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PC 03.19.2024CHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 19, 2024 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Noyes called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Eric Noyes, Erik Johnson, Kelsey Alto, Ryan Soller, Edward Goff, Steve Jobe. MEMBERS ABSENT: Perry Schwartz STAFF PRESENT: Rachel Arsenault, Associate Planner; Rachel Jeske, Planner; Eric Maass, Planning Director; Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist. PUBLIC PRESENT: None. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. CONSIDER PRELIMINARY PLAT, SITE PLAN, AND REZONING FOR CHANHASSEN CIVIC CAMPUS Rachel Arsenault, Associate Planner, gave a summary of the staff report, noting the applicant is requesting a recommendation of approval for the preliminary plat, site plan review, and rezoning from Office and Institutional to Planned Unit Development. She provided an overview of the landscaping plan, building architecture, and building design. Trace Jacques, partner at BKV Architects, reviewed the architecture design process for City Hall. He explained the details of the rendering of City Hall and the purpose of different design choices. He presented the renderings of the performance stage. Eric Maass, Planning Director, stated the seating wall in the performance stage renderings would not be continuous as demonstrated in the renderings. Mr. Jacques reviewed the renderings for the community space. The holiday tree will be located in the community space. Mr. Maass explained the lawn and park space provides a second outdoor living room when the performance stage is not in use. Mr. Jacques stated that the sidewalk is handicap accessible. The park pavilion building has a concession stand and bathroom access. He reviewed the variable ways to utilize the community space. Planning Commission Minutes – March 19, 2024 2 Mr. Maass stated that the open skating area will not be used for hockey. He highlighted the completed staffing study to explain the well-utilized building space. Mr. Jacques commented that the City Hall area will be a positive experience because of the windows. He complimented the opportunity to work with the City of Chanhassen. Chair Noyes asked for the dimensions of the green space and skating area. Mr. Maass responded that the current skating area would fit in the new open skating area. Chair Noyes questioned what the transition area would be at the skating area. Mr. Maass answered that the parks department is considering an appropriate railing for the skating area and the interior of the park pavilion flooring so that it holds up to ice skates. Mr. Jacques presented the floor plan of the training room for ballot security. He explained the floor plan of the council chambers. He stated that private offices are not wrapped around the exterior of the building to allow natural light. Mr. Maass explained that City Hall is customer service focused. He stated city staff can navigate all building spaces without having to badge through multiple doors. He stated that all city vehicles would be in the parking lot under City Hall. Commissioner Soller asked if there were other notable cuts or changes based on the budget. Mr. Maass answered that the project had some revisions to make the budget. The preliminary bid package was a little over $1 million less than originally anticipated. The bid alternate list allows for a heated sidewalk. Mr. Jacques answered there was an exploration of an elevator from the upper area of the parking structure to the main floor of the library. This is still a possibility. The need for an elevator might be different. There will be a new staircase in the same location that will feel safer. Mr. Maass responded that the space for an elevator will remain open so it can be constructed at another time. Mr. Jacques answered that the elevator was originally considered for the park pavilion. A separate space for the elevator will be a simpler step. Commissioner Soller asked what was in the park pavilion building. Mr. Maass answered that there is a double-sided fireplace with round tables for personal events like birthday parties and showers. There is also a concession space, a utility closet, and restrooms. Mr. Jacques responded that the space is vaulted and only one story. Planning Commission Minutes – March 19, 2024 3 Chair Noyes asked if the clock on City Hall would be located on both sides. Mr. Jacques responded that the clock was only on one side based on the budget. Mr. Maass answered that the clock is on the bid alternate list. Commissioner Soller asked about the safety of the building. Mr. Maass responded that the front desk area and service counter will have a button. There will be the ability to lock doors and the dais in the council chambers will have the ability to be locked. There will be a safety room in the council chambers as well. The vestibule on the north side of City Hall is a safety feature for the public to utilize. Commissioner Soller questioned the need to move the project to a planned unit development. Mr. Maass answered that the location of the existing parking ramp and the proposed park building is not in proximity to any roadway. The park pavilion will be addressed off Kerber Street for emergency purposes while City Hall will be addressed off Market Street. City Hall would be too high to accommodate for the design so that pushed them to a planned unit development. Chair Noyes asked if the campus adhered to the central business district guidelines. Mr. Maass responded that the building elevation does not adhere to the base guidelines but does adhere to the planned unit development guidelines for improved architectural experience. Chair Noyes asked about the use of LED signs for communication purposes. Mr. Maass answered that signage on the buildings is still a part of the base bid. Signage throughout the civic campus is a part of the bid alternate. Commissioner Soller questioned the height of the venue and the new residential complex at the hotel and cinema in comparison to the clock tower. Mr. Maass answered that the venue is 78 feet. The Roers proposal tabled is 63 feet at the five- story elevation and 76 feet at the six-story elevation. Commissioner Soller stated the civic campus with a clock tower should dominate the space. He shared that the clock tower should not be overtaken by neighboring structures. Chair Noyes opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Chair Noyes closed the public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes – March 19, 2024 4 Commissioner Jobe moved, Commissioner Johnson seconded that the Planning Commission recommends that City Council approve the requested preliminary plat; site plan review; and ordinance rezoning the property from the Office Institutional District to Planned Unit Development – Central Business District, PUD subject to the conditions of the Staff Report. The motion carried with a vote of 5 to 1. Commissioner Goff voted nay. GENERAL BUSINESS: 1. ORDINANCE XXX: AMENDING LAWN MAINTENANCE STANDARDS IN THE A-2, RR, AND RSF ZONING DISTRICTS Rachel Jeske, Planner, provided an overview of the previous Planning Commission discussion regarding an ordinance amending lawn maintenance standards in the A-2, RR, and RSF zoning districts. Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resources Specialist, answered that five-foot setbacks would be a reasonable amount unless there is a five-foot privacy fence, which would remove the need for any setback. She stated that a sign could be provided by the city for residents, since some signs were donated by Metro Blooms. She stated that a permit would not be required but this can be re-addressed as necessary. She responded that residents should be educated regularly about naturalized landscaping, maintenance, cutting, and what to plant. Ms. Marsh presented additional educational comments for the commissioners. Ms. Jeske reviewed the proposed ordinance amendments for section 1-2, section 13-24, and section 20-1183. Commissioner Soller voiced appreciation for the work completed on the ordinance. He questioned if the five-foot setback was from the right-of-way. Ms. Jeske responded that the five-foot setback was from the property lines. In front yards, the five-foot setback applies to the right-of-way and sidewalks. Commissioner Soller asked if a resident participates in the natural landscape if they need to maintain a five-foot buffer of grass. Ms. Jeske answered that this information was correct. Residents could also plant native species under eight inches in this setback as well. Commissioner Goff thanked the staff for their work. He asked how the staff plans to promote this ordinance. Ms. Jeske responded that the staff will put a tab on the natural resources landing page on the website to provide information on natural landscapes. Planning Commission Minutes – March 19, 2024 5 Ms. Marsh stated that she is a liaison for the Environmental Commission. The chair will share social media posts about this ordinance as it is amended. There will also be information in the weekly Chan Happenings email. Commissioner Soller stated that organizations provide grants to help with the costs of natural landscapes. He questioned whether the city can connect residents with available funds to make natural landscapes feasible. Ms. Jeske answered that they could not recommend businesses or companies but could promote grants for residents to consider. Commissioner Soller asked if a privacy fence is accurate language to refer to an opaque fence rather than a chain link fence or picket fence. Ms. Jeske responded that a privacy fence would be plastic panels or wood board fences with minimal gaps. Commissioner Goff moved, Commissioner Soller seconded that the Chanhassen Planning Commission recommends the approval of the proposed ordinance amending the lawn maintenance standards in the A-2, RR, and RSF zoning districts. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0. 2. REVIEW THE 2023 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT AND 2024 WORK PLAN Rachel Jeske, Planner, reviewed the 2023 annual report regarding building and zoning permits, and processed developments. She presented the 2024 work plan. Mr. Maass stated that available platted lots for detached and attached single-family represents less than one year’s worth of lots typically seen constructed. This shows a strong demand for additional platted lots. Ms. Jeske provided an overview of project summaries and current staff. Mr. Maass stated that Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resources Specialist, completed time with the City of Chanhassen with the Green Corps and as an intern prior to her current role. Mr. Maass reviewed the anticipated 2024 projects and the project timelines. Ms. Jeske provided an overview of new developments, including the Xcel Energy Service Center, and Southwest Village. Mr. Maass highlighted the concerns regarding the preliminary plat and site plan for Café Zupas at the West Village Center. He provided details about the site plan for the Life Time Pickleball project. Planning Commission Minutes – March 19, 2024 6 Ms. Jeske stated that Life Time Pickleball applied for a liquor license. Mr. Maass reviewed the Audubon Business Park project. He highlighted the parking plan required an update based on usage. Ms. Jeske reviewed the Orchard Lane metes and bounds subdivision. Mr. Maass stated that the Affinitech site plan received necessary approvals. The project is in limbo based on financing. Commissioner Alto questioned why the City Council tabling the application for the theater project. Mr. Maass responded that City Council tabled the application to have more conversations about architecture and parking. This project will be reconsidered at the City Council meeting in April. Commissioner Alto moved, Chair Noyes seconded that the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council receive and approve the 2023 Community Development Annual Report and 2024 Work Plan. All voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED MARCH 4, 2024 Commissioner Soller moved, Commissioner Jobe seconded to approve the Chanhassen Planning Commission summary minutes dated March 4, 2024 as presented. All voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0. CITY COUNCIL ACTION UPDATE: Eric Maass, Planning Director, updated the Commissioners, that Commissioner Alto and Commissioner Johnson complete their terms on the Planning Commission at the end of the month. He thanked them for their service. Chair Noyes thanked the Commissioners for their dedication to the role. Commissioner Alto stated appreciation for the opportunity to work on the Planning Commission. Commissioner Johnson thanked Mr. Maass and fellow Commissioners for the opportunity to work together. Mr. Maass stated that two new Commissioners will join the Planning Commission in April. Elections for chair will take place in April. ADJOURNMENT: Planning Commission Minutes – March 19, 2024 7 Commissioner Alto moved, Commissioner Johnson seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0. The Planning Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m. Submitted by Eric Maass Planning Director