PC 1997 05 07CHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION
IlEGULAIl MEETING
MAY 7, 1997
Chairman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7;00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Allyson Brooks, Alison Blackowiak, LuAnn Sidney, Craig Peterson,
Kevin Joyce, Bob Skubi¢ and Ladd Conrad
STAFF PIlESENT: Bob Oenerous, Senior Planner; Cynthia Kirchofl] Planner I; and Dave
Hempel, Asst. City Engineer
PUBLIC HEAIIlNG:
CONDITIONAL USE PEIIMIT FOIl A SIGN WITH A TIME AND TEMPEIlATUIlE
DISPLAY AND A HEIGHT VARIANCE ON PROPERTY ZONED BG, GENERAL
BUSINESS DISTRICT AND LOCATED AT 900 WEST 78TM STREET, TCF NATIONAL
BANK.
Public Present:
Name Address
Judy McDonald
Dave Shannon, Color Sign Service
51 McAndrews Road, #119
2230 So. Plymouth Road, Minnetonka
Cynthia Kirchoff presented the staff report on this item.
Peterson: Thank you. Any questions of staff from fellow commissioners? The applicant is here,
would they like to address the Planning Commission? If so, come forward and state your name
and address please.
Dave Shannon: Hi. Dave Shannon from Color Sign Service, 2230 South Plymouth Road,
Minnetonka, Minnesota. Really we're trying to accommodate the City, and I know this is a small
request. The problem is that we're trying to use the existing brick foundation that the sign for
Century Bank is in. So we're trying to compress everything we have to say and still keep the
general tone and feel for all of the TCF signs throughout the metropolitan area so that this is sign
is similar to all the others because TCF has spent a lot of money developing an on-site ID
program that will work and has proven to work fairly well. The problem is that I just don't have
enough height to work with here and get a trim cap in that is like all the other signs. So I had to, I
even squished what I, if you can see from that design, the trim cap up on top is about 1 foot 4
inches high. Normally it's about 2 foot 4 inches high but I condensed it down even a little bit
more so that we'd be closer to the maximum 8 feet height. And the problem is that we're just
trying to design around somebody else's foundation and get everything we want to say inside.
And I know it might not be a big point but to TCF, the trim cap and the time and temp are an
integral part of the design and we tried to come as close as we could to make it happen. Does
anybody have any questions regarding the design at all, I'd be happy to answer them.
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Peterson: Any questions for the applicant?
Skubic: I have one. Should this be rejected, what would your alternative plan be?
Dave Shannon: Well we could take the, extend the planter, or that brick base. See we're asking
for 42 square feet and we're allowed I think it's 64, isn't it Cindy? 64 square feet. So we could
take the brick planter down, or the base I should say and redesign it and then put in 64 square feet
of signage. But we're, you know it's not just a financial matter. It's the base is here. How close
can we get to what the City wants and what my customer needs so chances are we would, we
might do that. I can't say for sure that TCF would because it's an additional expense and there's
a time frame involved because the bank has to be open under the new name by a certain date and
we have a lot of other factors too.
Joyce: You're saying that you'd leave the 42 square feet right now and if the alternative would
make, be a larger sign obviously.
Dave Shannon: Larger, yeah. Longer but not over the 8 foot height. So we feel it's kind of a,
it's a nice compromise.
Skubic: Thank you.
Peterson: Other questions?
Blackowiak: Some quick questions. Can we look back at the sign? Would that be possible?
Does Express have to be over Teller or can it be to the left of Teller and I mean kind of squish
everything down?
Dave Shannon: Well the, yeah. That's the problem. It's a logo and it's advertised. Every
Express Teller sign has to be the same and so Express Teller, Express does have to be over Teller
and with those color combinations, yeah.
Blackowiak: It does, okay.
Dave Shannon: I'm afraid so. It's sort of like the, we do signs with, I think it's the Fast Bank for
First Bank is always the same and Instant Cash for Norwest Bank.
Blackowiak: Yeah, I just didn't know if it was required to be on top.
Dave Shannon: I'm afraid so.
Blackowiak: Okay, that's it.
Peterson: Any other questions?
Conrad: Yeah, sorry. I was a few seconds late. The brick base, or the sign facia is that over the
brick base? Or is it cut into the brick base?
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Dave Shannon: It's really, if you take the sign there and take it out, you'd just have the brick base
left.
Conrad: So where I see the bricks on the end, there's solid brick behind that?
Dave Shannon: Right.
Conrad: So this is an overlay. This is on the front side of the.
