they're either going to come up or come down.
And every morning there's at least 30 or 40 people just jogging and running and the other problem we
have, that road was put on the bicycle map even though it's a private road and we've asked them to take
it off. We have at times 25 and 30 of these 10 speed biker groups with their racing, using that trail
coming out from other parts of the city. So we do have a real big issue there with the walkers but I think
the main thing is, we have to find a way or recommendations to get this traffic back to 25 mph or lower
and then look at all the Other options or other things on our agenda that I think the real reason why Patty
contacted the city was specifically because of speeds right now. And yes there are some other things but
I think the main thing is discussing the speeds. How we can get the speed limit down. We have school
buses for instance that's picking up over 20 young kids to go to Excelsior Elementary School right there
at Fox Chase. We've offered to police. I've talked to them personally. They can put their police car in
our road. We have other neighbors that offered on Pleasant View to use their driveways. But I think
there's a number of recommendations that both the city has made but I think there's a number of
neighbors that disagree with a lot of the remarks that have come back from the city relative to when they
checked the times. The time of the day we think we have a major problem. We think it's in the morning
and we think it's with commuters getting to 62 Crosstown. We think it's when they're coming home.
Now I will admit that neighbors speed but I think we ought to tag everybody. I mean we're not here
defending the neighbors. If they want to speed on Pleasant View Road, they have the right to be tagged.
I mean we're not taking any prisoners here. We're just trying to get the speeds down. So let's go from
there our group and see what else is on the agenda. Thank you.
Steve Beddor: Hi. I'm Steve Beddor, 1010 Pleasant View Road. I lived on Pleasant View Road for over
30 years. I read the city engineer's report to the city manager and the only thing I want to draw your
attention to is the police surveys concluding the average speed is 28 mph doesn't jibe with my
experience. I live 50 yards away from the road. I have a clear view of it every morning as I have
breakfast or every evening as I have dinner, and no, I'm not an expert on speed. I've been a professional
driver for over 10 years so I may not...say 28 mph but I think I can tell the difference between 25 and 35
or 40. Just for the heck of it I went out Friday night, midnight to 1:00 because I have another issue with
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Acting Mayor Senn: Thank you.
Councilwoman Jansen: Thank you.
Tom Kraker: Good evening, I'm Tom Kraker at 801 Pleasant View Road. That is right at the bottom of
the curve as you come about a quarter mile east of Powers and we have a interesting driveway as our
neighbors say. But the real issue is speed, as several people have said and countless times I drive
Pleasant View to catch Crosstown and many times I have been driving 25, maybe a couple miles over,
and I've been, had many drivers during rush hour again, tailgate me and pass me along Pleasant View
Road because I was going too damn slow for them. And it happens at rush hour and I jotted down a little
bit of the times and the speed study. I know council and everybody's busy but the times are all, the only
time that was even close in the 9 or 10 studies was 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday the 16~. That was the only one
that was even close to rush hour. So I would really encourage the council to commission some more
thorough studies that really get to the heart of the speed problem. And I would like to recommend that
we do lower the speed limit. There are hazardous driveway, blind driveway signs that were erected at
roughly Peaceful Lane and Pleasant View on the west side and Fox Hollow Drive and Pleasant View on
the east side and that is the critical area where you have lots of blind access...to get the view of Lotus
Lake. That is the critical area. It's only one mile. A 15 or 20 mph speed limit is not that big of a
hardship to anyone for one mile. A stop sign or two along that stretch is not that big of a hazard or
option, or excuse me. Inconvenience for that one mile. So that would be my recommendation to put that
into the agenda, into your plans as the priority. Not do the trail. The striping I'm neutral on. Again, I
think that could cause people to think it's more of a freeway with the striping than a peaceful residential
road. Thank you for your attention.
Councilwoman Jansen: Thank you.
Patty Recupero: Hi, I'm Patty Recupero. I live at 800 Fox Court and I just wanted to thank the council.
I've talked to a couple of you and I appreciate you being receptive to my concerns. I have small children
and that's what caused me to get involved with this. I got tired of driving down the road and having
people in my lane of traffic. And you know, I need to protect my kids and there's no way I'm going to
ever let them walk down Pleasant View. We stay in Fox Chase where I live or we go Ridge Road. And
that's ridiculous because we live in a beautiful area with a beautiful lake and we should be able to enjoy
it. I just wanted to touch on a couple of things. One is the traffic surveillance. I'm looking at 151 cars
measured according to this traffic speed survey that was done. Only 12 are at or under the speed limit.
139 were over the speed limit. Two citations were written. I'm wondering how fast somebody has to go
before they get a ticket. The other question I have is, you know I agree with the comments made was that
if you go 30 and you're going around those curves, you're really hugging the road. And I really think
that we need to lower the speed limit. And the last thing I wanted to talk about was Nez Perce. The road
extension I think is just going to be too much on Pleasant View Road. It's already crowded enough and I
think we're just going to add more problems down the road. Thank you.
Councilwoman Jansen: Thank you.
Sharon Graef: Appreciate the time to talk. My name is Sharon Graefand I live on Pleasant View Road.
855 and I've been there 55 years. And my family and myself were involved in getting the speed limit
dropped to 25 mph with the expectation that it would be enforced, which has not happened and it would
be a good idea to have it even lower but we went to a great deal of work to have that happen and had
signatures from the whole area. And it's very scary to lay in bed at night and hear the cars screeching
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
and think do I get up? Do I look? Do I see if they made the comer? I'm very much in favor of more law
enforcement on that road. And since they put the curves in, it's all the harder. Ifa bicyclist is riding
down the road, he can't get out of the way. Thank you.
Councilwoman Jansen: Thank you.
Mike Gullickson: My name is Mike Gullickson and I live at 830 Pleasant View Road which if you're
familiar, it's next to Ed but it's on the curve so as you go around the curve either way, it's a blind
driveway.
Councilman Labatt: Which curve are we talking about? I'm looking at a map here.
Acting Mayor Senn: Which one of the blind curves?
Councilman Labatt: Which one of the blind curves? Can you go up here and just show me real quick.
Where 830 is.
Mike Gullickson: From Powers Boulevard, we would be right here. And it is a sharp curve and you go
down this hill and as you go down the hill from either side. My mailbox happens to be on the other side
so I have to run across to get the mail, run back. And needless to say I have two young children, they are
not allowed to get the mail. They also, I have one that has to go, well I'll have two next fall, that have to
go down to catch the bus. Well they're not walking down there by themselves. Because it is way too
fast. People fly down that road. The police could sit in my driveway and really catch people because it's
a hidden driveway. You can't see it until you're on it. And many of our friends have told us that. They
go we missed it. We missed it. So I really would have liked the speed limit even lowered and I don't
think the striping will work. I'm a runner and when I run I try to stay off of Pleasant View. I will go
down to Ridge Road and come around but either way to get back to my house I have to get on Pleasant'
View again. And I mean I grew up there so I know over the years, yes. It's increased and we've got
development but people are way too fast. And they're not safe. I mean even 25. I go 25 and people get
up behind me. They honk their horns. They give me obscene gestures. They roar by me and then they
slam on their brakes. They've done that, that's happened to me probably 5 or 6 times and we've only
moved back there for a month and in that time I think that's pretty bad. To have only been there a month
and had all these people. My wife is afraid to even go out walking because she's almost been hit twice so
something needs to be done to slow people down. And that's just my opinion. I just think slow way
down and do something. Thank you.
David Santana: My name is David Santana and I live 6614 Horseshoe Curve. Horseshoe Curve and
Pleasant View Road intersect at the top of a hill. The speed has been so bad in addition, the new curbs
that have been put have been destroyed on my yard already from cars just sliding around the sand and
going so fast on that turn and going up and down the hill, that it's not even worth. I've already replaced
sod and grass up to 15 feet into my yard. Don Miller who's my neighbor has had to replace tremendous
amount of yard work because of the same thing. I have never seen a policeman on our road and would
appreciate if one would just come visit every once in a while. It is too fast. We cannot walk. Our hills
are hidden. Our curves are very treacherous and no one is monitoring it. You've got to slow it down.
Thank you.
Councilwoman Jansen: Thank you.
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
A1 Kramer: Hi, my name is Al Kramer and I live off Pleasant View Road on Indian Hill Road which is a
little dead end street that comes offofthe only stop sign on Pleasant View Road. And I've been there for
20 years and kind of witnessed the transition of the area from more cfa rural character to it's more
urbanized nature as all the cornfields have been filled in with houses and Powers Boulevard has
developed and that of course has resulted in a lot more traffic coming through the neighborhood,
although Pleasant View has still managed to retain it's rural character and it's parkway charm. Although
the landscaping continues to grow so the sight distances don't get any better. There's more people all the
time. More people driving in their cars and more pedestrians walking on the road. And the area draws
people from a large area to walk. I have people in bike. I have friends who live in the city of
Minneapolis and they come biking through our area and they drive down Pleasant View Road with their
bicycles because it's such a nice drive. I've seen people out there with their baby strollers and kids with
skateboards and you know, I just don't think it's a very safe situation. I took a drive down Pleasant View
about a year ago with my pastor from my church and he, as he saw what road we were turning on he went
oh. You're going down the raceway. And that was his term for Pleasant View Road because of the ~ay
he observes people driving on it and that really disturbed me. As I said, I live right by the stop sign.
There's a school bus stop there and my 8 year old daughter picks up the school bus every morning down
there and I've been down there several times watching her at the school bus and observed cars blasting
through, not only the stop sign but past the school bus with it's flashing lights and arms out and the bus
driver just kind of looks at me and throws up his arms like it happens all the time. And that's really very
disturbing. I think it's just kind of indicative of the careless nature and the way that people drive on
Pleasant View. I think enforcement of the existing laws that are in place would really do a lot to help the
safety of the neighborhood. I think the laws as they exist have not been enforced. I think it's just a joke
the way traffic is enforced on Pleasant View. You look at other roads in the neighborhood like Mill
Street going into Excelsior. You don't dare speed on Mill Street. You just know at the bottom of that
curve heading into Excelsior you're going to see a patrol car there on Saturday mornings or whenever.
Vine Hill Road is a similar situation. In fact, my wife and her sister have both gotten tickets on Vine Hill
Road when they've gone barreling down the... You know when's the last time anybody's seen any police
enforcement on Pleasant View Road other than that generated by the recent publicity? You know I really
think it's been a joke. And the last thing I'd like to do is just read a quote from a letter that the
MnDOT...traffic engineer wrote back in 1983 recommending the 25 mph speed limit. And it describes
Pleasant View Road as a narrow winding street with restricted sight distance on numerous locations.
Vehicular speeds may vary considerably from one location to another along the road because of these
sight restrictions and because the i0 to 20 mph speeds required for negotiating the curves. 25 mph was
found to be a comfortable speed for most locations between the curves. And obviously the curves are the
worse part. Enforcing a 25 mph speed limit on Pleasant View is not like trying to enforce a 55 mph
speed limit on an interstate freeway that has a design speed of 70 mph. Freeways are designed so you
can comfortably negotiate vertical and horizontal curves at 70 mph and where there's adequate stop and
sight distances. And apparently that doesn't exist on Pleasant View Road for speeds above 25 mph,
which is the norm. I'd like to see those speed laws enforced. Thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: Thank you.
Rogue Swenson: Hi. My name's Rogue Swenson. I live at 35 Pleasant View Road which is on the east
side of Pleasant View. It's the third house in from Highway 101. On three occasions probably in the last
four months I've been passed as I'm turning off of 101. I already have my signal lights to pull into my
driveway and I've been passed three different times. I don't know, I think that's pretty dangerous and
you can't even just barely get around the corner and get your signal turned on right as you make the turn
and you've got people, worrying about people passing you on three houses in. I think there's been a lot
of really good things said tonight and I think you should really work hard on trying to resolve this
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
total scope of work written down that substantiates what the needs are. We haven't done that yet. We
have a task force that's working extremely hard but we're looking at data based on communities that do
not parallel ours. I have, and Mr. Botcher, I don't know if this is appropriate or not. I've written a letter.
If I submit the letter, will the points in the letter be considered as public record for this meeting9.
Scott Botcher: Yeah.
Bob Ayotte: Okay, then I'll submit the letter and not belabor the specifics. But I would ask you to
realize that we don't have enough police officers. That we do not have a dedicated city attorney which
may be alright, and we do not have any information with respect to what the police can do in prosecuting
those people that do go too fast in our community. Or drive recklessly. Or commit vandalism. 13 out of
the first 17 that I spoke to on the Pleasant View area were victims. In the last two years. So thank you
very much.
Councilwoman Jansen: Thank you.
Dave Robinson: Hello. I'm Dave Robinson, 25 Pleasant View Road. I'm a neighbor of Rogey's that
talked a couple times ago and I just want to mention a couple things that have happened to me. You
know I'm probably going to echo a lot of things other people have said but you know we're just a couple
houses in so we come off 101 and like Rogey said, we've had a number of people pass us. Going around.
Their looking down at their foot pedal or something and they're giving it the gas right away. That's one
thing. The other thing is we've got, there's a hill, a crest of a hill right there by, at Near Mountain and so
people come over that hill. If I'm backing out of my driveway, they're flying way too fast to slow down
and they've had to slam on their brakes because I'm backing out of my driveway. The other thing is
when people come down 101 and mm onto Pleasant View, they're going so fast. They go into the other
lane a lot of times and if there's anybody there, you know a car or anything, it's dangerous. I wouldn't
be opposed to having a light at Pleasant View and 101. It's just, that's a horrible intersection. And
we're so close to that intersection, we've seen a lot of, we've heard a lot of people screeching and we'Ve
seen I don't know, probably 5-10 accidents there in the last you know, we've been there 12 years now.
And it's just, you know it's getting really bad and dangerous. Someone's going to get hurt bad there so
that's about all I've got. Thanks.
Councilwoman Jansen: Thank you.
Marc Hodel: Hi. My name is Marc Hodel. I live at 330 Pleasant View Road, which is right across the
street fi.om North Lotus Lake Park. I work at home so I get to see the traffic all day, every day and it gets
better at times but it is very bad in the mornings and very bad at the rash hour when people are returning
home. Unfortunately those were the times when most people walk up the street to park. I frequently see
people jump into my lawn to get out of the way of oncoming cars. Unfortunately that may not afford
them much safety because since this spring I've put up posts with reflectors in my lawn and they've been
knocked down three times from people going around the comer. I think it's just a matter of time until
one of our kids gets the same fate so I'd just like to bring that up to your attention. Thank you.
Councilwoman Jansen: Thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, we'll bring it back up to council for discussion.
Councilwoman Jansen: I think if I could, a couple of points were raised that maybe if staff could maybe
speak to them a little bit. It's the 101 upgrade isn't fresh in my mind and the most recent issue that was
38
;ity Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
ast brought up was the light at Pleasant View and 101. Was that one of the, go ahead. Intersections that
muld have a light?
nita Benson: As many of you may be aware, some of you may not, we are currently working with
tennepin, Carver County and Eden Prairie to bring a project to construction for 101. With that project
viii be included traffic signal lights. However that project is in the future, 2002. 2003. 2004. We don't
mow for sure at this point. There's a lot ofupfront work that needs to be done before we can deliver a
Jew roadway out there.
2ouncilwoman Jansen: And that is one of the signaled intersections on that plan?
~nita Benson: Correct.
2ouncilwoman Jansen: Okay. And I guess the other thing that was again mentioned here towards the
end that I was going to ask about is we keep hearing that the residents have vehicles actually coming up
.nto their yards. The one gentleman mentioned having put the reflective post in his yard and having those
mocked over. Is there a form of barrier that can be put up to make it even more obvious to a vehicle
~river that they've strayed outside the zone?
2ouncilman Labatt: Boulders?
2ouncilwoman Jansen: That's not what I had in mind but something that's permanent.
Anita Benson: Guard rail comes to mind. Typically on higher speed roadways where there's a drop off.
.t's not real pretty but that is a barrier. I think providing a barrier just doesn't seem to be addressing the
real problem out there which is speed.
Zouncilwoman Jansen: And again bringing it back just to comments. I know that as we've been in
conversations with Sheriff Olson as far as the flexibility in his department to be able to target problem
areas. He has voiced a full support that as the city identifies problem situations, being able to jump on
that sort of enforcement with us as a, in a parmership. As he did with the graffiti problem in the
neighborhood parks at the beginning of the year. And I'm wondering what sorts of conversations have
been had at this point or is that what you need from us as far as direction on targeting Pleasant View for
the enforcement?
Scott Botcher: No I think a lot of what happened here was, you know we received, we had a lady write a
letter to the editor. And actually I had a couple calls before that happened and what I had asked Bob to
do, Officer Bob, was to go out and make this a targeted area for speed enforcement. I mean the reality is
we could, and Anita and I have talked about this and I know Linda you and I have talked about this. We
could make this road you know safer. We could make it pedestrian friendly with all sorts of stuff. At the
same time we want to maintain the integrity of the neighborhood. I mean it is a special, unique
neighborhood within the city of Chanhassen and we don't want to go out and make this thing standard
width throughout. We don't want to have the 3 meter clear zones on all sides of the asphalt. Take down
all the trees. Take all the vegetation. That would destroy everything that everyone lives them for. So
that's a bad, that's not a good solution. You could put barriers up you know and I think I told you, it'd
look like the Fuji course on Pole Position. You know it's got barriers. I always played that in college but
you don't want that to be there either. The reality is, it's a poorly designed road. And it's probably not
built for much in terms of vehicular traffic. It's not made for the, it's not made a Celica. I mean it's
made for a '78 Bonne with a small engine. I mean it's just, it's not a great road and our options to
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Anita Benson: There aren't any state aid route or state highway, county highway within the state. We
have to request that MnDOT do a speed study to do that. They go through a process where they
determine what the majority of the cars are actually traveling the road. They call it the 85th percentile
speed and that is generally what the speed limit will be set at. The reason behind that is more accidents
happen because of the difference in speeds rather than the actual speed itself. Vehicular accidents and
that can be evidenced by the concern with people passing out on Pleasant View Road when someone's
going 25 or less. The people behind that want to go faster will try and pass and it creates a hazard for
head on traffic. So MnDOT sets a speed limit on municipal state aid routes which Pleasant View Road
is.
Scott Botcher: The other thing that I'd like to bring up before I forget is the whole issue of striping and
I've been asked how I feel about striping and I'm sort of, you know I don't really have a problem with it.
I don't know if I'm a big fan of it. The issue that comes up, and I think Anita mentioned it to me. I think
it's probably very accurate. If you get to the point where you stripe the pavement, and I don't care if it's
single striped, double striped, whatever. If you put the buttons down the road, snowplows are going to
take them all up. I mean we might as well just throw the money down the hole instead of put buttons
down. But you don't, you have to be cautious that you don't create a perception amongst the pedestrian
or bicycling traffic that in fact there's a passable lane there. You know some of the asphalt widths and
some of the right-of-way widths are somewhat goofy and to get to the point where you've got a, and this
is maybe not the way to say it but you have the ability without the striping for people to take their driving
lane not exactly on the far right hand side of the road which you know if there is a lane and they feel like
they need to stay inside that double yellow lane, are we in fact increasing danger to pedestrian or bicycle
traffic? We very well may be. And you know I'm not sure, I won't stand up and fight against striping.