Dave Shannon: Yeah. What we're doing is we're placing the sign inside the, we're going to take
the existing Century Bank sign out. Build a new sign and put it in it's place.
Conrad: And why can't it drop down 8 inches?
Dave Shannon: Well, I think you could. You could rebuild that. I think you get to a point where
the snow builds up. I don't know.
Conrad: How high off the ground is the?
Dave Shannon: 2 foot 4 and that's really kind of stretching it for snow.
Conrad: Is that up on a hill?
Dave Shannon: Yeah, it's on a hill but it builds up on the west side I think a little bit. At least I
noticed it this winter as snow build up. I think on the east side you wouldn't have a problem but
we kind of actually, 2 foot 4's kind of stretching it. We like to keep at least 3 1/2-4 feet above
grade on any sign we do but there are occasions where we change it.
Conrad: And it's really not a visibility issue is it? It is up. It is, but it's really a matter of being
above maybe snowfall, right?
Dave Shannon: Yeah.
Conrad: Not a visibility.
Dave Shannon: No, it's not a visibility issue because the sign itself is up on a hill. It has good
height.
Peterson: Okay, thank you. This item is open for a public hearing. IfI could get a motion and a
second to open it for a public hearing.
Joyce moved, Brooks seconded to open the public hearing. The public hearing was opened.
Peterson: This is a public hearing so if you have anything to add to the comments made earlier,
please come forward and state your name and address. Seeing none, may I have a motion to close
the public hearing and a second?
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Conrad moved, Joyce seconded to close the public hearing. The public hearing was closed.
Peterson: Commissioners. Bob.
Skubic: I don't have any problem with the conditional use permit for the time and temperature.
That's fine, and that's what staff has recommended that that be approved. Regarding the sign, I
really would like to, you know we have ordinances here to level the playing field and keep
everything on the level. I would like to see the applicant try to condense it a little bit more. It's 8
inches over about a 5 foot area elevation there. Or make it wider or lower it or do something to fit
it within that constraint. I like the topping on there. I think that adds a nice touch to it so I hope
that can remain. I would like to see, I'll agree with staff's recommendation.
Peterson: Thanks. Kevin.
Joyce: I usually take variances kind of seriously. To override the standards we have in place,
they have to be a serious situation.., compelling reason here and I see that what we're talking
about really is ornamentation. I don't think that that's compelling a reason. The only question I
have though is if they're forced to push it down, would it become a larger sign, in which case I
don't want that to happen either. I think I'm just going to agree with Bob though that I'd like to
see them try to squeeze it down. Keep within the framework of our standards here. As far as the
other proposal, I'm fine with it. The motion. I'd echo what Bob said and keep the variance the
way it is, or keep the standards the way it is. No variance.
Peterson: Thank you. LuAnn.
Sidney: I believe, no I have no problem with time and temperature display as discussed by the
applicant. I do have a problem with granting a variance. We have ordinances in place for the
purpose of not, for maintaining certain standards within the community and at this point I don't
believe that I would recommend a variance in this case. I would like to see a redesign to bring the
sign into the 8 foot height requirement.
Peterson: Okay, thank you. Ladd.
Conrad: Question for staff2 The applicant could build up the ground, couldn't they?
Generous: Sure.
Conrad: Absolutely. Just put 8 inches of fill and the sign meets our specs. I think this is small
potatoes. 8 inches is not a big deal. I'd really like to ask the applicant to try to make this work. I
don't even want to talk about an 8 inch deal here. This is you know, I'd really like the applicant
to make it work, and maybe if it's got down to a couple inches it might go away and the grass
will grow bigger and we won't notice, you know. I want the cap on the sign. I want the cap
there. I'd be real disappointed if the sign grows. I'd be real disappointed if it didn't have a cap.
I'd really like the applicant to try to get it down a little bit but there are ways he can put something
in here that's legal, that's a lot worse than what he's asking for so again, I'm going to go with
denying the variance but not because it doesn't make some sense. I just wish, you know the
applicant could try to make it a little bit closer to be real honest because the design is fine. I don't
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
want a bigger sign. It's not, the cap is what makes it look somewhat decent so I don't want to
lose that, very honestly. And 8 inches, on this sign is nothing so the precedence setting and the
standards is absolutely right. There's not a good reason from a code standpoint to grant a variance
but again I think there's so many ways we can get a worse product here and keep our standards
intact that you know, I just hope staff can figure something out here and I don't want to see this
again. Get it out of here.
Peterson: Thank you, Allyson.