I'm just not sure it's really in our best interest. I'm sort of in the middle on that one.
Audience: Could you address stop signs? Is there a possibility of putting one or two stop signs just to
make people stop...dangerous curve?
Scott Botcher: I think we're back to the same state aid issue that Mr. Senn brought up. I'm not, I can't
imagine any way that a stop sign would be warranted and again you get down it, if you stop the traffic.
How long does it take to get your car back up to 35 mph?
Audience: What about at Fox Chase?
Scott Botcher: Again, it would have to be warranted. I'm not sure it's ever going to be.
Acting Mayor Senn: Basically because the road's a municipal state aid road the, how would I say this. I
wish you were all here when we went through a long, arduous task of the S curve on 101. It was real
interesting because absolutely nobody came out and I was a lone voice basically sitting there saying this
is going to be a disaster to 101. To Pleasant View and everything else and they were redesigning the S
curve to push more traffic that way. The original design on the S curve put more traffic down Dell Road.
And all the residents in Eden Prairie turned out and kyboshed that and they redesigned it. And you know
at that time we really pushed to try to, or I should say a couple of us really pushed to try to get some
considerations out of that but nobody was out so it was just kind of like a non type of a deal. But the stop
sign issue we raised at that time too and you know the reality is, yeah. You can put up, we can put up
stop signs wherever we want. The problem is is they get a complaint, then they'll probably tell us to take
them down. That's the way it works essentially with the state aid roads because they have the ultimate
say on whether those stop signs are there or not there. That doesn't mean we can't do it. You know
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Pleasant View's been a, how would I say, time and time again an issue and the, I mean the speed limits
are very definitely a problem there and I mean there's got to be a better way to do it and maybe it is time
that we do take a whirl at some different things even if they aren't necessarily all correct. I mean we've
talked about everything over there from speed bumps to stop signs to whatever. We've talked about
striping and you know like I say, there's a lot of debate both ways on that. Let's see here, I'm trying to
think. Oh the other issue that was raised about connecting Nez Perce. That neighborhood connection
through Peaceful Lane. I mean that was a long, long deal. I think you, let's see I can't remember. I think
Mark was on the council at the same time too but Mark and I were the only people that voted against that
connection. So essentially the connection was put into a deal to go ahead and maybe this is a basis or a
time to reconsider that because these are all issues that relate to your traffic concerns.
Councilwoman Jansen: And to add to that, Steve and I weren't here.
Acting Mayor Senn: Yeah. I mean a lot of this is a new council so I mean that's part of what makes it
maybe a new consideration to take a look at or whatever so I don't know. What is council have any...
at this point.
Councilwoman Jansen: I don't think I have any other comments except that everyone very consistently
was saying enforce the speed limit, which I gather from Mr. Botcher is definitely something that we can
jump on and encourage with the sheriff's department to get that follow through. One of my questions
would be following up as far as the prosecuting attorney. If we're issuing citations and those people are
getting fined, correct. Does that go up if they get multiple citations or is that a prosecuting attorney
function?
Roger Knutson: Prosecuting attorneys don't fine anyone. Judges fine people. The prosecuting attorney
brings the citation to the court and makes a recommendation. The judge doeS what he does with it. Or
she does with it.
Councilwoman Jansen: Do we need to provide maybe the direction that we do want these citations at
least pushed as far as court so they are being fully enforced? I mean are they ever just forgiven?
Roger Knutson: Again we're not involved in that but I'd be very surprised if they're just forgiven. I
mean that would be, you don't call up the prosecutor and say I'm sorry and they say okay. If you want to
give that message, it wouldn't hurt to let the county attorney know that you feel strongly about that.
That's fine. But I would assume he's doing everything he can to successful prosecute the citations that
are presented.
Scott Botcher: And we don't how many of the citations that are written are actually contested. I mean
there's a lot of people, they might just write the check and send it in. We don't have that data.
Roger Knutson: You could request that data.
Scott Botcher: Don't have it tonight.
Acting Mayor Senn: We've got a long agenda head of us.
Councilman Engel: I've only got one other one...before we go. This thing with trucks, if we could limit
it I'd love to. The thing with stop signs. I don't mind tweaking the state whenever we can, as long as it
won't cost us any substantial money in court so I want to be clear about that. I don't think it'd cost too
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Councilman Labatt: Okay. What designation, and maybe you don't know but maybe you could find out
what the designation is of that part of Pleasant View Road. How they were able to get those stop signs
up or what the rationale is.
Anita Benson: I can certainly check into the designation. I believe that they were installed during the
construction.
Acting Mayor Senn: Reconstruction of the S curve.
Anita Benson: But I can check into what the designation is.
Councilman Labatt: Good. That's all I've got. I mean I think we as a council could put forth a strong
request for use some force. If it's 25, you've got to give or take a few miles an hour but when you see
these speed limits of 34, 35, 36, that's unsafe.
Acting Mayor Senn: Well rather than sit around and talk about it more I'm going to make a motion
that's going to bring a number of things to a point that I've tried to do over the past several years. One is
a motion to provide enforcement of a 25 mph speed limit. Aggressive enforcement let's say of a 25 mph
speed limit. And that the council directs staff to undertake an effort to do that. And that two, we install
double yellow lines, no passing zone, stripe the entire length of Pleasant View. See if that helps.
Number three. That we direct staff to install stop signs at Horseshoe and at Ridge/Fox Pass to help slow
down traffic. And four, that we amend our agreement to not construct the Nez Perce Drive neighborhood
connection to Peaceful Lane. That's my motion.
Roger Knutson: Councilmember Senn? Just on the last thing about Nez Perce. We have no obligation
to build it. We have the right to build it.
Acting Mayor Senn: No, I understand.
Roger Knutson: And there is no further agreement. The land was conveyed to us. That's the end of the
agreement.
Acting Mayor Senn: No, I understand but it also said that, the agreement said essentially that the city
can basically build or construct or provide that segment any time it wanted to after the date in 1998.
Roger Knutson: Correct. So now we own it and it's just like any other unimproved right-of-way we
have. So there will be nothing to go back to Mr. Beddor with.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, so we don't have to amend the agreement. We can just simple make the
decision not to extend it.
Roger Knutson: The sense of the council is you're not going to build it.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay. So I would not say amend the agreement but the council go on record as
saying they will not construct the Nez Perce neighborhood connection to Peaceful Lane. So that's in the
motion. Councilman Engel just seconded that motion. Is there any discussion?
Councilwoman Jansen: ...question on the double yellow and I don't know if Scott would like to, Mr.
Bother you'd like to speak to this. But we'd had a conversation earlier today as to whether or not double
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
yellow does anything different than a single yellow. Other than free up a few inches as far as getting
those cars maybe away from the curb. I am concerned about the pedestrians and again, there was
conversation on maybe that yellow line is pushing the cars closer to the right hand side where you might
end up with more of the vehicular and pedestrian conflicts. But do you have a conversation on that?
Scott Botcher: I won't sit here and claim that that's the ultimate answer. As far as the difference
between double and single, I would defer to Anita on the engineering answer. As a lay person, I honestly
couldn't tell you what the difference is except for a couple inches.
Anita Benson: Thank you. The conversation here concerns tonight as a professional engineer. And first
we'll address the double yellow striping versus a single yellow. We have specific standards that we
follow when we install traffic control devices and markings on any roadway. The standards are there to
ensure uniformity. Not for enforcement and also for drivers perception wise, they know what a double
yellow line means. Double yellow means we can'tpass. It's a no passing zone line. And if we are going
to follow standards which I would strongly recommend as your city engineer, that any striping be done
out there would be double yellow. And I again would caution you, as I have in the past, at the
installation of unwarranted stop signs. I have correspondence in the files on Pleasant View Road
indicating that the stop sign at Indian Hill Road, nobody stops for it. That creates a hazard in itself
because the stop sign being there makes people, drivers and any pedestrians out there think that the cars
are going to stop and they don't. It creates a hazard. To go and install unwarranted stop signs on any
roadway is doing a disservice to the public that you are here to protect. There are many misconceptions
regarding stop signs out there. What they can and cannot do. One thing that stop signs have been proven
in many studies is that they cannot control speed limits. Only the drivers can control their speed and
diligent enforcement. Thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay. Any other questions or discussion on the motion? Otherwise there's a
motion on the.
Audience: ...can I make one...
Councilman Labatt: I just want to comment on the motion that I wonder if we're, don't get me wrong. I
wonder if we're trying to put the cart before the horse too much by trying to do all this here in one night.
Acting Mayor Senn: Some of us don't feel that way Steve. We've been trying to do it for six years.
Councilman Labatt: See what the increase in enforcement will bring. I mean it's such a pretty road, do
you really want double yellow lines down it? Then Mark okay, I want to offer a friendly amendment to
remove that. Increase the heck of enforcement on that road. Tag them. Tow their cars, whatever you've
got to do and let's see what that does for right now.
Acting Mayor Senn: Sorry folks. Folks listen.
Councilman Labatt: The stop signs, if they're unwarranted. We have to listen to our professional
engineer here. You know if they're unwarranted, it becomes an enforcement issue that there's an
illegally placed sign. We just went through it with Lake Lucy Road where we couldn't designate. We
couldn't put the sign up there. So now we're going to do it to this road. I hate to do this but let's see
what we can do with the increase in enforcement. I'd love to put a stop sign out there but if it's an
illegally placed stop sign.
45
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Councilwoman Jansen: Then it can't be enforced.
Councilman Labatt: It can't be enforced, so it does no good.
Audience: ...stop signs...
Acting Mayor Senn: Folks listen, I'm really sorry because there's a whole bunch of other people here
waiting for other items okay and this is not proper procedure. We don't get in discussions. Okay, this
has been brought back to council. We have heard you. We have listened to you okay. We've given you
your say. Okay, now council needs to discuss it. There's a motion on the floor. We will act, okay. So
let's just kind of leave it at that and let's quite trying to being a disservice to the other people in the room
who have been sitting here for three hours waking for us, okay. Please. And I don't mean that
vindictively but it's just common courtesy, okay. Alright. Any additional comments? Councilman
Labatt.
Councilman Labatt: And then with the Nez Perce. I wasn't a part of that conversation or any
information on that so I'd like to pull that until I have a chance to review what the documents were
behind it all before I go and offer a vote on that. I mean I think that's only fair. I wasn't part of the
council.
Councilwoman Jansen: So that's out of the motion? As I understand it.
Acting Mayor Senn: Well wait not. Hang on. Councilman Labatt is making some comments. If you'd
like to make some comments, you've made your comments, okay. After he makes his comments I will
say what I will do or wont' do with my motion, okay.
Councilman Labatt: Those are my comments. Yeah, I'm done.
Acting Mayor Senn: And from my standpoint Steve, no disrespect intended. You know this has been
going for six years. This isn't a new issue. None of these are new issues. You know it's time that
people either go on record to help it or not. I mean there was little or no help when the S curve was done.
There was little or no help when a lot of this stuff was done. So you've got to either take a position or
not take a position. You know my motion's going to stand. It's seconded and if you want to vote against
it, that's up to you but the reason I'm going with the double yellow line is that's something that staffhas
suggested as a possible partial solution. The staffs suggesting the 25 mph speed limit, aggressive
enforcement, as are the neighbors. The neighbors really feel strong about the stop signs. I felt strong
about that ever since I've been on this council and it's been a continuing sore point to me. And the
construction of the connection has always been in my mind been unwarranted, unnecessary and would do
that neighborhood an additional disservice and as far as I'm concerned it's time that we just put it to rest
and say it's not going to happen rather than lolly gag around with this, having it sitting in no man's land
so, in response to your questions that's it and call the question on the motion.
Councilman Engel: And my second still stands.
Scott Botcher: Just for clarification. And in fairness to you Councilmember Senn. Steve does have the
ability to move an amendment and call for a vote on an amendment on his request to amend your motion,
am I correct Roger?
Acting Mayor Senn: Correct he can, yeah.
46
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Scott Botcher: Yeah absolutely. Just so you know that.
Roger Knutson: He can amend it and then can second that amendment is voted on.
Scott Botcher: And I guess a second comment is, I agree with what you said. I mean I think that if
you're going to pop stop signs up, I agree with Anita. I mean I think that if you're going to do that, we
can't be sitting around here just saying well isn't this cool. We'll put up stop signs. That will work. It
doesn't work. We need to have a professional, we need to be professional about what we're doing up
here. And with all respect to the neighbors, we need to be consistent in our application of what we're
doing. I think that thirdly, I think any motion on the Nez Perce issue is doing a disservice perhaps to
other neighborhoods in this city who may be interested in speaking to this issue and if we're going to
address the Nez Perce issue, I would respectfully request that we advertise that we're going to do so.
Because there are other citizens out there who may want to give input on this issue that may not be in
agreement with the majority of those seated here this evening. Finally, my last question to the neighbors
is, there are a number of, and Anita is aware of this and so is Kate. Traffic calming devices and
techniques that have been used around the country. And I don't want an answer tonight because I know
Mark wants to get going but if you have an interest in these devices, and working with the city on
perhaps exploring these as alternatives, because they are alternatives that work to stop signs, drop me an
e-mail. It may require some additional right-of-way depending on the traffic calming situation but it
won't necessarily require plowing out a big stretch of the street, depending on what we do so if there's an
interest in exploring that as an option, just drop me an e-mail. That's all I have.
Councilman Labatt: Okay, so my motion.
Scott Botcher: You need to make a motion if you want to make a motion.
Roger Knutson: You can make a motion to amend.
Councilman Labatt: I make a motion that we just amend Councilman Senn's motion to meet with the
increase aggressive enforcement of the speed limit and hold off on double striping until what happens in
the next 30 to 60 days. 45 days. That we not do anything with Nez Perce tonight and wait on that until
Linda and I have a chance to read the information and the affected neighborhoods...
Acting Mayor Senn: Is there a second to that motion?
Councilwoman Jansen: IfI could ask a question. Did you keep the part in about eliminating the stop
signs to your amendment?
Councilman Labatt: Yeah. And then eliminate them for now. From a guy who enforces them, if you
don't, ifI can't enforce it.
Councilwoman Jansen: I would second that amendment.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay. And any additional discussion on that amendment?
Councilman Labatt moved, Councilwoman Jansen seconded to make an amendment to the motion
made by Councilman Senn to begin aggressive enforcement of the 25 mph speed limit on Pleasant
View Road and to hold off on any action on installing stop signs, double yellow striping and any
47
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
action on Nez Perce Drive extension. Councilman Labatt and Councilwoman Jansen voted in
favor. Councilman Senn and Councilman Engel voted against. The motion for an amendment
failed with a tied vote of 2 to 2.
Scott Botcher: Call the question on yours so now you're up.
Acting Mayor Senn: So now we go back to the original motion which is, let's see here. All in favor of
the original motion?
Acting Mayor Senn moved, Councilman Engel seconded to begin aggressive enforcement of a 25
mph speed limit on Pleasant View Road. Two, to install double yellow lines, no passing zone,
stripe the entire length of Pleasant View. Number three, direct staff to install stop signs at
Horseshoe and at Ridge/Fox Pass to help slow down traffic. And four, to not construct the Nez
Perce Drive neighborhood connection to Peaceful Lane. Acting Mayor Senn and Councilman
Engel voted in favor. Councilman Labatt and Councilwoman Jansen voted against. The motion
failed with a tie vote of 2 to 2.
Acting Mayor Senn: Motion fails there too.
Councilwoman Jansen: I'd make a new motion that we accept staff recommendations to provide the
aggressive enforcement of a 25 mph speed limit. And maybe make sure that we're folloWing up on that
and there's a report back as to the results. I think everyone's aware enough now but I wouldn't make that
the motion.
Acting Mayor Senn: Is there a second to it?
Councilman Labatt: I will.
Acting Mayor Senn: Any discussion on the motion? I just really have a hard time on the stop sign issue.
I mean you know what we're talking about on the stop sign issue is, if you look at the rest of the world
around us, it's hog wash. I've been sitting here for six years listening to why we can't lower
neighborhood speed limits below 30 mph. Why we can't put up stop signs because people would like to
see if they would help slow down traffic and stuff like that. Yet I do drive these areas and I'm sorry I'm
wrong, there's five stop signs b6tween 101 and let's see here, Dell Road now. And those were all put up
because the city wanted to put them up and it was part of the effort to slow down and stop traffic from
going through that area because it was inconvenient. There's, I can, geez I could make a long list of
places in Minnetonka where major roads are 25 mph or below and where there's stop signs in places
where they aren't warranted because the council decided to put them in and to see if they could make a
concentrated effort to see if they will reduce the traffic and reduce the traffic patterns. Making it less
convenient for people to effectively use those routes, etc, and people will do that. People will take the
routes of least resistance and I firmly believe that.
Councilwoman Jansen: Are they state aid roadways?
Acting Mayor Senn: Yes they are state aid roadways.
Councilwoman Jansen: But you don't know that for a fact.
Acting Mayor Senn: Yes I do know that for a fact.
48
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Councilman Labatt: What roads are they Mark?
Councilwoman Jansen: Well and that's why we've asked Anita to check the other side of Pleasant View
because we didn't know whether it is or not. So it would be significant to find that out because that's
why we have been shown and told that they can't be enforced.
Acting Mayor Senn: Give you wonderful example. Dell Road is a state aid roadway. There's a number
of stop signs on it and none of them are warranted. So I mean.
Scott Botcher: Maybe there's an opportunity here to cut a deal with the state to do it given the
extenuating circumstances. I guess if we're going to do that and we can get the signs put up, that's great.
I would rather do it that way thought than just throw them up and say, we're going to do it because we
feel like it.
Councilwoman Jansen: I mean they did lower the speed limit for us when we needed that lowered.
Scott Botcher: And I don't think the State is necessarily a bunch of unreasonable heathens. I mean if
we've got some difficulty there, maybe we ought to give it a run.
Councilman Labatt: I'm not opposed tO the stop sign. I just want to do it legally so we can, when we
write a ticket for the stop sign, the guy has to pay the fine. He doesn't go into court and say well it's an
illegally placed sign and his case is dismissed. It does us no good then. Where we don't give up any
punishment on the violation. Let's do the analysis. Have our engineer take care of it and then go through
the proper channels to get the signs put up there.
Acting Mayor Senn: Steve, no analysis in the world's going to show you that stop signs are warranted
on Pleasant View. It just isn't going to happen because you're not going to have the traffic counts that
they talk about effectively to do that. I mean...the number you said, the number that had to be achieved
to warrant a stop sign.
Anita Benson: A total of 12,000 cars through the intersection that's counting from all legs.
Acting Mayor Senn: I mean impossible and come on. You tell me these other places I've recited and
stuff have that kind of traffic volumes. They don't Steve and so it's just kind of a matter that either you
take the attitude that you're going to start using that as a traffic control and do something about it and see
if it does some good, or you don't.
Councilman Engel: I want to take a minute here.
Acting Mayor Senn: I'm sorry, go ahead Mark.