Brooks: Well I see no compelling reason for permitting the variance. I think you can work with
the sign to get it. To get it to meet requirements. And I think that we should go ahead and
approve the conditional use permit for the time and temperature display. I don't think that's a
problem.
Peterson: Alison.
Blackowiak: I agree with what's been said and I certainly agree with what Ladd said and couldn't
say it any better so.
Peterson: Well my thoughts are the same. I have no further comments to add so with that I
would enjoy hearing a motion and a second please.
Skubic: I'll make a motion that the Planning Commission deny the request for an 8 inch variance
and the construction of an 8 foot 6 inch monument sign based upon the findings presented in the
staff report, items 1 and 2. And that the Planning Commission approve a request for a conditional
use permit for a time and temperature display within the existing monument ground low profile
sign.
Peterson: Is there a second?
Brooks: Second.
Peterson: Any discussion?
Skubic moved, Brooks seconded that the Planning Commission reconunends to deny the
request for an 8 inch variance for the construction of an 8'6" monmnent sign based upon
the findings presented in the staff report and the following:
1. The applicant has not demonstrated a hardship that would warrant the granting of a variance.
2. The applicant has a reasonable opportunity to reuse the existing ground low profile sign.
And also the Planning Commission reconunends to approve the request for a conditional
use permit for the th-ne and temperature display within the existing monmnent ground low
proffie sign. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
PUBLIC HEARING:
REQUEST FOR A LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT FROM RESIDENTIAL-LOW
DENSITY TO RESIDENTIAL-MEDIUM DENSITY FOR THE NORTHERN 30+
ACRES OF THE PARCEL; PUD REZONING FOR APPROXIMATELY 50 ACRES OF
PROPERTY FROM A-2~ AGRICULTURAL ESTATE TO PUD-4~ PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT RESIDENTIAL MIXED DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT; SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR 44 BUNGALOW HOMES AND 168
VILLA TOWNHOMES; PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION REQUEST OF 249 LOTS~ 2
OUTLOTS AND ASSOCIATED RIGHT-OF-WAY LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST
CORNER OF GALPIN BLVD. AND HWY 5~ WALNUT GROVE~ RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT~ INC.
Public Present:
Name Address
David Jensen
Rick Manning
John Hennessy
Joan Joyce
Mark S. Peyereisen
Rick Sathre
Todd Stulz
Rick Murray
Julie Wojtanowski
Carol Oberaigner
2173 Brinker Street
7460 Windmill Drive
7305 Galpin
2043 Brinker Street
7501 Windmill Drive
150 So. Broadway, Wayzata
2601 Long Lake Road, Roseville
15 Choctaw Circle
2145 Brinker Street
2075 Brinker Street
Bob Generous presented the staff report on this item.
Peterson: Thank you Bob. Any questions of staff'?
Joyce: Bob, I have a question. Actually two details. Number one, on this density on the front
page. Is that supposed to be net density of 5.747
Generous: Yes.
Joyce: Okay.
Generous: That was a carry over from the original report and I never.
Joyce: On page 2 of that. On the bottom I start getting kind of confused and I realized if you
look it says 104 villas. That should be 128, right?
Generous: That's right.
Joyce: All right. Clean that up.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Generous: I had the applicant pointed that out to me also.
Joyce: The question I had, actually kind of dove tails with the setbacks. Are those setbacks for
the PUD ordinance then? Is that why you had these setbacks set up? Is that?
Generous: It would be established for this specific PUD, yes.
Joyce: Okay. Is there, I have a question. Is there buff'er yards standards for PUD's that we set
up or has that changed?
Generous: No. That's basically for land uses and it would be a buff'er yard be between low
density and medium density.
Joyce: Okay. I'm just, I'm looking at the plan itself and some of the landscaping and on the
northern part of this plan there doesn't look like there's a lot of landscaping as far as what would
be buffered from that low to medium density. Is that something that the staff looked at?
Generous: Yes, and that's one of the condition.., we believe that the 10 evergreens located
there...
Joyce: Is that where the 10 evergreens are planning on going, is in that comer? Does that
adequately satisfy that buff'er for going from low to medium density like that?
Generous: The only thing they would be missing is the shrubbery.
Joyce: Okay. I guess I'm just laying some ground work and I'm sure that Rick, you can come
up and we can discuss that I'm sure. Thank you. That's all I had.
Peterson: Other questions of stafl~
Sidney: I have a question for Dave. Am I understanding looking at this, there's no entrance onto
TH 5? It merely goes out to Galpin?
Hempel: That's correct. There will eventually be two access points. The one on the north
frontage road, Arboretum Boulevard is constructed in the year 2000 with the upgrading of
Highway 5. That would be extended parallel to the north side of Highway 5 out to Galpin.
Peterson: Other questions?
Sidney: I have a question for Bob. I guess I was a bit concerned about the number of off street
parking stalls in the villa homes area. How many parking spaces are we talking about and how
does that compare to the number of single car garages?
Generous: I've never counted them but.
Peterson: Maybe the applicant can address that too Bob.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Sidney: Is there maybe a rule of thumb or any ordinance that talks about, addresses that?
Generous: There is an ordinance. It's 2 1/2 stalls, or 2 stalls per dwelling. However if you have a
2 car garage and driveway, that's more than, it meets the minimum standards.
Peterson: Other questions of staff'? I have a general question that I had. If you look at the
background for the original when it went to Council and went with 44 conditions. I assume that,
I'm taking, I didn't compare all 44 of them but I assume that all of them have been adequate
addressed to stafl~s.
Generous: Or they remain conditions of approval.
Peterson: They are still there, okay. So at this point there are none that are of contention per se.
Okay. Any other questions for staff'?
Brooks: I have a quick one. I noticed under the Park and Recreation it says Commissioners Lash
and Berg voted against the conditions because there was no childrens' playground component.
Was that ever worked out? There's still no playground?
Generous: The intention is to allow the association to determine exactly what playground use
should go there because if you get a lot of empty nesters, there might not be a need for a
children's playground. They might want to have a picnic area or a gazebo or something. What
we'd like to...
Peterson: Would the applicant like to make a presentation? If so, please come forward and state
your name and address please.
Rick Murray: Thank you very much. My name is Rick Murray. I'm from 15 Choctaw Circle
here in Chanhassen. I think first of all I'd like to introduce the gentlemen with me this evening.
Mr. Todd Stu~z from Rottlund Homes. They will be doing both the cottage home product and the
townhouse product. And my consulting engineer, Rick Sathre sitting right behind Todd will, after
a short presentation, will be happy to answer any questions generated and respond to some of the
questions that have already been posed. Your previous packet, explained that this is an existing
preliminary plat and when I acquired the property I had some ideas of how possibly to make that
better. When I was in front of you in January, on January 11th, we were sent onto the City
Council to see if this kind of conceptual program was even worth pursuing. And after 3 or 3 1/2
months, many meetings with my neighbors, especially the ones to the north and Mr. Hennessy to
the east, two different Council meetings, what you have before you is an evolution of those
gatherings, with the input and the modifications and this is the concept, the conceptual plan that
was generated. And I have a bit of an ego that says that this was my idea but quite frankly there's
a lot of input here that came from both the neighbors and the City Council, which we responded
to. The concept that was approved actually had one more unit in it than does this plan this
evening. One unit from the southern tier of single family lots through here has been dropped.
That was a concern from the neighborhood to the north at the approval, on the approval evening
on March l0th. Because we wanted to ensure, first of all that there was a little more width in
those lots and from our perspective we wanted to ensure that all lots would accommodate a 3 car
garage because so many single family homes and purchasers of single family homes are requiring
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
that in the marketplace. So that has been accommodated and we lost the one unit in that area.
The conceptual plan that was approved envisioned a comprehensive plan modification, to a certain
extent to modify the detached, or to allow these detached townhomes in the low density plan
district. There isn't a provision for that style of housing. If they were attached as twin homes, that
would be allowed in that, in your low density district. This plan is consistent with the approval
that we did receive conceptually. I got a little ahead of myself, I apologize. One of our goals, we
had some goals when we started out with this project of Walnut Ridge, or actually when we
started out with this project it was called the Highlands. We ended up into a bit of a name dispute
with one of our friendly competitors and acquiesced to change the name. There's another project
in this community named The Highlands at Lake St. Joe, and although the names would be
different on the plats, they're close enough to create confusion in the marketplace so we've come
up with another name. We wanted to transition this site from the north to the south because we
saw a single family neighborhood there and from that intensity of use to a very high intensity of
use, i.e. the Highway 5 corridor and the higher zoning district that was down there, we wanted to
transition through our own property into those uses. In doing so we knew that we had to be
careful with Mr. Hennessy's property to our east and try to insulate or buff'er that..and preserve
that portion of our southwest comer that the creek accommodates, and I think this concept
addresses all of those issues. They've been discussed back and forth and we're hopeful that it
meets the City's needs and our neighbors needs. Our staff report has been very thorough. There
are two of the issues which I'd like to bring up. One of them will be in response to one of the
questions asked about the Park Commission. On page 23 in the middle of the page, and actually
combines two of the issues. It's recommendation number 3 and recommendation number 4.