Councilman Engel: With all due respect to Anita, Steve, I know you guys are professionals at this. You
know it. The numbers tell you what you know to be true over the long haul for the majority of situations
where you examine these things. I'm a professional too. Facts and figures and statistics means
something. In most instances. I also am familiar with this road and sometimes, I mean you can't just
lead with what your head tells you and what the facts tell you. You've got to go with your gut and my
gut tells me stop signs on this road will help. And I just want to point out, if they don't, it's not that big a
loss. And I'd also like to point something else out. How many people know the laws in this state about
49
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
sign placement? I wouldn't. If you gave me a ticket for running that stop sign three months from now,
which is a possibility, I wouldn't know. I'd say gee, wow. Here's your $65.00. I won't do it again. And
I'll wager to say that is the case for most of the people that we get ticketed for that. They don't know the
difference. They won't know. And if they challenge it, more power to them. But I believe in my gut it
will help. I also know in my gut that this connection to Peaceful Lane's only going to put more traffic on
that road. You can't look at this thing any other way and think that that's a good thing. It's not a good
thing. No matter how you slice it. We've got emergency access to those neighborhoods through the
existing roads and correct me if I'm wrong, you may not have been here for it but the concern was access
for emergency vehicles when they talked about that connection. And I just don't think it's that
warranted. So I'm adamant about stating the position that the council does not favor that road connection
and I don't think stop signs are a waste of time here. And I can go with or without the double yellow
lines. It sounds like that thing can go either way with the group so I'm for the aggressive enforcement of
the speed. I think everybody is. But I think a couple of well placed boulders on curves, it would remind
people that ran over them once in a while, it wouldn't hurt and stop signs wouldn't hurt and you've just
got to go with what you think sometimes. I know what your professional knowledge will tell you but I
don't agree with it in this case.
Councilman Labatt: ...what it comes down to is you just wouldn't enforce the illegal stop sign. And
there's other cities that have them out there and we don't...that's what it's going to come down to so...
I've been in law enforcement for 14 years and you know, I'm just telling you, if you're going to do it
legally, do it legally so you can bang them on it.
Scott Botcher: And Mark, I do have a problem with making a decision on Nez Perce without input from
the rest of the community. I think that's doing them a disservice. For as much as you guys work hard to
represent the constituents and all of them, I think you're selling yourself short.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, so what do we have on the table at this point?
Councilman Engel: Confusion.
Acting Mayor Senn: Besides confusion. Do we have a motion on the table or don't we? Or are we just
agreeing that we aren't going to pass any motions tonight?
Councilwoman Jansen: Mine was for the aggressive enforcement.
Councilman Labatt: And I seconded it...
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, so we have a motion on the table to, would you like to say the motion again,
or phrase the motion again?
Councilwoman Jansen: I believe I worded it such that it was staff's recommendation for the point
number 1. Providing the aggressive enforcement of the 25 mph speed limit on Pleasant View Road
between Powers and 101.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, with no direction on anything else? Well that doesn't really require a
council motion anyway. Does it? I mean I think staff if anything figured that out tonight.
Audience: Where is the teeth in that motion? What does aggressively mean? 20 hours a day? 1 hour a
day?
5O
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Councilwoman Jansen: I do think that that's something that staff works out as far as the specifics. I
mean Mr. Botcher spoke to them needing to be able to, how did you word it.'? Sneak up on them.
Scott Botcher: Well we've got to be sneaky about when we establish, what I call the speed trap there but
the reality is that we've got 20,000 people out there to watch, not just the people who live on Pleasant
View. So we're going to have to balance out the other needs in the community as well as that area,
which we can make a focus of our emphasis. But there are times you may not see them there as well but
I think given what we've done in the last two weeks, we can continue to do that. You know I don't see
why we can't do that through the balance of the summer, into the fall and create immediately the
perception that that is a dangerous place to speed. And that is ultimately the most effective methodology
for dealing with this issue.
CouncilWoman Jansen: And then at some point we end up with follow-up conversation on what's been
happening and the results and the effectiveness and.
Scott Botcher: It may not. I think one of the issues that Steve brought up is the whole fact of, you know
how much above the speed limit do we start writing citations? I mean we can easily instruct our officers,
forget the warnings. You know I generally don't try to act as a police chief but we can give them some
instructions. Forget the warnings. Pop them at 27, 28 and be done with it. I mean I think that goes a
really long way to dealing with this issue and we don't have to mess around with the increased liability
that we will take on if we place stop signs in an unwarranted position. We start sticking boulders and
guard rails on the side of the street. We start destroying the neighborhood with placing this stuff. You
know you're asking my gut feeling. That's my gut feeling.
Acting Mayor Senn: I was just going to say, I do not oppose aggressive enforcement one way or the
other. I mean I think it's, we need it. We need it badly. My fear is in supporting it in this motion, which
is a motion which only does that and I've already heard implications down the line here effectively that
you know, let's look at it for 3 months or whatever, 4 months or whatever. To me all that's going to
happen is that's going to put off everything else for even consideration or as an issue because the
attitude's going to be the council told us just to go aggressively enforce this and see what happens from
there and I don't that's adequate and I don't think that that is a proper course of action for even the next
30 days on this issue. So, all in favor.
Councilman Labatt: Wait a minute. Where are we here again?
Acting Mayor Senn: We're voting on the speed limit with.
Councilman Engel: Aggression.
Councilman Labatt: And doing nothing on 2, 3 and 4.
Acting Mayor Senn: That's right.
Councilman Labatt: We're going to leave those open for consideration. I don't want you to think I'm
against the Nez Perce thing Mark. I just want the chance to review the information.
Councilman Engel: I know. I'm just going on my past experience.
51
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Councilman Labatt: I'm in favor of number 1 then.
Councilwoman Jansen moved, Councilman Labatt seconded to go along with staff's
recommendation point number 1, provide aggressive enforcement of the 25 mph speed limit on
Pleasant View Road. All voted in favor, except Acting Mayor Senn who opposed, and the motion
carried with a vote of 3 to 1.
.REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR THREE 3-STORY 54 UNIT APARTMENT
BUILDINGS (162 UNITS) ON 9.94 ACRES OF PROPERTY ZONED PUD-MIXED USE;
LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF HIGHWAY 101 AT MAIN STREET IN VILLAGES ON
THE POND~ CHANHASSEN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT~ THE SHELARD GROUP.
Public Present:
Name Address
Bob Savard
Brad Johnson
James Amundson 8500
A1 & Mary Jane Klingelhutz 8600
Shirley Robinson 8502
Marian & Walter Paulson 8528
Barbara Jacoby 8516
Bob Smithburg 8657
Jim Jacoby 8410
Gene Klein 8412
Wayne Holt... 8524
8080 Marsh Drive
7425 Frontier Trail
Great Plains Blvd.
Great Plains Blvd.
Great Plains Blvd.
Great Plains' Blvd.
Great Plains Blvd.
Chan Hills Drive North
Great Plains Blvd.
Great Plains Blvd.
Great Plains Blvd.
Bob Generous: The applicant is actually the Shelard Group. As you stated, this is a site plan review for
a project. It's located on the northeast comer of Lake Susan. It acts as an entryway to the downtown
area of the Chanhassen. To the south is Chanhassen Hills. A residential development. It's a little south
of that project, and the Mission Hills, mixed density residential development. To the north is the
downtown area. This project actually began in 1995 when the city had discussions with the developer
and property owners about developing their site. Initially they looked at providing multiple uses on the
property but each one separately. The city worked with them to create a more a mixed and integrated
mixed use development. Eventually in 1996 the city approved the preliminary PUD for Villages on the
Ponds. This included a 100,000 square feet of institutional uses, up to 291,000 square feet of commercial
and office uses, and up to 322 dwelling units. As part of that this site was designated for either 112
dwelling units and a 32,000 square foot office building located on the north part of the project, or they
could get rid of the office and provide an additional 54 dwelling units for a total of 168 dwelling units
that could be approved on this site. The city additionally fought to incorporate rental housing as a
component of the Villages on the Pond. On the Ponds project. At least 50% of the housing must be
rental housing. In the original review of this, the city also looked at and did an environmental assessment
worksheet. This looked at the impacts of the project on natural resources, traffic, pollution, noise,
various issues that could impact the neighborhood. The findings of that study were that no additional
environmental review was required. One of the components of that was a traffic impact study. That
study showed that this development provides, well actually back on traffic growth provides between 45
and 65% of the traffic growth in this area. It's not the development that's the majority traffic generator.
Utilities are available to the site. The developer is proposing connection to the metropolitan interceptor
52
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
which is located adjacent to the city trail runs around Lake Susan. Initially staffhad recommended that
this connection be jacked under Highway 5 but in... effort to move the project forward, we went to
recommend that they be able to do their connection. The one issue that we had with that connection is
that it go through a comer of the bluff impact zone, which is located on the southern portion of the site
and that area was to be preserved as part of the view of only 1,000 square feet of canopy area, additional
canopy area will be removed due to the utility extension and the applicant has agreed to replace that. As
part of the overall plan, a storm water management plan for the site was developed and located south of
the housing project is the main storm water pond for Villages on the Ponds. This will treat the storm
water for the residential development as well as the Village core prior to discharge into Riley Creek.
This is an integral component of the project and it was reviewed by the DNR and they were supportive of
putting it there. Unfortunately it removes a lot of trees. As part of the planning commission review, the
planning commission did recommend approval of this. However, they wanted to make sure that the
landscaping plan adequately buffer the Lake Susan from this development and the Highway 101 corridor.
We believe with the revisions to the plan that's required, based on the conditions of approval that we can
get buffering done. The other issue was again traffic and we believe that while 101 is in a degraded state
due to the overall growth of the community, it's not this specific development that's responsible fo~: that.
The final issue is about a beachlot. This proposal currently before us is not for any approval of
beachlots. We're not even sure that if it was reviewed for a beachlot, that it can comply with the
ordinance requirements, specifically the drainage and utility easements over the southern portion of the
site. This development does comply with the setbacks and design standards established for Villages on
the Ponds. With that, staff is recommending approval of the site plan based on the conditions in. our
report and I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Acting Mayor Senn: Any questions of staff from council?
Councilwoman Jansen: I actually have a couple. The first being going back to the two different sewer
locations that have been discussed. If I understand correctly, the northerly original proposed location
with the EAW for Villages to go under 101, is that, ifI look at the recommendation, we're still jacking
the water main under 101 at that location. So part of the original recommendation was that this would
just be one other utility that would be jacked under 101. Correct?
Dave Hempel: Councilwoman Jansen. In addition to the watermain that will be jacked underneath 101,
storm sewer will also eventually be jacked underneath 101 to serve the core of Villages on the Pond.
Right now Villages has a temporary pond on the east side of 101 below St. Hubert's. Eventually that
pond will be eliminated with the upgrade of Highway 101 and/or development of additional hard surface
in the village core area which will necessitate the extension of that trunk storm sewer down below the
apartment site where a regional pond has been designated and not yet constructed, but would be. Which
is proposed to be constructed with the apartment.
Councilwoman Jansen: And the storm sewer at this point would still be jacked under 101 at that
northerly location, not the southerly location?
Dave Hempel: Correct. Timing wise we were hoping to have upgrades of 101 at the same time that
these utilities needed to be extended so they could be easily extended through 101 when it was being
upgraded. Concurrently with the upgrade of i01. But the development's coming before the upgrade of
101 which necessitates the tunneling underneath i01.
53
e 28, 1999
3kay. So the way that the recommendation is worded currently, then the storm
~'1 be jacked under 101 at the northerly location. So why would we then move
a a request by the applicant· There's two alternatives to provide sewer. There is
hat was a request made, and it is a feasible alternative.
)kay, but it does disturb more of the topography of the site, if we do move it to
m hearing the amount but.
:onceivably manage to
t that for the total
;y give up some of the
fthem being in this
the other side? I
tl mix on the other side
2ay. Okay, so that was one question. And then the NURP ponds, the Pond g4
ern end at this point. As I was going through the EAW I did bring it back with
When I went through that it did show that pond but it was significantly smaller
ling...mitigation in that area. Is that why that, why is that pond become so
antly larger than the original one that was within the EAW so I guess my
.:n so significantly? Originally it didn't impact the creek. Or the buffer in the
~..,, recall, I believe that sizing the pond to meet the water quality standards
the EAW...
lress some of that. Originally they had proposed using tennis courts down
e. We never agreed to that .... as part of the tradeoff, there were areas that we
~ral. The storm water management plan always provided for this area.., for the
of the, as this project developed and the final calculations were made. I believe
rong but we talked about combining those ponds with 101 and we shifted one
.: it got enlarged and we moved the tennis courts that were originally set for
'-ay. So ifI followed what you just said, would we in trying to leave some
e existing vegetation along the creek, would we be able to shift part of this
brought it back over 101. Could that go back over to where we are only taking
~ courts were originally proposed? And sufficiently handle the storm water. Is
~op tonight? I'm sorry, I just looked at the EAW this weekend.
~d on the storm water calculations, they determine a pond size. The exact
tssaged but the surface area and the depth of the pond is a given. We have to
:an massage the character of the meandering size of the pond to leave more
we can certainly look into that. One thing I just want to point out as well,
id is being built at this time. The remaining pond will be built as 101 is
'~. ~.,, bed is abandoned. That will turn also into a future ponding area.
conceivably, ifI follow what you just said then the pond as it expanded, it
road is currently versus going any closer to the creek as it were to increase in
ldn't be going over that
part of the EAW, and I
come up as maybe
ts noting, well I'll just
;nd of the site around
alking the 15 acres.
5ety of wildlife. It
lain on this end of this
'just a minimum of
)kay.
· I think when this
~, there would have to
~pen we're going to
,~ct different than the
~eveloper wanted some
that were involved and
That was the...some
amount...
at, would be able to get
m bring back. But
dd be tree loss on this
, if you exceed a certain
ng the minimum is.
~ey're outside the bluff
e're down to less than
;w plantings versus our
N that we were
'be..·
54
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Kate Aanenson: ...whole PUD though.
Councilwoman Jansen: Right. And I guess visually, not being able to really see the size of what's
behind St. Hubert's. It doesn't give you that impression that we've preserved as much as obviously could
be hidden behind the church. And I guess that just stuck out as I was reading through it. Those are all
my questions for now for staff, thank you. I didn't mean to put you on the spot with some of those. I
know I threw a lot of questions at you before the meetings and you were very helpful so thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: Questions of staff, Councilman Labatt.
Councilman Labatt: Yeah. A couple of citizens called me about impact of traffic generation...
Kate Aanenson: Yes, it consistent with the Environmental Assessment. This did trigger that and when
this original project came forward, the Environmental Assessment, that's what Councilwoman Jansen's
referring to. It's consistent with the study that was done.
Councilman Labatt: So...that's where they live.
Kate Aanenson: There's more background traffic that this will be generating. Most trips from this will
be heading north but the city continues to grow, traffic... I01 on the upgrade project. This project will
also propose an underpass that...
Councilman Labatt: And that's with this project or with the 1017
Kate Aanenson: With the underpass.
Councilman Engel: It would come out on the northern or the southern connection?
Kate Aanenson: It's down by the creek.
And that's slated for what year?
Unknown, how's that?
Because the residents are going to want to know. The people who live over on
Councilman Labatt:
Acting Mayor Senn:
Councilman Labatt:
Lake Susan.
Acting Mayor Senn:
Councilman Labatt:
We don't know.
So we don't know at this point.
Kate Aanenson: It's a capital improvements but it's a ways out, correct. Mission Hills came in, same
similar situation. It's just continuing.
Councilman Labatt: So not to keep on that topic but what about signalizing?...Ijust hate to bring it up
again but, after what we just went through but you know.
Dave Hempel: Councilmember Labatt, maybe I can address that one a little bit. In the overall traffic
study for Villages on the Pond, at some future point they estimated a signal would be warranted at the
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
and we look forward to having the next meeting so I just want to tell you that. That this seems to be a
bifurcated effort the way it's done in this city and we want to just give you that impression that we want
this to be passed tonight, definitely, but we still have hurdles to overcome in terms of doing the project.
Do you want to give them a little bit on the?
Greg Hollenkamp: I've been advised to keep this pretty short. My name is Greg Hollenkamp with KKE
Architects. What I'll do is I'll just walk you quickly through the site plan. Show the elevations. Show
you some of the materials and then we'll open it up to any questions you have. The site plan's pretty
straight forward. You can see we have three buildings. These are three story buildings over underground
parking. The access is directly across from the access to Village on the Ponds. We sited the buildings in
a way to contain the parking within the central area and then also to minimize the views to the
lake. As an example Building Number C right here, we have a narrow view facing that lake. In addition,
we do have a small recreation building that would be in the center here, with a swimming pool and I
think I'll just go right to the elevations. The bluffarea on this plan is located right in here. You see the
trees here and the trees here. There's actually two sections of bluff. These lines indicate the setbacks
from that bluff so we cannot do any construction or any grading work within that bluff area, so that's...as
a natural bluff around there. The exterior of the building was designed...consistent with the theme for
Village on the Ponds. More of a...essentially again the building is three stories of housing above an
underground parking garage. The buildings are bermed into the hill as to reduce the... The building is
broken up into a number of...bay windows and decks. Optional fireplace which would provide chimneys
at the roof. The roof has a fairly steep pitch...The trails, what we're looking at is at the main entry, in
these areas we have a fieldstone accent... Fieldstone accent and then the base of the building is a rock
face block, an architectural block. The siding is a mix of, in these areas a vinyl siding. No maintenance
siding and then we're added more ora cedar shingle look at the base of those... And then last time when
we met with the planning commission, they wanted us to give you an idea of what this would look like
from the lake. And what we have here. This is, if you were on the south side of the lake, if you were
standing on the south side of the lake looking towards the buildings and if you took the section cut
through that pond, that holding pond that you were talking about earlier, that pond is located right here.
There's existing vegetation that would be kept between the pond and the lake. In addition, there will be
new vegetation on this side buffering this from Highway 101. We did meet with the city forester and
they've indicated that with the... You will see the buildings obviously. The top of the buildings. This
tree canopy indicates about 40 foot tree canopy. We don't know exactly what...but you will see the
rooftops of the buildings. This was the building I was talking about with the lake. This is another
section cut. This would be a cut that's taken essentially going up the hill, right in front of that recreation
building that you see on the site. So again you'll see the canopy and the trees and the rooftops there
and...
Acting Mayor Senn: Any questions from council for the applicant?
Councilman Labatt: Are the third level of the apartments going to be vaulted ceilings inside?
Greg Hollenkamp: We can put vaulted ceilings in...
Councilman Labatt: I was just curious, the pitch of the roof.
Greg Hollenkamp: There is enough roof to do that. It's not uncommon...
Councilman Engel: Just curiosity, are you going to build this in phases or all three at once?
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Greg Hollenkamp: We'd build in one overall phase but one building...
Acting Mayor Senn: Any other questions of the applicant? Okay, thank you. If not we will, is there
anybody else who'd like to be heard on the site plan review? I'll bring it up to council then. Oh,
anybody. No, anybody.
Jim Amundson: My name is Jim Amundson. I'm at 8500 Great Plains Boulevard. I wrote each of you a
letter regarding this site and the two main concerns I have, I have nothing against the development itself
but we're losing a lot of trees. And when I moved in there 6 years ago, I was told that would never be
developed. Well, obviously that wasn't true. As I walked in tonight I look at a flag sitting on the flag
pole that says Tree City USA. Now maybe we plant trees but we seem to be destroying a lot of them
lately. And I think if the holding pond goes there, if we had 101 in, would we need a holding pond?
Kate Aanenson: Yes.
Jim Amundson: Even with 101 updated? We would need that for storm water runoff?.
Bob Generous: Plus additional.
Jim Amundson: I just don't understand all these holding ponds. I mean we've got all of them around
Village and now we're going to put it in, into that whole area in the south end, or the east end of the lake
where if you look at that east end, and I invited anybody to come look at it. It's full of egrets, birds, and
we're going to destroy that. Now I was going to bring my stuff with me to show you all the fancy stuff
but I couldn't get a 40 foot tree in here. That's what we're destroying. I don't care, you can't replace 40
foot trees. You can put small trees and bushes in there but the sight line is still going to look at i01. On
the east end of the lake. Sewer line, I asked for $12,000.00, make them go the other way with it. Why
infringe on the bluff area? We're going to impact the trail. If you look in here they're going to be gravel
for a while. Hard to Rollerblade over gravel. Lot of people... I just ask for you, nothing against the
project but think of the impact of us on the lake and why we moved there and as city manager stated
earlier with the Pleasant Hill people, they didn't want the curb thing put in because it's going to destroy
trees and the beauty and that's why they live there. That's why I live there. It's for the beauty of that
lake and this is going to impact it. I just ask for you to look at those considerations.
Acting Mayor Senn: Thank you.
Councilwoman Jansen: Thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: Is there anybody else?
Mary Klingelhutz: ...number of people on the lake and...
Acting Mayor Senn: Mary, can you come up to the microphone.
Mary Klingelhutz: My name is Mary Klingelhutz and I live on Lake Susan and I'd just like to tell you
the concerns that we have as residents of this city and people who live on the lake. As concerned citizens
of the city of Chanhassen, especially those in the Lake Susan area regarding the proposed apartment
complex on the east shore of Lake Susan, these are our major concerns. The size, height and density of
the proposed development on the shores of our lake. The possibility of better uses such as offices or
senior facilities. We live on or near the lake and see the level of activity on the lake on a daily basis.
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Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
ne of the issues discussed at the public hearing we feel merit special attention like safety, enforcement
~ appearance related. At this time the public boat launch is at the public park. This is a very active
neb that all residents and everyone else who boats on the lake uses for access. A single launch allows
better and easier...and also better control of the spread of the exotic plants such as milfoil. We
~mmend that no dock or beach on Lake Susan or for this development be approved. A strong
cedent has been set that no new development on Lake Susan would have either dockage or a beachlot.
semount and Lake Susan Hills have donated land by the lake for a trail. We feel strongly that the
~ ~s related to the lakeshore trees between the existing path and Riley Creek should be preserved and
'e other trees up to 100 feet from the lake should also be preserved as a visual and sound buffer. Also
~r trees over 12 inches in diameter should be preserved. We strongly recommend and support the
· ~ listed reasons and other issues including the traffic hazards that this project will involve. And
;'s about it. But I really, I would just love to see if these have to go forward, that maybe one of them,
· of the buildings could be designated for seniors if nothing else because there are so many seniors and
would just really need facilities for seniors and if that's something that you could maybe work in, a
of us would sure appreciate it but you know, well thank you.
:ing Mayor Senn: Thanks Mary.
mcfiwoman Jansen: Thank you.
:ing Mayor Senn: Is anybody else?
yne Holtmeien I'm Wayne Holtmeier. I live on 8524 Great Plains Boulevard. Just have a couple of
res and I think repeating what has been said already. I have no issue specifically with the apartment
aplex whatsoever and in fact I think especially as you start talking about TIF dollars and that's
bably not the appropriate term for what the old HRA was but I think affordable housing, low income
:'ing is certainly something that the city needs to look at and would strongly consider that even more
, fact this apartment complex does go in and would encourage you, if you're going to use city money,
' ' ~- about that issue as it relates to the city of Chanhassen. As it relates to the apartment complex
cifically, I guess I have probably four different concerns. Number one, I'd like to see that you
fimize any kind of disruption of the existing tree canopy or shrub canopy in that particular area. I
' -~ agree as was said earlier, you can't replace existing trees with new trees and new growth. It just
:sn't, that trade off from my perspective just isn't there. I think the sight lines, the protection of the
~ and the sight by others that are on the lake, I think it's important to maintain the existing canopy.
it would mean that if you have a holding pond or whatever, I would prefer to have that on the other
: of Highway 101. Not down by the lake. I question the affect on the outlet to the lake going to Rice
rsh and down further down into the other lakes in Chanhassen. Also, the sewer. I know that cost is
tainly important as you develop these particular projects but if the sewer does have an affect on the
· canopy, my preference would be to jack it under 101 and take it to the east if that's, or to the north,
.tever that appropriate direction is. I can't stress enough the importance of maintaining that canopy
~ the wildlife and such that it does maintain in that particular area. I also have concern, and I know
t Bob has done the study relative to traffic and I have the utmost respect for Bob and the other city
?fbut I have a major concern about the traffic at Highway 101. I have concern about my family
"-3 out and trying to get on 101 in the morning and in the evenings. There's a tremendous amount of
?tic*/hat goes on there. I can't quote the numbers of trips that occur on that road but there are a
~'- er of driveways, much like the Pleasant View area. That are hidden driveways. You have cars that
coming through there that are supposed to be going 40 mph. I don't have a good sense of what the
aal speed is but I know I take my life in my hands whenever I try to get my mail out of my mailbox.
d that's another area that I think from a traffic pattern that ought to be a concern for the city. The
6O
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
site, that would be a real concern to me and I would think anybody there. I just want to reiterate what
everyone else said.
Acting Mayor Senn: Okay, thanks. Bob or Kate, do you?
Bob Generous: There was, as part of their proposal reduction in the parking at 1.87 spaces per unit.
Ordinance, the code said 2. What they've done with the one bedrOoms is basically they're providing 1.7
per one bedroom unit and 2 per two bedroom unit.
Kate Aanenson: You can...this project, trying not to overpark this project. We don't believe that it will
be a problem...
Councilman Labatt: What about for guests and all that?
Kate Aanenson: They can go through that. They went through that, the architect can go through that
with the, they went through that with the planning conunission. That was addressed and they felt
comfortable with what, they've got underground parking and then some of, similar to what we have in
the senior center.
Acting Mayor Senn: Is there anybody else who'd like to heard?
A1 Klingelhutz: It'd be unusual ifI didn't say something, wouldn't it? ...I thought some of the things
that Wayne said were very appropriate to this project. I do have a lot of concern about the trees on the
project. I'd like to reiterate that we aren't so much against the apartment complex but it's what it's going
to do to the property it's setting on and we would sure like a little better buffer between the lake and the
apartment building. A 50 foot building sticking up on a hill will sure stand out there like a sore thumb if
you don't have some buffer between the lake and the buildings themselves. The holding pond, which the
intended spot to put it right now will just destroy an enormous amount of mature trees and I think there
should be a better place to put a holding pond than to take trees down with the Tree City of Chanhassen
is supposed to be protecting as much as possible. One other issue that I'm a little bit concerned about,
and we went, we just went through the same issue with Pleasant View Road. I don't know how many of
you live on 101 but it's a road very similar to Pleasant View. It's got a lot of sharp curves and...that
there's more sirens go down 101 from the police department than any other road in Chanhassen. And the
main reason for that is they're so dog gone many accidents down there. Just this morning there was an
accident in my driveway. Didn't know it was there but I was informed about it tonight and there's a lot
of glass laying on the road yet. Before the park trail was there, many of them went in the ditch. Well
now the park trail kind of protects some of them. They finally get to stop before they enter the ditch
because the ditch is only about that wide. And going fi.om the other side, coming from the south going
towards the north, I've seen several tracks across the trail going down into my field. So it's not an
accident flee road and the more traffic we're going to put on it, the more of those things are going to
happen so I think we should take a close look at that. I think the three main issues fi'om the people living
on the lake and around the area are traffic, tree protection and the area where the holding pond is going
to be. We've worked with the city on Lake Susan Hills. Lake Susan Hills has a public land along the
lake, all the way along. It was demanded when development came in. The city agreed to it at that time.
The residents along there have lived with it. They're going to be looking at this same project across the
lake and if there's going to be a dock there, they're going to say hey, we would like to have a dock too.
But I think a precedent has been set, especially Lake Susan Hills and Rosemount. When Rosemount
came in, in order for them to get their development that they wanted, they had to stay above the tree line,
which is 350 feet away from the lake in order to get the zoning they wanted. Some of these things I think
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
the city can stand up for and give the people on Lake Susan and the surrounding area the protection that
they'd like to have as far as their views are concerned. Thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: Anybody else? If not, we'll bring it back up to council. Comments.
Councilman Labatt: Kate, is there an alternative site for a holding pond or not?
Kate Aanenson: This was identified, and this...this site was always kind of identified as a pond
holding... There's an ongoing battle, I've got staff people. I've got trees and wetland protection in my
department and it's a trade off...We were aware of that when we went into this project. The
Klingelhutz' are very much aware on working with St. Hubert's Church. We spent 2 years working on
this EAW process. Getting the zoning in place. A lot of articles in the paper. We spent a lot of time
going through all the issues and those of you that were on the council at the time remember the
contention and the battles and there was a lot of hashing to where we are. We're certainly...We worked
very hard with them and we had problems where we... We've had continued growth in 1994 Mr.
Klingelhutz sold his property for the Mission. That added traffic and changed the complexity down
there...so we did spend a lot of time looking at this...And the beachlot issue I'I1 address too. To get a
beachlot you have to have.., but to get that they have to have a dedicated lot. A beachlot which at a
minimum you get one dock with three boats .... need 30,000 square feet and 200 feet of lake
frontage...and at this point I'm not sure how they can do that.
Councilman Labatt: They don't have it.
Kate Aanenson: They don't have it. They'd have to... It was never our intent to give them a beachlot...
Lake Susan beachlot that was put in place with Rosemount that acquisition of a trail was given.., buy
that property. The rest of it...Unfortunately it's hard to cross 101.
Councilman Labatt: And a couple other questions. On page 5, underneath grading. Staff has reviewed
the proposed northerly building elevations and based on the proposed grades they appear acceptable with
some modifications. What are the modifications?
Dave Hempel: I believe some of those modifications were adjusting the building height in some of the
areas to reduce the slope and the elevation of potential retaining walls in that north building. And on
further review of that, what would have happened in having to raise the elevation of the building to
steepen the parking lot grades and also bring the building elevation up in the air. I don't think that
section actually got updated.
Kate Aanenson: Yeah, we did update that. That was a question that Councilwoman Jansen...and we
went through that...change the building elevation...
Councilman Labatt: So the modifications... Two paragraphs down the quality of earthwork involved in
this project is unknown at this time. What's your rough estimate as far as... How many yards is a truck?
107 ...and then under the recommendations, I did not see any designation of handicap stalls. What's the
ratio as far as the number of stalls?
Kate Aanenson: I don't know...building code.
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City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Councilman Labatt: ...our joint meeting we talked about senior citizen stalls. The biggest part of the...
adequate number along side the handicap and the next designated stalls would be designated as handicap,
or as senior citizens?
Kate Aanenson: Yep.
Councilman Labatt: That's all I have for right now.
Acting Mayor Senn: Councilman Engel.
Councilman Engel: Yeah, I've only got four. Try to be brief here. Site plan looks good for the most
part. I've got four issues of concern. One's come up already. Since I've got a vote, I'm going to throw
my two cents worth in on it as well. That holding pond I would just as soon see it moved to the east side
of the highway as well. And the reason is, I know we've done a lot of studies on it. The trees on the far,
on the west side to me are a more acceptable alternative than to destroy them and put a holding pond that
close to Lake Susan because visually in my opinion Rice Marsh Lake is not as appealing as Lake Susan.
I wouldn't be as opposed to seeing a holding pond on that side of the highway. I'm not for a beachlot or
a dock, and anyway I don't think they can get it anyway. I'd like to see a substantial buffer zone south of
the existing single family homes and the complex that is designed. I'd like to see a maximum setback as
possible while still allowing them to build. For the buildings to protect the vegetation and the sight lines
so however you can do that. Those are the things I'm concerned about, based on all the calls, letters, e-
mails.
Kate Aanenson: I'll ask Dave if you have water go uphill.
Councilman Engel: Say that again?
Kate Aanenson: Water run uphill.
Councilman Engel: Can you pull that stuff over to Rice Marsh? I thought you were trying to decide.
Kate Aanenson: There's a wetland but there's also... I understand the issue. We all do.
Councilman Engel: Is there any method at all to doing this? Solar generator in there. Yeah, a lift
station. A lift station right across the highway... I got my chance to weigh in. I'm done.
Acting Mayor Senn: Councilperson Jansen. Any comments?
Councilwoman Jansen: Any comments. I won't be quite so brief. Actually going back to what was
originally stated as we started looking at this, and I'm coming back to what can the city do to address the
site plan? What flexibility is there? Well from my understanding of why we do PUD's, the whole
description is the PUD zone is used to allow for more flexibility design standards while creating a higher
quality and a more sensitive proposal. So we do have something ora catch. You get into the site plan
findings and it talks about number one, the consistency with the elements and objectives as the city's
development guide, including the comp plan. Road mapping. Other plans which I think ties in with our
whole strategic planning and protecting natural resources. And I guess before I go further, let me back
up a step. I'm not opposed to the project and I have said that to anyone who's called or mentioned the
project. It's an excellent project. It's the location of the project and what it does to this particular site
that it would seem that if we exercise some of our policies here, we could better guide it to fit this lot, if
64
2otmcil Meeting - June 28, 1999
where it's going to go. And again coming back to the whole comp plan and the conversations on
lural resources. Point three, maybe at some time in the future we need to go back and give it some
~-rs or some figures because this is the one that I keep coming to and thinking it should have better
· on how we're impacting this property. The preservation of the site in it's natural state to the
practicable by minimizing tree and soil removal and deciding grade changes to be in keeping with
aeral appearance of the neighboring developed or developing areas. And when I come to that and
this site grading, it's currently with the canopy cover of 94% and by the time we get done grading,
11% canopy coverage. Realizing that we do require that they reforest it back up to 35%. We have
z:k to the 35% so that will be all of the new canopy that goes in. But what can we do to guide
elp preserve the 24% that right now is just going to end up being new planting? So that's one of
les that comes out of this paragraph. And then when you hear 80,000 yards of fill, how is that,
'.Lc, t sensitive grading on a property? We're not going to have any of the natural topography of
· . left. So we're not accomplishing number 3, and again I understand that what we've done is
ooked at this as a significant project. It would be an asset to the community. It has a lot of the
:~ that we would like to bring into Chanhassen. This leads you to wonder if it's the right site.
ur to that is create a harmonious relationship of building and open space with natural site features
n existing and future buildings having a visual relationship to the development. You go down to
it's protection of adjacent and neighboring properties through reasonable provisions for surface
:ainage, sound, site buffers, preservation of views, light and air. And we're identifying that this is
cant trail so it's not that it's just the residents who live on the lake, it's a community asset. And
nitely is one of the things that's pointed to in our own comprehensive plan and the significance
features to the entire community. From the comp plan, Chanhassen is fortunate to have a
;nt natural amenities in the forms of creek and river corridors. There's a significant creek
here. The corridors represent significant visual, environmental and recreational amenities to the
fity. Creek corridors create ideal locations for city trails which is exactly what we've done with
So you know, and to tree cover, from again the comp plan and I'm commending staffas I'm
':hese. Realize it's our city staff that wrote these comp plans. I mean these are our policies and
I'm coming back to with staff is how can we as a city council, as we're reviewing these, make
we're helping provide the guidelines to keep these developments within... Some of
en's most prominent natural features to this day are the forested areas that exist within the
ity. These areas contribute to the open spaces and rural flavor of the community. They are
t determinants of the city's image, health and livability and as such should be preserved. In
':o the aesthetic and social contributions, tree cover has economic benefits for the city as well. It
3eumented that trees reduce air and noise pollution, storm water runoff, and the heat island
i of which affect the city's expenditures of energy and storm water retention. And I'll stop
rom the comp plan with, despite all measures employed, the city is still losing tree covered
:[, industrial and infrastructure NURP ponds development. Since trees do serve as an indicator
~,~ity health and image and has significant economic impacts, more commitment to their
ion is needed. So I'm acknowledging and I've got this disparity between what our policies say
h level we're trying to accomplish, and how we don't have the mechanism in place to protect
~ last developable large properties on one of our major significant lakes. And that it is in the
~ corridor. I realize it's gotten late but I also pulled the Highway 5 corridor study and staff
:¢ significant this study too points to maintaining the natural features and the flavor of the city
.,.'e down Highway 5. And how many of our residents are going to be coming into the Villages
~' ~vor would they get if we maintained more of this property compared to if we completely
d lose all of the trees. It will look like another development. You'll never know what was
' 3usly so if we have the mechanisms that would allow us within the PUD to leave more of the
i features on the lot, and 94% down to 11%, can we somehow maintain closer to that 35% of
· vegetation.
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af
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iew
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65
2ouncil Meeting - June 28, 1999
ae EAW. If we could just take a look at them and see if there's room for us to be able to negotiate
~ save more of the natural feature of that property. Whether it's the change in the grading so we're
ring less of it. It's less costly. I know we addressed that at the EDA meeting. That if you could cut
mount of fill that they were having to move from the site, it would be a terrific cost savings to them.
we explored that further? Have we voiced as a community that that would be the route that we
d like to explore is keeping more of the topography on this site? What are the other options? And
~ave we chased them? ...changing the original agreement with the development.
:r Knutson: I've not compared it against the EAW. More importantly, or as importantly, is what
the PUD say they can do and how does that compare with what they say with this. And staff has
: their analysis. Obviously you can make your own.
~cilwoman Jansen: Those were my key points. I mean if, I guess I would hope that we're not in
a hurry that we would be able to table this tonight. Go back with staff. Review those parts of the
lan. See what kind of flexibility and options that there are that we can work with. The NURP pond
What we're doing with the sewer. Get the update on the traffic study, which has already been
;sted but you know let's move on it. so that we can address the safety issues, and back to the safety
~. I wondered again, it's a state road, correct? 101. There isn't a pedestrian, there isn't a sign to
· warning of pedestrians as you approach the trail. Can we install those? So there's more warning
~ou've got?
Hempel: I believe there's an advance warning sign for the trail crossing is what it actually is. But
we'll certainly check on that.
.cilwoman Jansen: Yeah, it just seemed like maybe it could be a little bit more prominent. I think it
:rail crossing but I'm more so was thinking if we could almost make it more crosswalk like so that
trians can get across. I don't know if on a trail, can you say pedestrian. Stop for pedestrians in
walk? Does it? Maybe we can take a look at it and see if we can make something more visible. I
, that was a real issue. But I guess that's the direction I'm going is to see if we can't table this and
w some of the points that have come up as far as making this more sensitive to the site.