Number 3 deals with our commons area in the subdivision and number 4 deals with a
recommendation to move the public trail to the north. This afternoon I had a discussion with Mr.
Hoffman questioning if the need was to move the trail either north or south would be permissible,
and I think he might have responded to Bob. Did he get a hold of you? While you were in
another meeting at the time. What he indicated to me, as long as on the south side, and I'll go to
the board for a second. There would be a drainage swale that would be behind this townhouse
unit. As long as we didn't put the trail in the swale, Todd said it could go to the south. It could
go to the south. What he wants is a larger open space in our central open space for.., purposes.
We would rather have it to the south just because the value of these basic units. The more
valuable units on the bungalows, these will all have walkouts and would be in the $185 to
$200,000.00 range. The ones to the south would be slab on grade townhomes and would
probably be the $130 to $150 range. They would be more accessible to the marketplace... Todd
had.., the Park Commission didn't seem to have a problem with that as long as we didn't put it in
an area that would get flooded. Or be subject to that and I think we can accommodate that very
well. The other issue with respect to that meeting we had at the Park and Rec Board, and it was a
split vote. There were two dissenting members and they wanted an area for active participation or
active play. What we presented that evening was... Our intention going into the meeting was to
provide a gathering spot, i.e. a gazebo or something of that nature. Maybe it's a gazebo with
some tables. But the scene that we presented was the neighbors, the owners of this association,
the owners of this open space would actually be determining and making their improvements
subject to city approval as time went by. As this plan has evolved, what's become more apparent
to us as developers and the Rottlund Companies as the builders would be possibly the need for
benches along the public trail. And when this came up in a discussion recently it was suggested
that we accommodate the need for places for people to sit through that open space corridor or that
public trail corridor and provide that at 2 or 3 locations which might have some shrubbery or some
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
plantings around them. That's in response to the gathering sense, or the sense of gathering that the
staff is suggesting in number, recommendation number 4. And the other recommendation that I'll
address for a moment before I introduce Mr. Sathre to kind of go through the whole plan is at the
top of page 24 and that's number 11. Number 11 asks for a prairie grass space to be established
and if I've got these right Bob, the spaces would be this, behind this buff'er yard area and
somewhere in... Well, we agree on one out of two. The two spaces I would suggest and because
the way I see probably the properly being used, children on this site are probably going to live in
the single family area and the establishment of a prairie grass area and the maintenance of a prairie
grass area is pretty well defined. It doesn't lend real well to activity areas. I was going to suggest
the open space being our bungalow units and the townhouse units because mostly, predominantly
these will be empty nesters type of homeowners. Number one, they would appreciate the wild
flowers and the prairie grass and understand what it's there for and why it's there. I'm afraid
children being children.., more active uses... The other area I would suggest maybe would be
along the slope, which is more of a view area. It would have good exposure from Highway 5 up
the valley as another area that we could possibly do this in, as an alternative. With that let me
introduce Mr. Sathre because we've been through six renditions of this plan. I told him not to go
through all six but to concentrate on this plan and maybe just show some of the highlights of
where the changes have occurred and hopefully give you folks a better understanding of this
process. I know one of you, Mr. Joyce is intimately familiar with the entire process but maybe
for the rest of you it might be good.
Rick Sathre: Good evening. I'm Rick Sathre with Sathre-Berquist from Wayzata. We're the
planners, engineers and surveyors for this project. And I would like to give you a little
background of the project because although we've worked very hard with, as Rick said with the
neighborhood and the Council and the stafl} the Planning Commission hasn't seen this for a long
time and I think it would be, if you would like to see how we've come to where we are, I think it
would be a good thing. Very quickly, this plan is the original, I don't know if you want to zoom
in but this plan was the original submission that the Planning Commission saw in January. We
were over, well over the allowable net density which we learned to our chagrin and just before the
Planning Commission reviewed that plan. The second plan was created which, I think I'll put
these side by side for a second... Here's our first significant change. The plan on the right, we
dropped down to 268 units, which was still, as it tums out, more than the allowable density on the
site. But there's a very significant change in the road patterns between the two. The 293 plan
provided good circulation within the PUD but also provided a little too much opportunity for short
circuiting of traffic into the neighborhood to the north, so in the 268 plan on the right we moved
what we now call Village Boulevard, then Highlands Boulevard. We moved the northerly
terminus of that road well west so that the, we really were able to avoid the short circuiting of
neighborhoods of our traffic and totally foreign traffic from the single family neighborhood to the
north. Well, after the Planning Commission saw this 268 unit plan and the 293 plan, we went to
some lengths to try to determine exactly what the allowable density was because it had been a
matter of much discussion. What we actually found was that 254 units were, or 253 or 254 units
could be permitted under the guide plan. Under the comprehensive plan. So in March we
presented a plan to the Council and received a conceptual approval for this 248 unit plan and the
significant changes on this are we, between the original submission and this point we have pulled
away from the creek farther. Pulled totally out of the woods in the southwest part of the state.