~g Mayor Senn: Let's see, my contacts have been in 18 hours. I'll be real brief. You know I think
fit is, Kate's been trying to say but it's my recollection on this and I don't know whether history's
or bad sometimes, but I mean the original Village on the Ponds concept didn't even include a
:h. And at the point that St. Hubert's came in and because the driving fome behind this development
he PUD agreement, there were a lot of folks that turned out and said let's make this happen and let's
~e church in there and let's cut the deals we need to cut and do the things we need to do to make that
,ppen. And that's what we did. And effectively at that time, very early on in this project when a lot
:s, a lot of these things were put in place but especially the PUD agreement which governs basically
'this and as I said when we started tonight, and as Roger reiterated, that because of that agreement
ecause of those trade-offs and everything else we did, we have very little leeway on this. But that's
I really don't think it makes a lot of sense to just delay for delay sake because the answers are going
rain the same. Those deals are in the agreement and you can't change them so. But beyond that I'll
fiet. Is there a motion that somebody's like to put on the table?
~cilwoman Jansen: Motion to table.
~g Mayor Senn: Is there a second? Seeing no second, is there another motion?
67
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Councilman Labatt moved, Councilman Engel seconded to approve Site Plan//99-9 for a three
building apartment development within the Villages on the Ponds development on Lot 1, Block 1,
Villages on the Ponds 6th Addition, each building will be three stories with 54 units for a total of
162 units, plans prepared by KKE, dated 4/16/99, subject to the following conditions:
The developer shall enter into a site plan agreement with the city and provide the necessary
security to guarantee erosion control, site restoration and landscaping.
Site plan approval is contingent on the city granting final plat approval for Outlot J, Villages on
the Ponds, creating a block and lot designation for the site upon which the apartment complex is
to be built.
o
A minimum of 20 percent of the units shall be affordable for a period of not less than 25 years from
the date of certification of occupancy for the three buildings.
Project identification signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign display area nor be greater
than five feet in height. A separate sign permit shall be required prior to the installation of
signage.
o
All rooftop or ground mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened from public right-of-
ways by walls of compatible appearing material or cam&tflaged to blend into the building or
background.
o
A lighting plan shall be submitted to the city for review and approval prior to site construction.
Wall pack units must be screened so that they do are not directly visible from off site.
7. Development of a beachlot shall require separate Conditional Use Permit approval by the city.
o
The applicant shall pay park and trail fees at the time of building permit application pursuant to
city ordinance.
An additional two fire hydrants will be required. Contact Chanhassen Fire Marshal for exact
location.
10.
A i0 foot clear space must be maintained around fire hydrants, i.e., street lamps, trees, bushes,
shrubs, NSP, US West, Cable TV and transformer boxes to ensure that fire hydrants can be
quickly located and safely operated by firefighters. Pursuant to Chanhassen City Ordinance 9-1.
11.
Submit radius mm dimensions in parking lots to determine fire department vehicle access.
Submit mm dimensions to Chanhassen City Engineer and Chanhassen Fire Marshal for review
and approval. Pursuant to 902.2.2.3, 1997 Uniform Fire Code.
12.
Required access. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided in accordance with Sections 901
and 902.2 for every facility, building or portion of a building, hereafter constructed or moved
into or within the jurisdiction of any portion of the facility or any portion of an exterior wall of
the first story of the building that is located more than 150 feet from fire apparatus access as
measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility. Exceptions - #2.
When access roads cannot be installed due to location on property, topography, waterways,
69
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
25. The number of overstory trees shall be increased to meet minimum reforestation requirements.
26. Developer and staff shall review landscaping between and around the pond and Highway 101 to
assure adequate buffering.
27. Grading within the bluff and bluff setback areas shall be prohibited. The applicant shall redesign the
site facilities and/or incorporate the use of retaining walls to eliminate grading into the bluff setback
zone.
28. Utility improvements which lie outside of the public right-of-way for drainage and utility easements
shall be privately owned and maintained by the applicant or successors.
29. The existing house and outbuildings on the property shall be razed within 30 days after final plat is
recorded. In addition, the well and septic system shall be abandoned in accordance with local and
state health/building codes.
30. The access point onto Trunk Highway 101 is subject to MnDOT approval. The applicant will be
responsible for obtaining all necessary permits for construction of the right-mm lanes and all work
within Highway 101 right-of-way.
31. The applicant shall design and construct the public utility improvements in accordance with the
City's latest edition of Standard Specifications and Detail Plates. Detailed construction plans and
specifications for the public improvements shall be submitted to city staff for review and formal
approval by the City Council in conjunction with final plat approval. The applicant will also be
required to enter into a development contract with the final plat and provide financial security in the
form of a letter of credit or cash escrow to guarantee installation of the public improvements.
32. The applicant shall report to the city engineer the location of any draintile found during construction.
The applicant will comply with the city engineer's direction as far as abandonment or relocation of
the draintile.
33. The applicant shall develop a temporary sediment and erosion control plan in accordance with the
City's Best Management Practice Handbook (BMPH) to control erosion during construction.
Additional Type I erosion control fencing will be required around the grading limits along Highway
101. Wood fiber blanket and/or sod shall be utilized at all slopes in excess of 3:1 and in the ditches
along Highway 101.
34. The driveway access from Highway 101 to the site shall be a minimum of 36 feet wide, back-to-back
with concrete curb and gutter with a left mm lane, shared through right mm drive aisle. The main
driveway aisle width from the garage entrances to the parking lot shall be 28-feet wide, face-to-face.
A 6-foot wide sidewalk shall be constructed along the north side of the driveway aisle from Highway
101 to the sidewalk proposed for Building A.
35. All private streets/parking lots shall be constructed in accordance with the City's Ordinance No. 20-
1118 which requires a minimum 26-foot wide driveway aisle built to 7-ton design.
36. The applicant shall update the traffic study prepared by SRF for Villages on the Ponds to take into
consideration the additional apartment building gaining access at the intersection of Main Street and
71
June 28, 1999
install any necessary traffic mitigation measures recommended in the updated
a vote
1 be responsible for providing an interim trail connection around Lake Susan to the
g at Highway 101 during construction. This interim trail section may consist of a
face.
,1 petition the City to vacate trail easements which will be no longer utilized. In
.cant shall rededicate to the City a new 20-foot wide trail easement centered upon
.ment.
'vice to the site shall be extended from the proposed connection at Main Street and
te sanitary sewer and water lines shall be jacked underneath Highway i01. Open
~v, 101 will not be permitted. Staff will relook at the NURP pond location.
il be responsible for the extension of the trunk storm sewer from the proposed
ter pond to the driveway entrance to the site. The applicant will be entitled to
~ SWMP fees for installation of the trunk storm sewer line in accordance the City's
magement Plan.
' 'ed to incorporate an outlet control structure in the regional pond. The outlet
'hall be located on the southwesterly comer of the pond to discharge into the creek
.11 re-evaluate the water needs due to the fact that a looped water system is not
orted or exported from the site, the applicant will need t° provide the City with a
:e for review and approval. If the material is to be imported or exported, to/from
~anhassen, it should be noted that those other parcels will be required to obtain an
from the City.
all be responsible for obtaining the necessary permits from the regulatory agencies
esota Department of Health, MCES, Watershed District, Minnesota DNR, MPCA
'.,OM
!LY
ng.
cant
3t.
icant
setback
t
:ed
Is.
ea
Ire staff
all submit detailed storm sewer and pond calculations for post- and pre-development
calculations shall be for a 10-year and 100-year, 24-hour storm event. The pond
~ in accordance with the Villages on the Ponds storm drainage plan (NURP
all redesign the parking lot per staffs alternate parking lot plan dated May 12, 1999.
:veloper or the Villages on the Ponds developer must establish 0.37 acres of new
'.11 the obligation of the Wetland Alteration Permit.
th the applicant the installation of a median at the entrance with respect to
traffic hazards.
~wing the parking plan to make accommodations for senior citizen parking.
idents
take a
ln't we?
nment
72
28, 1999
,,at we're planning on doing is continuing the fieldstone, or cultured stone
lend in with the front of the house as well too because the, on a lake like this I
te house in most cases is actually the front. On a facility like this and we want
and as nice as we can make it look. Right? We have done some, we did take
, the last 3 days, 2 days, 3 days, we've been out at the facility kind of talking
-,ir opinion on what we've done. We've shown them our plan. We've talked
oing and what we're planning for this lot and just asking them what they think
~s that are going to have to live with us in that area and live with this home in
nnd with a petition and it's in the packets that we just handed to you there.
aat but they'll written some letters to us and just about everybody that we had
:lifferent to whether we did it or not. They said they just didn't, it didn't
· didn't really care if we did it or we didn't do it. It wasn't really any concern
;he petition and that was, and I'll let Brinn go over that.
~ple that had signed the petition that live along Lake Riley Boulevard that you
one is Scott Johnson at 9235 Lake Riley Boulevard in Chanhassen and he's a
~lopment. And he wrote a letter to the Honorable City Council members. And
support for the proposed home and variance request for Brinn and Bob Witt.
al and feel that granting the request would have no measurable negative
ament or to the neighborhood. To deny the request would only result in a less
on the lot and less tax income to the city, neither of which is positive for the
,,ers. Granting the request would not exceed conditions for many of the
:diate area. Please approve the variance request. Thank you. Sincerely, Scott
it had signed a petition that you see in your package there is Alan Dirks and
ulevard and his additional comments were, there are numerous variations to
;rhood. These variances appear well in line With others that have taken place.
;hat you haven't seen yet. They're not in the packet that...
lid get some.
laave them. We have like Mr. Johnson's and Mr. Dirk's.
have him too.
~ to go through a couple of the variance request petitions of neighbors that had
hat might not be here at today's meeting. They're probably at home sleeping.
,Udy Potthoff at 9231Lake Riley Boulevard in Chanhassen. And her letter of
as well. Mr. Fred Potthoff is here and he has...in support of. Joy Smith is
comments in support of the variance and she is here this evening. Mark and
~iowa Trail. I believe they're at home sleeping right now. Mr. Helbert Smith at
'd. He's probably watching MASH or something. Beth Ytzen, 9227 Lake
zen, 9227 Lake Riley Boulevard. Bmce...at 9411 Kiowa Trail. Renee
frail. Gordon and Casey Alexander express their support at 9225 Lake Riley
,, which who's letter I just read to you. Signed the variance request petition.
een the front, back side, exactly what we're showing you as well on here. I
il of them there but I just would like the council to know that my husband and I
asking
Ice with
o that
say is,
here
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, is the
Kitty
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:'s tiny,
allow this
isdom
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Or this
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n also a
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ey affect
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, work has
It's been
rs. Thanks.
76
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
You need a larger home on that site. And that's why the City Council back in '89 granted those
variances. The situation was prior to that there was a single story home on that site that had a garage that
encroached on the Sitter's property. That was removed in the process of being the new home
constructed. For that reason it made a lot of sense. There were some great trade off's made about getting
rid of an encroached situation for a garage that improved the site. And so for 10 years this property sat
with weeds on it, which is not a good situation. But because, and most of you don't date back far enough
to know that this was a contaminated site. We were digging footings for the site, and maybe you've read,
seen it. That things just went astray on October the 13th of '89, which was a Friday .... and it took a long
time, there were a lot of issues with the clean-up. Those issues are now behind us and it's now time to
move on. And so I would ask you as a citizen of Chanhassen, as a business owner here in Chanhassen, to
approve these variances for a reasonable home. They're not asking for a lot. They're not asking for
anything that should have already been built there. Thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: Thank you. Anybody else?
Brinn Witt: ...letter that is in the package that you guys have in front of you... Back in January we
supported the granting of enough variances. Six in total. And my feeling on this is that the lot requires
variances. Let's get the job done. Let's grant the variances that are needed to build a house on that lot.
To deem the lot actually buildable for a residential home. All the other issues on there was self created
hardship and not wanting to make further design modifications. Goodness gracious. We've worked hard
at this. Over nine months. Trying to make this all work out. The other issue here in this letter, what was
granted 10 years ago to someone else with five extensions and never built is immaterial for this decision.
That's wrong. The lot has never changed and neither have any of the city variance requirements. These
are just a few things from the letter that...deserved to have comment on.
Acting Mayor Senn: I'll bring it back up to council. Comments? Councilperson Jansen. And I'm going
to ask people to be brief because we're getting dangerously close to our 12:00 blow up hour so. CoUncil
policy says we adjourn at 12:00.
Councilwoman Jansen: This one's, it's a tough one. It doesn't seem like it should be if all we're talking
about, as a few people have alluded to, is just simply putting a deck on a lake home and if the only
variance we're talking about is putting a deck on. I can hear what the neighbors are saying who are
cognizant of the other six variances that are already approved for this property. But if we're going to
build on this lot, it's going to have variances and I keep coming back to okay, what are we trying to
accomplish? If through our ordinances what we're trying to accomplish is a real focus on the lake quality
and the runoff and the water issues, because this is towards the lake. That's what the 75 foot setback is
for. If there are other things that we can do as we're granting maybe a 6 foot deck variance out into that
75. If we can put a condition in here per where staff has noted lakeshore setbacks. The city has been
working with lakeshore owners throughout the city encouraging landscape plans that are "lake friendly"
and stressing the importance of the lake impact zone. If within the variance we were to put the condition
that the applicant and landscaper, and/or landscaper, works with staff to install proper lakeshore
plantings for water quality buffers. We're on the other side protecting that water quality by protecting
some of that runoff. And the other issue that I keep hearing from the neighbors is that there's a
tremendous amount of drainage that crosses this property period. If that's going to continue, what else
can we in fact do to help buffer that flow as it's going down directly into Riley? Whether it's the
plantings or how we're affecting the rest of that drainage issue. And Anita had said, staffhad said that
this will be coming into the engineering department as they're going for the building permit so I'm
assuming you're looking at the drainage and addressing those issues that the neighbors have expressed.
8O
ty Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
,uncilman Engel moved, Councilman Labatt seconded to approve a 7 foot variance from the 75
~_ lakeshore setback requirement and a 13 foot variance from the 30 foot front yard setback for
construction of a single family home and screen porch/deck with the condition that the
~cant and/or landscaper work with staff to install proper lakeshore plantings for a water
ality buffer. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
~tt Botcher: Say Mark? We also have those two you pulled off consent.
;ting Mayor Senn: I understand. Folks if you could please. I would appreciate if you have stuff to do,
outside and do it because we're really trying to get done here. Okay? Thanks.
,MINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS:
1999 SKATE PARK~ CITY MANAGER.
.ting Mayor Senn: Skate park is just an administrative deal. So there's really nothing to be done on
to
HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS~
~MMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR.
ting Mayor Senn: Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant deal is also just
xtinistrative, correct?
.te Aanenson: Yes. I just want to make one clarification and that this is our program agreement that
are anticipating...$60,000.00 allocation. We were hoping...to let you know this spring and they did
se it up to 75. More than likely we're going to be in the consolidated pool because we don't be over
.t... so we'll be competing with the other communities in Hennepin County for that dollar amount.
ting Mayor Senn: Okay, and the Executive Session is here cancelled for two weeks. And coming
:k to.
te Aanenson: We need to vote on the resolution that was attached...
ting Mayor Senn: Can we have a motion to approve the resolution please.
uncilwoman Jansen: Motion to approve resolution.
ting Mayor Senn: Is there a second?
uncilman Engel: Second.
:olution #99-56: Councilwoman Jansen moved, Councilman Engel seconded to approve the
;olution to authorize execution of a joint cooperation agreement stating that the City of
~anhassen will participate in the Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant
ogram in Hennepin County for the years 2000-2002. Ali voted in favor and the motion carried.
NSENT AGENDA ITEMS CONTINUED:
83
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Acting Mayor Senn: There's no reason to go on record for it. We'll simply act on the item. If that's it,
we can go on and do that.
Bob Ayotte: Thank you.
Acting Mayor Senn: Is there a motion to approve award of bids.
Robert Roy: Excuse me.
Acting Mayor Senn: Oh I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't realize there was somebody else.
Robert Roy: Robert Roy of 6201 Near Mountain Boulevard. I live on the border between Chanhassen
and Shorewood. My property line divides, it's the county line and I'm in zone 4 on your map. And when
we've been talking about these plans over the past two years we were going to include my two neighbors
to the north in Shorewood. Is that still an option within this? I was told that by the city planner at two
separate meetings here. And by the Mayor herself.
Acting Mayor Senn: I'll kick that one to the staff because I didn't know we were allowed to go in and
do work in Shorewood but you guys tell me. Roger?
Robert Roy: I just want to make that clear because I'm doing this, I have no water problems. My
neighbors to the north in Shorewood do. And my two or three neighbors to the south in Chanhassen do.
And I'm doing this as part of a complete package if you will for drainage. And I said I will not, I don't
want my driveway and yard dug up for the sake of the water from Shorewood is still going to run down in
front of my house and create what I think is a public hazard because there's algae and everything that
grows in it and is very slippery. I've seen children fall. Just to drain their water you know. That water's
still going to be still draining past my house into Chanhassen's storm sewer three houses down.
Anita Benson: I need to review the approved plans on that. I can't answer that question for you tonight
but I can give you a call and let you know.
Robert Roy: Well, how about if it's not in there? Can I opt out of it?
Acting Mayor Senn: Why would you, if you're on the end of the run and we can't construct into
Shorewood, why would we be constructing on your property if you don't have a water problem?
Robert Roy: I don't know. I don't know what the plans are. That's what I'm asking .... be informed of
that. as far as, I don't know why I was told on two separate occasions at two meetings here that
Shorewood. They said I think Shorewood.
Acting Mayor Senn: That really surprises me because I think to do that would probably require some
kind of council action but.
Robert Roy: That's why I'm bringing this up.
Acting Mayor Senn: Yeah, I think it only makes sense from your standpoint that if we're not
constructing in Shorewood and you're the north piece and you're in fact split and you don't have water
problems, I don't know why we would enter onto your property to do anything. But staff will follow up
on that and we'll make sure of that okay.
85
City Council Meeting - June 28, 1999
Councilman Engel moved, Councilman Labatt seconded to table action on the Lynmore Subdivision to
give staff a chance to review the changes recommended by the applicant. All voted in favor and the
motion carried.
Scott Botcher: The Executive Session will reappear in two weeks.
Acting Mayor Senn adjourned the City Council meeting at 12:00 midnight.
Submitted by Scott Botcher
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
88
CHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 16, 1999
Chairman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Alison Blackowiak, LuAnn Sidney, Deb Kind, Matt Burton, Ladd
Conrad and Craig Peterson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kevin Joyce
STAFF PRESENT: Kate Aanenson, Community Development Director; Bob Generous, Senior
Planner; Cindy Kirchoff, Planner I; and Dave Hempel, Assistant City Engineer
PUBLIC HEARING:
REQUEST FOR A 9 FOOT VARIANCE TO THE 10 FOOT SIDE YARD SETBACK
FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF AN EXISTING ACCESSORY STRUCTURE ON
PROPERTY ZONED RSF AND LOCATED AT 7091 REDMAN LANE~ DALE
GREGORY.
Cindy Kirchoff presented the staff report on this item.
Peterson: With her invitation, are there any questions of staff?. Thorough report. Would the
applicant or their representative like to address the commission? If so, please come forward and
state your name and address please.
Dale Gregory: My name is Dale Gregory at 7091 Redman Lane. Staff has pretty much covered
the majority of the problems I've got reconstructing the shed right there. We have done a lot of
landscaping and everything around the shed. We've got some raised flower beds and everything
else which makes it a little bit more difficult to try to move it. We looked at that possibility also.
The garage was not far from it so it makes it a little bit more difficult to try to move and try to
make the 10 foot setbacks. Like I said, it was there back when we bought the property 29 years
ago and that and we tried to keep it up in as good as shape as we could but it's getting to the
point now where it does need to be repaired and that so we thought it was better to try to rebuild
it and use the same siding and roofing and everything else that the house has to make it a little
more conforming to the house. So that's all.
Peterson: Any questions of the applicant?
Conrad: The shed looks like your house?
Dale Gregory: Yes.
Peterson: It will look like your house.
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Dale Gregory: It will. Right now it's...We'll go with the same siding, the same roofing and
everything...
Peterson: May I have a motion and a second for a public hearing please.
Blackowiak moved, Burton seconded to open the public hearing. The public hearing was
opened.
Peterson: This is a public hearing. Anyone wishing to address the commission, please come
forward and state your name and address please. Seeing none.
Conrad moved, Blackowiak seconded to close the public hearing. The public hearing was
closed.
Peterson: Commissioners, any thoughts on this one?
Burton: I think staff did a good report and I agree with it.
Kind: I did go out to the site and took a look at it and I think that it would be an improvement to
match the house.
Peterson: Okay, I'll entertain a motion.
Burton: Chairman, I'll move that the Planning Commission approve the request for a 9 foot
variance from the 10 foot side yard setback for the reconstruction of an accessory structure based
upon the findings presented in the staff report.
Conrad: Second.
Peterson: It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion?
Burton moved, Conrad seconded that the Planning Commission approve the request for a 9
foot variance from the 10 foot side yard setback for the reconstruction of an accessory
structure based upon the findings presented in the staff report. All voted in favor and the
motion carried.
2
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
PUBLIC HEARING:
REQUEST FOR A 14 FOOT VARIANCE TO THE 75 FOOT LAKESHORE SETBACK
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE FAMILY HOME AND SCREENED
PORCH/DECK ON PROPERTY ZONED RSF AND LOCATED ON LOT 42~ SHORE
ACRES~ BRINN AND BOB WITT.
Public Present:
Name
Address
Bob & Brinn M. Witt
Don Sitter
8572 Cardiff Lane #2, Eden Prairie
9249 Lake Riley Blvd.
Cindy Kirchoff presented the staff report on this item.
Peterson: Could you take a couple seconds Cindy and just kind of point out where you feel as
though it could move.
Kirchoff.' Sure. The 74 foot, or...that the Board of Adjustments approved back in...and the
applicant would like to locate a screened porch and deck right here so it encroaches into the
shoreland setback. They have buildable area...garage that a living space Could be...'
Peterson: You're saying move what is now right at 77 feet, move that living area back in that
kind of comer where the garage is and then put the deck where the current living quarters are.
Kirchoff.' Basically staff believes that they should utilize the buildable area that has been given
to them by the Board of Adjustments and Appeals rather than requesting an additional 10 feet.
Peterson: Other questions of staff?.
Kind: I have a setback question and encroachment. Decks are allowed to encroach 5 feet into
setbacks. Is that tree when a variance has been granted or?
Kirchoff: Decks are allowed to encroach into a required front, side or rear setback when a
variance has been granted. They are not allowed to encroach into a lakeshore setback or wetland
setback.
Kind: Ever?
Kirchoff: No.
Peterson: Other questions?
Conrad: Riparian lot size is 20,000 square feet so all of these lots are, or most of this
neighborhood is far below that, right?
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Kirchoff: Correct.
Conrad: That's why the 12,000 foot variance was granted. It was a neighborhood issue.
Kirchoff: Correct, and it is a lot of record so staff felt a variance would be appropriate. It was
platted in 1951 when we didn't have the required area for lakeshore lots.
Aanenson: Just to clarify that, we did support the variance. Some variances. To make the lot
buildable some variances had to be given. And that's our position that relief was granted. Not
every home is going to fit on this lot so we felt that based on the first time through, reasonable
use of the lot was given and while there is, this may not be their first choice for the configuration
of the home, there is reasonable use based on the variances that were granted.
Conrad: Typical lot size in this neighborhood might be?
Kirchoff: It's larger than 7,000 square feet. Probably.
Conrad: So the lots are big?
Kirchoff: Actually a lot of the lots are joined together. They'll have two lots for one home.
That's pretty typical.
Conrad: So when I look at the plat, or not the plat. When I look at the neighborhood and all the
lot lines here, that doesn't really mean that the houses are line, are any of those lines?
Aanenson: Correct. We can maybe put that up there. We can show you the variances that were
granted in that.
Kirchoff: Staff did include in the packet a plat of the shore acres subdivision and there was lines
drawn showing the home. For instance this lot right here, or address 9119 is two lots. Whereas
this subject property is only one lot. There are a few other properties that have, are only one lot.
This parcel has two, so they just joined two lots together in order to build a larger home.
Conrad: So are those the square footages you've written in on those?
Kirchoff: Those are addresses.
Conrad: So what would be a typical square footage for a lot in this neighborhood? I see the lots
with variances. They're anywhere between, it looks like 7,000 and 14,000.
Aanenson: It's on page 3. Lot area on page 3.
Conrad: Lots with variances.
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Aanenson: Right, but I would say that's probably pretty close to average. 15,000 would
probably be the.
Conrad: The lot we're looking at tonight is fairly small.
Aanenson: Right. That's why we're saying that size home that's in that area doesn't fit on this
lot. That's our position.
Peterson: Other questions? Seeing none, would the applicant or their designee wish to address
the commission? If so, give your name and address please.
Bob Witt: Well I'll put a few things down here as well too. My name's Bob Witt and I'm at
8572 Cardiff Lane in Eden Prairie temporarily. Hopefully temporarily. Very frustrating
situation. I don't know if you know all, everything behind it but I guess we found that when we
did, when the survey was done that there was a 10 foot error. The plans themselves haven't ·
changed since we came and presented the plans last time to the other group that was here. The
only thing that has changed is when we did come they asked if it would be okay if we pushed the
house back 4 feet from the front, and we thought that would be okay. When we did that we had
to pull the house in another 2 feet on the side. We're sitting with about 800 feet of living area on
the main level, which makes for a really small house. We understand that the lot is a very
difficult to build on and it is very small. One of the things that was impressed on us was that we
needed to keep it within a 25% impervious surface. We've been able to do that. I think if we
moved up to putting, you know actually went and redesigned the whole house again and started
by putting into, I don't know if you can see that again but into that building area that they were
talking about, we'd probably go past that impervious surface area if we put a porch on the back
because that would again, have more lot coverage there. That's why we kind of left that open.
One of the things was, as we were going through the designing of the house, was that we wanted
to keep it within that 25% and we've been able to accomplish that, even with the error, whatever,
we still can't figure out where that came from. It had to come from the architect. We're still
staying within the 25% impervious surface. The previous plan that was approved on there by the,
for the landowner was somewhere in the neighborhood of about 36% impervious surface and he
was in that particular area and that was Jim Jessup who owns the property right now. And we're
not really, we initially asked for 10 feet which would bring us to 61 feet. What we're really
trying to do is get to the point where we can build this house on this property without having to
go back and redesign. We're $15,000.00 and 9 months into this and an extreme amount of
frustration at this point. But what we'd like to do is, and I don't know if this will show up on
here either. Yeah, I guess it will. This shows the main level of the house and when you're
looking at that 61 feet, you're seeing this portion of the deck over that and that's 4 feet that
you're looking at right there and so if we were to take that 4 feet off of the deck, that would still
leave us with a porch and a reasonable deck. It wouldn't be anymore than 10 feet which is a 10 x
10 deck, which is as you know, everything on this house is extremely small. And our proposal is,
and what we're really asking for is if we could, if we compromised and took 4 feet off of the
deck and were able to move the house on the lot, whether it would be forward or however you
would want to, you know you would like us to move it, we're happy to do that. And then what
we'd be asking for is the same consideration that was given to Jim Jessup and this is his plan that
5
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
was approved and that was approved in 1991 and it says, his front setback was 16 feet so he was
16 feet from the front. His lakeshore setback was 68 feet so we're not even quite asking for that.
We're asking for, if we went 16 in the front, we'd be at 69 in the back. And that's the
consideration that Jim got and that was approved. And we'd like to see that same consideration
given to us. Again, it is really frustrating. We hate to even be back asking for this thing. We'd
like to be in the, you know going out there and looking at a frame being built and things like that
but we find ourselves back here again and it's frustrating for eVerybody I know. But that's really
all I have. If you have questions, I'd be happy to answer anything I can answer.
Peterson: Questions of the applicant? If you, let me ask this of Kate and Cindy first. If we were
to grant a variance on the impervious surface is that, is staff generally more amenable to that
happening versus the setback variance? It's an option.
Aanenson: Trading one thing for another, you know.
Peterson: Any other questions? Motion and second for a public hearing.
Blackowiak moved, Conrad seconded to open the public hearing. The public hearing was
opened.
Peterson: This is a public hearing. Anyone wishing to address the planning commission, please
come forward and state your name and address please.
Don Sitter: Hello, my name is Don Sitter. I live at 9249 Lake Riley Boulevard. I'm the adjacent
property owner just to the west of this. This is, this has been a little bit of a frustrating project. I
think the Witt's have worked really hard. They've been very cooperative in their attitudes so I'd
really like to see them be able to build a house here. It's an ugly lot. It's full of weeds and it's
been a hassle for the last, oh going on 13 years now so we'd sure like to see this thing resolved.
But I'm a little concerned. Right now there's a I0 foot encroachment I guess on the variances
that they were given and Bob and Brinn are willing to take off 4 feet but that still leaves us with a
6 foot. Now I don't know if maybe you understood, I think what Bob is asking is to slide the
whole house back closer to the road. Is that what you're, okay. So I think we're working with a
little bit of soft numbers here and I'm not too sure exactly what we're going for. But I feel like,
as the neighbors we supported them on their last variance request. We gave them enough
variances so that they could build their house. I would like to see you stand on those variances
and I'm sorry. I don't mean to make this even more of a problem but I can't support going any
closer to the lake and I certainly can't support going any closer to the road. They're at 20 feet
now and if they go any closer to the road, this is a mm around by the way. I'm not sure if you
know but it's a very, very small turn around at the end of the road and if there's any kind of large
vehicles, they're going to be hanging out over into the street so that would make it difficult for
the neighborhood. As nice as the Witt's have been, we've got to make sure we're looking at this
not as nice people but what is the house, is it right for the lot that it's on. And I know it's going
to throw them into a total redesign if they have to take that square foot off the front and stick it
into that open comer, but boy as much as I'd like to see this happen, I would really like to see
that the Board here keep it within the variances that have already been granted. It is now a
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
buildable lot by the variances granted and I'd like to recommend that we keep them within those
variances. Thank you for your time.
Peterson: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, motion to close.
Burton moved, Blackowiak seconded to close the public hearing. The public hearing was
closed.
Peterson: Commissioners. Anyone care to offer their respective thoughts on this one?
Kind: Mr. Chairman? I did go take a look at the site and very small and quite beautiful. The
view is very nice and right now it's in a state of disrepair as far as the weeds and that sort of thing
so it would be great to see a house there. If the applicant could figure out a way to get a house
up.
Peterson: How do you feel about the variance?
Kind: I think it's our job as a commission to uphold the variances the way they are.
Peterson: Other comments? Questions? Discussion?
Conrad: Two quick ones. Or one. I think the lake setback is real important to maintain a few
feet here or there doesn't matter but 14 feet does. There is buildable land and I think as long as-
we know that there's buildable land, they can design to fit with the previous variances granted.
Peterson: Comments?
Burton: Yeah, it does kind of bother me that they were...
Blackowiak: To piggy back on that. I understand that variances were granted at one point in
time and, but things change. As we learn more about water quality and things like that, I think
it's important like Ladd said to respect those lake setbacks and maybe in 1989 we didn't know as
much as we know now about the importance of keeping things back from the lake so what
happened in the past doesn't always make it right so I would agree with staff and say that there is
a buildable lot and we need to respect those lake variances especially. And 20 feet from the
street as is, that's close. I mean that's, people are going to be looking in your windows so. I
sympathize with you if your architect made a mistake on the footage, then he's the one you
should be talking to.
Peterson: Okay, I'll entertain a motion.
Blackowiak: Mr. Chair, I'll move that the Planning Commission recommend denial of the
request for a 14 foot variance from the 75 foot lakeshore setback requirement for the construction
of a single family home and screen porch/deck based on the findings presented in the staff report.
7
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Kind: Second.
Peterson: It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion?
Blackowiak moved, Kind seconded that the Planning Commission recommend denial of the
request for a 14 foot variance from the 75 foot lakcshore setback requirement for the
construction of a single family home and screen porch/deck based on the findings presented
in the staff report. Ali voted in favor, except Burton who opposed, and the motion carried
with a vote of 5 to 1.
Peterson: Your comment on the nay.
Burton: Same comments. I think that it seems unfair that it was okay in 1989...front setback
and ...shoreland setback and now it's not...the history and that but it just seems that it was close
enough in time and they had to come back five times to get...basically approved so that's the
basis.
Peterson: With this decision, a notation to the parties. A City Council member or the applicant
or any aggrieved person may appeal such decision to the City Council by filing an appeal with
the zoning administrator within four days after the date of this board's decision. This appeal will
be placed on the next available City Council agenda which is?
Kirchoff: June 28th.
Peterson: The 28th, okay. So, thank you.
PUBLIC HEARING:
SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR A 44~692 SQ. FT. TWO STORY TEMPERATU .RE
CONTROLLED STORAGE BUILDING AND A 40 FOOT SETBACK VARIANCE TO
PERMIT THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BUILDING AT THE ESTABLISHED 30
FOOT SETBACK ON 3.84 ACRES LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF
TH 5 AND PARK DRIVE ON PROPERTY ZONED IOP~ MINNESOTA MINI-
STORAGE.
Bob Generous presented the staff report on this item.
Peterson: Any questions of Bob?
Conrad: So the rebuilding would occur exactly where the footprint is today?
Generous: Yes. They'd meet that wall.
Aanenson: There was some additional taking with Highway 5's frontage too. After the building
was put in place so.
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Conrad: Okay. So it is right where it is so.
Generous: Correct.
Peterson: Bob, on the design specifically on the west elevation, you see the small multiple doors
and then the large garage door. I'm assuming it's a garage door. I'm trying to figure out what it
is.
Generous: It's a drive through doorway for the building. So that the tenants can use the interior
space. There will be an elevator in there.
Peterson: An elevator the size to handle, I mean I'm.just trying to get a sense. Proportionally the
garage door looks so much bigger than the ones, I assume that the ones that are there are the
standard storage ones that are smaller. My second question, on the left hand side of that same
picture, the parapet on top, that looks like it's wood.
Generous: That's the standing seam metal.
Peterson: Any other questions of staff?.
Sidney: Just for clarification I was wondering if you could mention in the repOrt it shys the utility
plans were not reviewed. Which utility plans?
Generous: That's the building department actually made that comment. They haven't looked at
the service lines into the building. Whether they comply with ordinance. That's usually done
when they bring the construction plans in. But like storm drainage and that is reviewed by Dave.
Peterson: Ladd.
Conrad: Mr. Chairman. What is that red deal?
Aanenson: It's a parapet.
Generous: Roof element.
Aanenson: It's a standing seam roof screen.
Conrad: Screening what? At the comer.
Aanenson: The rooftop equipment. Well it's wrapping around.
Sidney: Could you show us?
Conrad: What's there?
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Generous: Actually the mechanical is located an access that runs down the middle of the
building. And then you have the parapet wall arc on the north end. It's mostly a decorative
feature on the east side.
Conrad: Okay.
Peterson: Save that one for the applicant too. He's sitting over there grinning so I think. Other
questions of staff?. Seeing none, would the applicant or their designee wish to address the
commission? Give your name and address please.
Todd Jones: Good evening, my name is Todd Jones. I'm with Minnesota Mini-Storage, the
applicant. My address is 601 Carlson Parkway, Minnetonka. I'm here tonight with Paul
Strother, our architect. I'd like to just give a very brief presentation and I'd like Paul to talk
about a little bit about the architectural elements, including the red deal. I chuckled about it
because when I got the same drawing I called Paul, I said what, I said what is this red thing? His
perspective.., a lot better so that kind of explains it in his perspective but I asked the same thing.
The other question was what is that big garage door on the west elevation. Well there's also one
on the east elevation and what that is is, we've got kind of a hybrid what we call mini-storage.
...what we're developing is a component of a storage center and if you're in the business, there's
a difference. This facility was built 10-12 years ago and for it's day it was a fine mini-storage.
Things have changed. It's a relatively new industry and it has changed quite a bit 'and one of the
main things that changed in this neck of the woods, part of the country, is that a lot of this has
become climate controlled. Meaning air conditioned in the summer which also treats the
humidity and heated in the winter. And our customers love it and that's one of the main reasons
why we'd like to update this portion of the facility and put in this type of product is because of
our customers are wanting it. And by the way when I talk about our customers, 80% of our
customers are residents of Chanhassen so in that respect we're very much a neighborhood
business. We cater to the community. The drive thru element that we have is really another
thing that our customers like and it's also kind ora nice situation because it keeps all the activity
to the storage center portion of this proposed facility internal. If you're a customer of ours and
you chose to have a climate controlled unit in the new building, you would, if you folks were
customers you would come in. There would be an entry gate. You would push in your special
code to get in this gate here. You would come around, people would turn and drive into the
facility. If you're on the main level, you would access from the main level either direct off the
corridor or the drive thru corridor...to get to your storage space. Or if you're on the second level,
you drive right up to the elevator. Put your stuff in the elevator, bring it to the second level and
then distribute it to your particular unit. When it's January and it's 20 below and we give you an
option of two different types of product, it's a little easier sell in January for this type of product.
It's very convenient. When people are moving. Buying, selling, remodeling, so on and so forth,
there's often times a stressful situation and this type product has just really been accepted by our
customer base and we're excited about it. One of the things I always like to talk about is traffic
because of all commercial uses existing in the whole world, our use generates the lowest traffic.
What I've got here is a study of two different, one week snapshots. This is a week in March and
here's a week in April. This is a back-up, what it all boils down to is on average, existing, we
have 124 trips per week. Well, if you have a couple of teenagers, you probably do that at your
10
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
house. Per week. Per day it's about 18. Then the key thing these days seems to be peak a.m.
and p.m., also very, very low. Our traffic seems to not necessarily hit those peak times. Peak
a.m., 3.3 on average. Peak p.m., 1.9 trips per day on average. In looking at this, our proposal on
a square foot basis, what's going to be the impact on traffic? Well, my guess it's very low.
We'll be adding 23 trips per day. Excuse me. Will be the difference. We'll be adding 5 trips per
day. 1 car. 1 trip in the peak a.m. and half a car in the peak p.m. so the traffic impact is
extremely low. But the benefits are there. You know why are we doing this? Why are we
tearing down a building that's full and things are going well? I mean we don't have a problem,
everything is good. It's just, we really kind of have a long term outlook on this and we didn't
build this one and if we were to build it today, we would build it much differently. We'd build it
more in line with what we're proposing today. It's kind ofa nitch we choose. Number one it's
climate control product, but mini storage, as this was approved 10-12 years ago, has evolved and
we want to make it nicer. We want to make it more customer friendly. We want to make it more
aesthetically pleasing. What we're proposing today is kind of a tease our objectives but I think
kind of the beauty of it and what's kind of fun about this proposal is it also enhances things for
everybody else around here. With that I'd like to turn things over to Paul and just kind of have
him walk you around architecturally and any other questions, we're available to answer them.
Thank you very much.
Paul Strother: I'm Paul Strother. I'm with Cluts, O'Brien, Strother Architects, 7520
Marketplace Drive in Eden Prairie. I'll explain the red deal here. The drawings that you have for
the building elevations, which because they're direct elevations distort some of the views of what
you'll see. The picture here is a view from Highway 5, Westbound as if you were turning into
Chanhassen Lakes Business Park. We have the existing building is a single story building. It's
about so high. We're proposing a two story building with a rock face block face to match the
existing built up precast panels that are there. We're proposing a complimentary tan EFIS with
an accent band in white separated by a reveal with some small accents at the comers and at the
intersections of the band. We're also proposing arches. This one being the red deal. One at the
center on Park, and the other one on Highway 5. These windows are at the comers. They're in
the aisle ways serving the units. Not opening up into units. They won't see the contents of the
units but they're simply in the hallway so as they go by them. The rooftop equipment is screened
from above. The top of this band up so we have a parapet wall all around the building...to
screen the mechanical equipment. One comment to respond to Mr. Peterson's observation on the
west elevation. The existing west elevation view from Highway 5, I kind of ghosted in the
profile of the building. The west elevation that was in your packet, these are doors to the
individual units. The larger overhead door into the drive aisle. Because of the change in
elevation between Highway 5 and the interior of the site, you won't see these doors from
Highway 5. They'll be screened by the existing building as well as the... One other remark that I
thought I should make is that on the, within the staff report there were some remarks regarding
lighting. We propose ground mounted flood lights and that was in my view the best way to
illuminate the building. The detailing on this building is very... The colors are again fairly
subtle. The cornice detailing is subtle as well and my thought was that by having ground
mounted lighting, you'd illuminate the building without glare to the street and...
Peterson: Questions of the applicant?
11
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Conrad: Impervious surface ratio is what?
Todd Jones: Exactly as it was. Whatever that was.
Generous: It's actually been reduced a little bit. Because you're adding green.
Conrad: That building signage on the north face, what is that made out of?.
Paul Strother: On the north face we're proposing the building mounted. That would be
illuminated, internally lit sign.
Conrad: Staff didn't respond to that, or at least I didn't see it. That met your standards, our
standards, right?
Generous: The 50 square foot wall sign.
Conrad: I thought that was a monument. You talk about monument. Did you talk about the wall
mounted?
Generous: Yeah, I don't have any dimensions on that. It looks like it would comply but it wOuld
comply with the lOP district.
Conrad: Does that take a sign permit?
Generous: Yes, that takes a separate permit to come through.
Conrad: And temperature controlled storage is permitted in our, and a phone number is
permitted?
Aanenson: Oh, I see what you're saying as far as content. Probably not. Probably not. Just
advertise the name, that's correct.
Peterson: Other questions of the applicant?
Kind: I have one Mr. Chairman. Piggy backing on Ladd's comment about the sign. The sign
appears to me to be the same design as in the past. I was wondering if with this great new
architecture, if you thought about redesigning that logo or look of that sign as well.
Paul Strother: Well the, some of the sign itself is designed is kind of a corporate identity but the
actual sign itself, we're proposing a whole new base. If you look at it now, it's a metal, it's bad.
And we really felt that we were upgrading very much the monument portion. It's hard to read on
here but you can see kind of the metal red there versus the split face with the EFIS base so.
12
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Kind: I was thinking more color and just kind of the overall topography. That sort of thing. It
just seems to not fit with the building to me. Something to think about. And then I had one other
question. Oh, did you speak to the existing structure, with the facade on the north side facing
Highway 5? It's kind of an aggregate material right now. Will that change at all with this
project?
Paul Strother: ...and what, of course we'll have a gap between that and the new building...by
using the rock face block is reasonably close by having the same textures and colors. It will be
closely related. And again because they're separated a little bit, they will seem like...
Kind: I think that's it.
Peterson: Other questions?
Kind: Oh! I did have one more, sorry Mr. Chairman. I noticed on the landscaping plan there's
spruce trees in front of where the signage is going to be. Black Hills Spruce gets to be 60 feet tall
and will be covering up your sign. And they grow about 2, 1 to 2 feet every year. Something to
think about in your landscaping plan.
Paul Strother: I appreciate that.
Peterson: Thank you. May I have a motion and a second for public hearing please.
Sidney moved, Blackowiak seconded to open the public hearing. The public hearing was
opened.
Peterson: This is a public hearing. Anyone wishing to address the commission, please come
forward and state your name and address please.
Conrad moved, Blackowiak seconded to close the public hearing. The public hearing was
closed.
Peterson: Commissioners. Your thoughts on this one.
Blackowiak: Mr. Chair, I would like to ask Dave a question before I get into this. As I was
reading through and listening a little bit more, I went back to the new driveway entrance. The
drive sitting on Park Drive. Will that be a right out only or will they be allowed to turn left from
that new driveway entrance?
Hempel: Mr. Chairman, they will be able to access both right and let2 from that new driveway
location.
Blackowiak: And that's MnDOT is okay with that? It's awfully close to Highway 5.
13
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Hempel: Correct. Eventually when Trunk Highway 5 is upgraded in the near future, Park Drive
at Trunk Highway 5 will be restricted to a right in/right out only. But the drive aisle onto Park
Drive, with the amount of traffic generated from that use is relatively low.
Blackowiak: You're comfortable with, okay. That was it, thank you.
Peterson: Thank you. Any comments?
Conrad: I think it's quite nice. It's great. Something that won't be in any of our motions but I
do agree that the signage doesn't look good. And I am not going to make a motion to change it
however, but it doesn't look good so I'd challenge you to take a good look at that. Your building
outclasses your signage. It shouldn't.
Peterson: Okay, thoughts?
Kind: I agree with Ladd.
Peterson: Motion?
Kind: I'll make a motion Mr. Chairman. I move that the Planning Commission recommends
approval of Site Plan #99-12 for a 44,692 sq. ft. two story temporary controlled storage building,
and a 40 foot setback variance from the Highway Corridor District building setback to permit the
construction of the new building at the established 30 foot setback, as shown on plans prepared
by Cluts, O'Brien, Strother Architects dated May 14, 1999, subject to the following conditions
which are 1 through 13.
Conrad: I'd second.
Peterson: It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion?
Kind moved, Conrad seconded that the Planning Commission recommends approval of
Site Plan #99-12 for a 44,692 sq. ft. two story temporary controlled storage building, and a
40 foot setback variance from the Highway Corridor District building setback to permit the
construction of the new building at the established 30 foot setback, as shown on plans
prepared by Cluts, O'Brien, Strother Architects dated May 14, 1999, subject to the
following conditions:
The applicant shall be responsible for relocation of existing street lights and street wiring.
All street light wiring shall be installed with conduit.
The applicant shall escrow with the City $4,000 to guarantee curb replacement and
boulevard restoration. Contract the City Engineering Department prior to pouring
industrial driveway aprons for inspection. A minimum of 24 hour notice is required.
14
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
3. The plans shall be revised to expand the driveway radii in the existing driveway to Park
Road to 20 foot radiuses versus the 15 as proposed. In addition, traffic control signage
shall be added for the new driveway access.
4. Retaining walls in excess of four feet in height will require a building permit.
5. A rock construction entrance shall be shown on the plans and maintained until the parking
lot and drive aisles are paved with bituminous.
6. Relocation of the fire hydrant requires a permit and inspection from the City's Utility
and/or Building Department. A 48 hour advance notice is required by the City to mm
on/off water service. Contact the City Utility Department to schedule water turn off/on.
7. The applicant shall enter into a site plan agreement with the City and provide the necessary
security to guarantee erosion control, site restoration and landscaping.
8. Separate sign permits are required for each sign.
9. Ground mounted wall wash lighting shall be deleted.
10. A permit must be obtained to demolish the existing storage building. '
11. The building is required to be accessible and must be provided with an elevator.
12. The west and south walls of the building are required to be one-hour fire-resistive
construction because of their proximity to assumed property lines at thirteen and sixteen
feet away respectively.
13. A one hour fire resistive occupancy separation will be required between the S3 parking area
and the S 1 storage area.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING:
STEINER DEVELOPMENT FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR A 59~990 sO. FT.
OFFICE WAREHOUSE BUILDING ON 4.53 ACRES ZONED PUD AND LOCATED
SOUTH OF WATER TOWER PLACE~ EAST OF TH 41~ ARBORETUM BUSINESS
PARK~ BUILDING III.
Public Present:
Name Address
Tom Christensen
8681 Alisa Lane
15
Planning Commission Meeting- June 16, 1999
Bob Generous presented the staff report on this item.
Peterson: Questions of Bob?
Conrad: Bob, could you specifically detail what you're talking about in terms of the reveal?
Show us what you're adjusting.
Generous: This is the entrance feature I was talking about. Originally I was looking at taking
this panel and having it recessed. So that we get more shadowing in there and it's sort of reflects
the Building I. As an alternative I discussed taking this whole area and recessing that to the plane
of the doorway. That would also be an acceptable alternative. I think it adds enough
differentiation to that. So that was the area that.
Conrad: Okay, and you do that under every entry?
Blackowiak: Mr. Chairman, Bob. I'd kind of like to add another question to that. Talking about
the...do they have a recess over the entire entry or what was done over there?
Generous: It was just recessed at the panel...
Blackowiak: Okay, that was it.
Peterson: Other questions of Bob?
Kind: Mr. Chairman. Page 4 of the staff report, there's...underneath the table. There's that
asterisk that says as stated in city ordinance, the project developer shall be responsible for
providing 75% of the required plantings. This was the question that Ladd asked Sharmin a few
meetings ago, and I think it might have even been my first meeting and I just kind of, not in my
head and I thought I understood what it meant but I don't get it. Could you explain it?
Generous: Sure. As part of the buffer yard ordinance, there's a formula that you use to
determine the amount of planting that would be required for each 100 linear feet. However, there
was an amendment at the second reading of the ordinance that said, and then the developer shall
only be required to provide 75% of that. So that's what the 75% issue is so you calculate the
number of landscaping materials they need and then they provide ~A of that.
Kind: So the minimum number is reflected 75%. Thank you.
Peterson: Other questions of Bob?
Conrad: How long is the building Bob?
Generous: 320 feet.
16
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Peterson: That's a nice transition to my question Bob. Help me, and maybe the applicant can
also but as I look at the west elevation, 320 feet of almost continuous wall without a lot of
deviation from just a wall. Walk me through how much of that's going to be seen. Orient me a
little bit to the site.
Generous: This is Water Tower Place. Highway 5. This is the outline of the All About Lights
building. This driveway, the building's about 10 or 11 feet up from this point on Water Tower
Place. I would think you can't see more than the first dock area.
Peterson: Really?
Fred Richter: ...will be totally sheltered...manual here and then this is landscaped and has the
windows. So that's the angle on TH 41 going south. Going north on TH 41, this topography
rises up and there's a lot of tree coverage in here. So that's virtually, totally secluded so basically
we have a service elevation to our neighbor, All About Lights...
Peterson: Okay, would the applicant or their designee wish to address the commission.9 If so,
please come forward and state your name and address.
Fred Richter: I'm Fred Richter with Steiner Development. With me tonight is JeffBarrons on
our architectural team. I think Bob's done a good job of orienting you to the project. I take it
you have the colored rendering in front of you. With that, most of what I'll say will be a little
redundant but just so we make sure we all understand what the planning issues are here and how
we're addressing them. First off, well I don't know if that.
Generous: We can zoom in.
Fred Richter: Yeah, I just want you to understand this location because really the issues are, this
is the site right here. This is the Heartland site. This is what we call the second building, it's the
Wrase building. This is the All About Lights building. Presently Water Tower cul-de-sacs here.
This is 41 so it's an interior lot. However it is the highest lot in the development. A lot of it's
view, there will be glimpses of it from 5. It's quite a distance. It will have the water tower in the
background. What we did with that in mind was try to take our industrial, I'll call it concept or
parquet of these buildings, and kind of take it one step further and blend it in to the two original
buildings and then the... On the Phase I building you will recall we had an industrial building
where we started with the painted exterior and developed the articulation by taking the entrance
and structurally having that wall in back be a precast wall. This building we were quite happy
with and when we moved to the second building, we worked with the planning commission and
basically took the dollars we spent there and added some to that and created the projections
which gave the building I think obliquely a little more interest and a little more scale and at the
same time we added a cornice to the top and that gave it added definition. This whole element
sticks 5 feet above the building adding for screening and other things. So what we did when we
moved up to this building was take this element here and then we added the brick at the base and
start to make the transition building to the office/showroom buildings up on 41. The economics
from our standpoint, the rent structure and all, these are industrial buildings and we are
17
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
constantly fighting a cap in that market on our rent so we've actually made two improvements in
cost and at the same time we feel we're getting the impact of the arch with the painted elements
like we did here reinforced by the reveals in the concrete. So from our standpoint we feel we've
got a building that seems to be compatible. Has a good...as people come closer we've got the
brick at the entrances. And we feel we've got one that has the economics and kind of the
architectural integrity for office/warehouse buildings. So from that standpoint we feel, and not to
get into the detailed structurally but this is a much simpler detail for us to build all on that one
plane versus getting a second plane. Adding in this piece a whole other material, a discipline or
trade to our construction methods and we just feel albeit more shade and shadow has some
advantages but we really achieve that look in the patterning and the color and from the distances
this thing will be viewed we feel captures the spirit and the elements we're after. Looking at the
site plan, we've got the angle entrances. The truck moving around. We've discussed that with
our neighbor All About Lights and it's a pretty functional plan I think for multi-purpose.
Peterson: Questions of the applicant?
Kind: Mr. Chairman, does the applicant have building materials?
Fred Richter: I really don't. I apologize for that. They're the same building materials basically
that's in these pictures and we've added, I'll go back to this one here. This will be a brick base
and this will be the Canopy. Otherwise what we have technically is a precast panel that's poured
face down so it gets a real smooth finish. Then we get these reveals that are poured into it that
are very sharp and crisp. And then through the painting' techniques we give articulation to these
architectural elements. Giving a variety of colors and scale to the building. And that way we
take what is relatively a large building and an economical wall and bring architectural interest,
scale and character which has a great impact as you can see from these photographs from a
distance. And it really does come alive in shade and shadow when the sun goes across it.
Kind: And that's the EFIS material?
Fred Richter: No, it's not an EFIS material. It's spancrete. It's Fab-Con product. It's their full
structural panel so the only thing in this technique we've reversed it so the structural panel,
which is the...outside, then we have the foam and then we have the inside. Where we've done
other materials, sometimes they reverse it but then you get a more raked finish or a more textural
finish.
I'm getting a little technical but that's kind of the technique here.
Kind: And is there a way to precolor it or any color has to be applied afterwards by painting it
on?
Fred Richter: In this system it's better to apply it and you get a lot of advantages. In the integral
color ones, you end up getting more muted subtleties. The advantages, you know it's in there
forever where this, but our experience with the new paint, the kind that won't fade and if
anything from the ownership standpoint, 10-15 years out, they get a freshen up look and actually
18
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
be updated much more easier than the integral colors so we see a lot of advantages for these large
industrial buildings.
Kind: Thank you.
Blackowiak: Mr. Chair? I was wondering if the applicant could talk a little bit about the
Building Number I and show us exactly what the reveal was or what was set back or recessed on
that Building Number I. How far?
Fred Richter: Well this is set back 5 feet because the structural precast panels back in that plane.
Now we did, we had problems. If you look closely, we had detailed an arch and we ended up
having to cut it in the field and that's the only technology they have with this system. So it's a
fastening, if you look closely, straight line. So there's that disadvantage but other than that we
were very happy with this building because when we went to the projected method which has
additional advantages, we spent more money than we did on this one to get the projections and
then we've got the recessed entrance and this total precast panel over here is structural and is one
system and when we get into the issue of building another plane behind it, we're actually
duplicating the wall and in duplicating the wall, we're adding to the cost of the building. What
we're trying to do is measure the impact of this like it is here, which has the advantages of the
crisp, rounded comers and the architectural articulation is given by the reveals and then
reinforced by the change of colors versus this one which you know...
Blackowiak: But the Heartland building is actually 5 feet in is what you're telling me? Okay.
Kind: I have a question along those lines too. What's the maximum reveal you can do? Right
now it's 2 inches or something like that?
Fred Richter: Yeah, it's all.
Kind: Is that the max?
Fred Richter: Yeah basically. It's all on that plane of concrete. To build a structural wall, you
can only, what they do is they place wood or something in the form which forms the reveal.
Kind: The maximum is 2 inches or can you go 6?
Fred Richter: I'd say more like 2.
Kind: Okay, thank you.
Peterson: Other questions of the applicant?
Conrad: The south elevation points at what?
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Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Fred Richter: The water tower. This building is a unique, I mean again this was, this was sold to
the city and here's the water tower. This elevation is totally secluded and there's a lot of trees on
the Wrase property. This whole thing, as the planning commission knows that was some of the
issues behind the water tower. That's heavily treed. There's a large topographical rise up to this
point and there's some trees over here so the only view is this comer here, which is the sketch.
For all practical purposes how this building will be viewed from the public. And the majority of
that will be from a distance of, well this is a quarter mile.
Peterson: Other questions? Seeing none, a motion and a second to open the public hearing
please.
Blackowiak moved, Kind seconded to open the public hearing. The public hearing was
opened.
Peterson: This is a public hearing. Anyone wishing to address the commission please come
forward and state your name and address please.
Conrad moved, Blackowiak seconded to close the public hearing. The public hearing was
closed.
Peterson: Commissioners. Interesting building. Any interesting comments? Do you have any?
Burton: Well I could... It's my understanding is that the PUD reqUires a higher quality of
architecture and...and I think the other buildings have a higher, in my opinion, have a higher
quality of architecture and design than this. And I wonder...
Conrad: Well I think I'm straggling with the reveal. I'm trying to figure out if there's some
value in it. Looking...I don't know exactly what Bob's asking for but I'm looking for the value
architecturally. I'm not sure, so they can persuade me on that. Otherwise...
Peterson: Part of what kind of led me to the direction where I'm going Ladd was when you put
up the picture of Building II. Building II, I felt as though it looked like a movie set. That it was
straight and painted and didn't have the character that Building I had. I don't know whether it
was the shadows or whether it was the time of day when the picture was taken...Building II
being more similar to this without the setback. That bothers me. A picture can only say so much
but that's what we're dealing with. I'm up for going back to...
Kind: Piggy backing on that. I did go out and take a look at the site because when I read that in
the report I thought, what is that reveal thing and I thought oh that can't be that big of a deal.
And I went out there to look at it and some of the buildings have just the 2 inches and then the...
Building I or Building II and I think it's Building II that has the 5 foot.
Generous: That's the Heartland.
20
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Kind: Oh, that's what he's talking about and it does look quite a bit better. Although if it's a
trade off between having a flat wall and that just sat in versus the entryway coming forward, I
think I'd pick the entryway coming forward. I do like how that makes the front line interesting.
Actually I'd pick both. But that would be my choice.
Sidney: Mr. Chairman, I guess just one comment. I guess the building is adequate. I don't have
a real problem with it except I was disappointed again that we're dealing with a painted building.
I'd like to see different materials. Different textures. It's the third ora number of buildings,
three buildings now that are basically in my mind much too similar. And I would hope that the
applicant the next time around, as we stated before, and I guess Commissioner Joyce had asked
for some other types of materials to be presented. I understand economics but still this is a PUD
and we would like to have higher standards.
Peterson: Other comments?
Blackowiak: Mr. Chair, I have one comment. I too have some concerns about the west elevation
and when he said 320 feet I thought, that's a football field. And granted, it won't be seen by a lot
of people. And there may be trees there now but what happens to the trees. I mean they get hit
by a tornado or something happens and the trees are gone and we have to look at that. Are we
going to be happy with it? I don't know. I'd like to see materials. We don't have any materials
tonight. I mean unfortunately I can't remember what they all look like. I wish I could but I have
a problem approving something without actually physically seeing the materials. I'd kind of like
to see what I'm voting for and I'm not real comfortable with this huge football field of unknown
material. That's what I'm feeling right now.
Peterson: Other comments? Is there a motion?
Fred Richter: Could I make a comment?
Peterson: Four minutes.
Fred Richter: On the back wall, this wall has these projections for the docks which is screened in
from the north and from this way so it's not just a straight wall. And the exterior materials are
the raked concrete finish, exactly the same as the other two painted the mid tan color. The other
thing is in the PUD all the peripheral lots are guided to have office showroom or higher end
finishes. The interior lots are the ones that have the office warehouse so this probably, from that
standpoint, with the exception of Lot 7, would be the last one to even be in this issue. And then
finally, we basically worked with the city. We had made improvements from the first building
where we had the recess to get the projection. Now we've gone up the hill and we've put the
arch on the top which we think is the best bang for our buck because it's going to be viewed from
a distance. To kind of give it some articulation. And we've added the brick at the entrance and
we feel we kind of made some compromises so when someone says this is the worse of three, in
terms of what we're doing where we kind of kept adding, adding, and adding. Hopefully it's got
more windows. More this. More that than the others.
21
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Peterson: Okay, thank you. Is there a motion?
Kind: I can make a motion Mr. Chairman. I move the Planning Commission recommend
approval of Site Plan #99-13 for a 59,990 square foot office warehouse building (Building III) as
shown on the plans prepared by Steiner Development, Inc. dated May 14, 1999, subject to the
following conditions 1 through 16. I have a revision to number 4 to read, the panel area above
the entrances shall be recessed approximately 3 feet in line with the doorway of the building
facade.
Peterson: Is there a second?
Conrad: I'll second it.
Peterson: It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion?
Conrad: I would like an amendment on that however. And I think it's real valid to see the
materials. Real valid to see the contrast of the materials here and the materials from Buildings I
and II. ! think if this motion doesn't pass, it's going to be because you didn't bring materials.
That's my guess...talk to the people over here. But if this passes, I want the next point on the
motion to read that you do bring those materials in. In terms of materials and color and also
show how they have changed or the similarities between this building. I think that's important.
You should have done that tonight.
Kind: Yes. Under the heading of discussion. Are you proposing Ladd that we not pass this for
the reason of the materials? Is that a justifiable reason to not?
Conrad: Yeah, we get into this, should we do it or should the City Council. They'll do it. Yeah
this is one that we, ifI was kind of, it'd be real easy to table this. If this doesn't pass, if you and I
are the only people voting for it, then somebody else has a chance to make the motion but I think
City Council can look at the materials just as easily as we can. I don't think we're costing them
any time. I don't know that we're going to turn it down to tell you the truth when they bring the
materials in. If I thought we would, if I thought there was some issue out there that they couldn't
handle, I'd have them get back in two weeks. They're going to bring the materials in. We're all
going to bob up and down...more than likely. That's my gut feel so I'm comfortable sending it
through with your motion that, and then they present those to the City Council.
Kind: Thank you.
Peterson: As point of discussion. You mentioned 3 foot.
Kind: I said approximately. What do you think about that?
Peterson: Well that's fine. Just wanted to clarify if you wanted 3 feet or just to work with staff
to create the appropriate recessed per Bob's attachment.
22
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Kind: Yes.
Peterson: I want to give staff the intent. It's been moved and seconded and discussed and a
friendly amendment.
Kind moved, Conrad seconded that the Planning Commission recommend approval of Site
Plan #99-13 for a 59,990 square foot office warehouse building (Building III) as shown on
the plans prepared by Steiner Development, Inc. dated May 14, 1999, subject to the
following conditions:
1. The applicant shall enter into a site plan agreement with the City and provide the necessary
security to guarantee erosion control, site restoration and landscaping.
2. The development must comply with the Development Design Standards for Arboretum
Business Park.
3. The applicant shall provide areas for bicycle parking and storage on site.
4. The developer shall work with staff on resolution of the entrance details.
Increase plantings for parking lot in order to meet ordinance requirements. Placement of
required trees shall first be considered on the north side of the lot, then landscape islands, and
finally in other areas on site.
6. Revise plant schedule and landscape plan to specify mislabeled trees at entrance of site and
along south property line.
7. The applicant shall submit revised landscape plan including the above revisions.
8. Each landscape peninsula must have one shade tree. Landscape peninsulas less than 10 feet
in width must have aeration tubing installed.
9. The developer shall add two landscape peninsulas to the easterly parking lot.
10. The developer shall pay full trail fees pursuant to city ordinance.
11. Detailed storm drainage calculations including drainage area maps for each catch basin shall
be submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval. The storm sewer calculations
shall be for a 1 O-year, 24-hour storm event. The calculations and drainage map shall be
submitted prior to issuance of a building permit.
12. The site plan shall be modified to incorporate sidewalk out to Water Tower Place following
the drive aisle in the northwest comer of the site. In addition, the proposed sidewalk along
the north side of the building shall be extended northerly adjacent to the parking stall in the
23
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
northwest corner of the site to provide continuity between the sidewalk for Water Tower
Place and the proposed building.
13. The plans shall revise the turning radius of the drive aisle out to Water Tower Place to a
minimum of a 25-foot radii. In addition, if necessary, change the catch basin grate in Water
Tower Place to a drive-over type pursuant to City staff.
14. The applicant and/or contractor applying for the building permit shall be responsible for the
additional sanitary sewer and water hookup charges over and above what was assessed. The
number of sewer and water hookup charges are based on the number of SAC units
determined by Metropolitan Council Environmental Services. The 1999 hookup charges for
sanitary sewer and water are $1,252 and $1,632, respectively per unit.
15. Revise plans to include rock construction entrance.
16. The applicant shall enter into a site plan agreement with the City and provide a $2,500
security to guarantee boulevard and curb restoration. The security may be in the form of a
letter of credit or cash escrow."
All voted in favor, except Burton and Blackowiak who opposed, and the motion carried
with a vOte of 4 to 2.
Peterson: Nays care to comment over and above what they already have?
Blackowiak: Materials. I'd like...how it compares to the other buildings that are there becaUse
it's not a stand alone building. We need to look at the entire development and the City Council I
think relies on us to do some of the weeding out for them so I think we should be dealing with it
here. I know they are able to but I think we should see it.
Burton: And my other comment, I still have that same concern...
Peterson: Okay, so noted. The motion is carried and goes on to City Council July 12th.
Fred Richter: ...we have been talking back and forth with them...
Peterson: Thank you. I'd like to make a notation to the meeting minutes that I appreciate the
staff working with the applicants. All three presentations tonight had color renderings. I think it
makes it a heck of a lot easier.
Aanenson: We do ask them to bring samples. Generally they do come at the meeting... The
other thing we were just talking about too is try to put together maps on these where we've got
industrial parks, labeling all the buildings and putting those on to give you a frame of reference.
What's back to back. We need to do a better job on that so you understand the relationship to the
surrounding uses.
24
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
NEW BUSINESS:
Sidney: One comment. Piggy backing on that and I mentioned this to Alison about thinking
about how we could formalize the check off procedure for having materials, building materials
and I guess that's in the development review application. It says to do that. And then also color
renderings. If there would be a statement there that they need to bring that or, and then sight
lines. That's the other thing we were talking about tonight with the Steiner Development
building and Commissioner Conrad had some ideas about.
Aanenson: We did amend the code to talk about that. We added something where they can do a
visual representations, i.e. the Foss Swim School brought the 3D model in. I think that helps.
When you're trying to understand reveal, it's very complicated for lay people. We have a hard
time understanding that. I think you have...model of that portion. Some of that sort of thing
helps. We're going to do a better job making sure that they have that here for you to understand.
I think that would help better presentations.
Sidney: Does it need to be in writing though?
Aanenson: It is an ordinance.
Sidney: It is?
Aanenson: Yes.
Sidney: Okay. And they understand that?
Aanenson: Right. There's different ways that you can do it visually and that is computer phOto
composite. And that's helpful too where you actually superimpose where, for example when we
saw the mini storage. She actually drew the existing building and showed where the new sight
line. That speaks volumes when you can see the difference. So those sort of photo composites I
think are very helpful. And also still having relationships between existing, for example showing
where the All About Lights is. That was back to back and what you're actually going to see if he
would have done a photo composite of that, that would have been very helpful too so you could
see what's back to back. And that there are just sort of the wing walls and what you're
effectively standing out on 5 looking at it. Requiring more of that so you can see that photo
composites. I think that's helpful because it is hard. When you're looking that far away to
understand. We generally go out and walk them but still, for you to understand the impacts for
the decision, it's important to have that information.
Burton: Kate on the application...I think it might be helpful to have the applicant...
Aanenson: Sure, I think that's fine. Very appropriate. Yeah, these are large buildings in the
interior and we know on the out, on that 5 and 41 comer that it be more a corporate user and we
expect that to be a higher quality office, but those are good questions.
25
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Burton: I think it makes...
Aanenson: We are doing a lot of industrial this year. You're going to see more of it too in the
next couple meetings.
Sidney: One more comment please? I guess one thought, and I guess maybe just to bring it up,
if it's appropriate. When we have a repeat of like a discussion of a variance like the Witt
property came back and back and back. I don't know ifI want to see all of the meeting minutes
for all of those but at least the previous discussion about a variance on the same property might
be useful.
Aanenson: Sure.
Peterson: New business?
Aanenson: That's a good segway into new business because we actually have six variances on
the next agenda.
Sidney: Are they repeats on the same property?
Aanenson: ...but that is a good point to kind of summarize if some Of these have been through
the process before. So we'll have six variances. The theaters are on. We also have a
subdivision.
Peterson: Getting rid of the alley?
Aanenson: No. But I think we've made some good progress there as far as some design. How
that works and functions. And there's also another industrial building on. So that will be a long
meeting, depending on how complex the variances get. And I also just wanted to let you know
what happened. The City Council did meet Monday. This is only twice a year we have City
Council and Planning Commission on the same, and this is one of them. They did approve the
Dover Building, which is... They also approved the three site plans for Eden Trace. I believe
probably only two of those... They did order the road project but in order to get access, there's
two of them that have, should be on hard surface coverage to get access for emergency so those
two will be starting. Then they did approve the Foss Swim School with the following caveats.
They did bring in the colors. They muted down the yellow a little bit more. They also agreed
with the blue around the windows. So that really subdued the building quite a bit. They felt
strongly about the white, and in looking around the city, looking at Richfield Bank and Chan
Bank and kind of the muted silver that they have, it seems to work pretty well. Kind of
disappears into the sky and they felt the blue would actually be too loud. So they felt strongly
about the white.
Peterson: Of leaving the white or taking it?
26
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Aanenson: Leaving the white, but the blue around the windows which I think really does take
down some of the whimsy of the building. Then they also are going with the cut face block
around the main swimming structure. Then the two kind of appendixes would be the EFIS and
that's what they muted down the yellow. So they did approve it with those conditions. And
Ruby Tuesdays will probably be on the second meeting in July. They also have another
industrial building coming in that second one in July. That one was tabled because we only had
three council members. For rezoning you need four votes. We'll still only have four. The
Mayor will be gone still on the 28th so we'll still only have four votes so we'll see if we go
forward or not but you have to have four concurring votes so, that's where that sits.
Peterson: Any other new or old business?
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Ladd Conrad noted the Minutes of the Planning Commission
meeting dated June 2, 1999 as presented.
ONGOING ITEMS:
Aanenson: Yes, Bob reminded me. We did go down to the Met Council and our comprehensive
plan was approved. We were the first one to go through with the Council. We were a little
nervous because there are some other issues there regarding comprehensive plans and Livable
Communities Act and eligibility of transit funds, ISTEA but we did get aPproved, l gut we're on
for the City Council the 28th. We'll be making a few minor changes that they had recommended
and then we'll be reproducing that and getting you copies of that.
Peterson: Congratulations. You forgot to mention that to us?
Aanenson: I know. So that's pretty exciting. Yeah, it's good news. Only 28 communities have
been approved... 130 or something like that. That asked for extensions that still probably won't
get through. And it's interesting because what they were approving ahead of us was the new
funding, what's called, instead of the ISTEA it's now called T-21 which is the new federal
highway money which we've got some for the ped bridge. You know underpasses. So what
they're saying is they're trying to with the smart growth and Mr. Mondale's and the Governor's
growth management strategies that they're going to be looking...so we should be in good
standing. They want to link it to density and some of those sort of things so I think that speaks
well for us.
Peterson: Ongoing items?
Aanenson: We're doing a heck of a lot of development out there. If you see things out there and
you have questions, you know is this what we approved? Is this what's going on? Let us know.
We try to get out there. We're very busy but we're trying to manage the construction projects.
There's a lot of private development going on. A lot of changes so if you see something and you
say, I'm not sure that's what we wanted or you know, we'll go on out and take a look.
Peterson: Anything else?
27
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Kind: A question, made we think about it. That letter and the gentleman who spoke, I think it
was on the Dover building. Talking about the city's supposed to put some plantings along the
fence. Is that true or is that rumor?
Aanenson: No, that's true. What happened on that, that was the post office. The post office
being a federal agency was exempt from jurisdiction of the local government. As a part of that
they never disclosed in their environmental assessment document how many times they would be
having deliveries and we found out that they'd have deliveries at like 4:00 in the morning and
like 1:00 in the morning and they have the OSHA backing up of the semi's so we did a noise
study. The City ended up paying for the wall. The wood fence. Based on the noise consultant,
and doing the landscaping. The landscaping has been ordered and should be in in the next couple
of weeks. But it had not been completed.
Kind: I hate that when people say the city was supposed to do this and then they never did and I
never know if it's true or not true.
Aanenson: It's true. It's about $35,000.00-$40,000.00 that the city did that, and it was not our
intent to do it all the way down. But that was true. We haven't had any noise complaints so far.
Peterson: Now that they can do anything with them anyway so.
Aanenson: Yeah, right. Right, it's not perfect because some of the sound's bouncing over. And
we are out measuring at Trotter's. We did the decimeter was out maybe 3 or 4 weeks ago but.
Sidney: Lewison?
Aanenson: Yeah, Lewison Engineering. And we could only do it one hour. You had to do hand
increments so we've got a different instrument. Cindy set that out there today and we'll take it
down Friday so we're doing it over a period of a couple days. Trying to measure. See if we can,
if it exceeds the OSHA standards so working with that neighborhood regarding noise. We are
getting those complaints. It's that time of the year too. We haven't had a lot but there's a couple
areas that rear their ugly head. It's also code enforcement time of the year too. We've got
chickens at large. It's spring time...
Conrad: ...go to City Council?
Aanenson: That will be on the 28th. He did appeal, yes.
Kind: And how about the other guy?
Aanenson: Actually all of them did. All of them did.
Blackowiak: Kate, can I ask just one more question? This 75% buffer yard thing is starting to
bug me. Why was it changed and do we need to do anything about it?
28
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Aanenson: What we did is when we looked at the ordinance we said it's not all the responsibility
of the new person coming in. It's also the responsibility of the other property owners so the 75%
takes into consideration what the appropriate balance should be so.
Blackowiak: So who does the 25% then? Or are we just out that?
Generous: The abutting property owners.
Blackowiak: So Ladd's building a building. He's responsible, next door to my building. He's
responsible for 75%. I'm responsible for 25%. On his property?
Aanenson: ...yeah but see if like in this industrial park, if you've got the 75% in and you put
75%, you've already exceeded.
Blackowiak: So it's not 100% on your property? That's what I'm, I thought you had to have
100% of the.
Aanenson: This came up before and I think we've got.
Blackowiak: I'm sorry.
Aanenson: No, this is a good question. It came up before and I think what we need to do is go
back through the ordinance and show you how we got there because when we see 75%, you're
still getting an effective screen.
Blackowiak: I understand but what I'm saying is if we have a piece of property and we're told
there's a buffer yard requirement and it's i0 trees. And now we're saying but they don't have to
do the 10 trees. They only have to do 7.5 trees.
Aanenson: Yeah, but there's different ways within that buffer. There's ways you can make it.
You can do less buffering by creating a bigger setback. You could say instead of 10 feet, I'm
going to give you 25. That's another way to buffer. You can also say there's a huge wetland and
there's a rolling hill so that also accommodates so we have to look at the topography, the
setbacks.
Blackowiak: So what was it about the I00 linear feet? I mean that's just one measure?
Aanenson: That's one measure. There's landscaping on top of it. So what we're saying is, and
that's why we'll go through it with a couple different scenarios. The next two agendas are full
but that's a good thing for a work session and I'd like to take you out in the field and show you a
couple examples of how that works. But what we're saying is, and we went through this when
we did the ordinance. It's punitive to say the person that comes in last has got to make up for all
the sins of the, you know there's also responsibilities on both sides.
29
Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 1999
Blackowiak: I just thought that this had to do with specific properties. In other words there were
certainly requirements, 10 trees and it goes on this lot. So help me.
Conrad: ...when we did the buffer ordinance, the only land we have control over is the one that
is being developed. And I thought the City Council just plain backed off of what we sent them.
Aanenson: We'll go back through it. Like I say, there's different ways of doing it. One is
increasing the distance or increasing the density of the trees.
Conrad: But that's part of the ordinance.
Aanenson: Yes.
Conrad: It has nothing to do with the 75%. Does it?
Aanenson: That's a part of the ordinance, yes. We'll show you how that works. But it won't be
the next. We've got too much on the next agenda.
Chairman Peterson adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Submitted by Kate Aanenson
Community Development Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim
3O