We've provided two clustering areas for the private open space in the center of the project and
we've taken into account the park commissions guidance which was sidewalks along two of the
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
proposed public streets and a trail corridor connection that will eventually go to Lake Ann, which
heads to the east from Village Boulevard. The Council had some concerns when they reviewed
this plan. A lot of them centered around what, the center product in the plan which is called a
cottage home which Rottlund has been building of late in several locations around the Twin Cities.
This particular housing style has the garage projected to the front of the unit and the living space is
behind the garage. And so as you drive down the street, there's a very strong feeling that it's a
garage forward unit that the architecture was found to be, by both the neighbors and the Council to
be perhaps not to their liking. The neighbors were a little afraid of what that might look like,
especially when it wasn't fully landscaped. So the next significant change was made, which gets
us up to date, which is the substitution in the center area of what Rottlund is now calling the
bungalows, which is a new product type which Todd would I'm sure like to show you in greater
detail. Which takes the garage and pushes it back in the unit and introduces a porch that actually
projects farthest towards the street for a softer look. So the major changes, besides dropping
density to meet the guide plan, the comp plan. The open spaces evolved significantly through
time. Our ponding plan now has evolved into a two tiered pond in the south. The diversity of
housing type has changed greatly. Just briefly we've got 12 unit villa buildings that have two car
garages on the end units and single car garages on the interior units, similar to what is it, Mission
Hills. There are 8 unit buildings in this plan as well, which all have 2 car garages now which is a
brand new design for Rottlund. You haven't seen those before. The vista townhomes, the split
villa buildings that are on this plan which we can accommodate walkout conditions with. There
are 6 unit buildings and 4 unit buildings in the plan now that allow us to take grade up better and
there's a mix of 4 and 6 unit buildings there. Again in the sixes the end units have two car
garages. The internal units are single garage but all of the four unit buildings are double garages.
So there's a real lot of diversity even in that villa style building product. All of the bungalow units
have two car garage. The question came up about parking. I counted 94 off street, extra parking
spaces on the plan as we presented it. Rottlund's goal was to have one-half extra parking space
per unit, which would have suggested that we have 60 some, 64. There's actually 94 on the plan.
Each of the single car garages has of course the one garage space internally to the building and a
space in front of the garage as well. So in the worse case condition the units have two defined
spaces for them plus the half plus space that's shared. I counted, well Todd was doing some
quick math while I was sitting there. We have about 3.6 parking spaces per unit overall in the
villa area so we're significantly greater than the city would require but this is what we feel we
need and want. The last quick issue I wanted to address before Todd comes up was the staff
report suggests that a few of the driveways be in the bungalow area, that we side load some
garages. The plan shows some units being side loaded. Significantly there are two buildings
which staff has asked us to add a side load garage on and if we can zoom in a little bit to this
building right here. I don't know if that will work but the building that the pen is pointed at, the
staff has asked that we side load that garage. We could do it, we're happy to do that either by
side loading it on the south side or flipping the building and doing it on the north side. I'm not
sure which way would work better for us at this point but we're happy to do that. The other
building that we're asked to make a change on, the staff report actually refers to this
building...north of the east/west driveway. Common driveway. I think side loading that garage
would be difficult but I would suggest that we could side load the building directly south of that.
Not to the south to that private road but actually to the north so we could come out from... We
could side load it to come out this way as opposed to straight out the front which would give that
home a nicer look from the Village Boulevard. That's Lot 15. Instead of 14 in the staff report.
With that, if there are no questions for me I'd like to turn it over to Todd.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Todd StuN: Good evening Mr. Chairman, members of the Commission. I'm Todd StuN,
President of Rottlund Homes. The Rottlund Company is very excited to be part of this
development. We'll be developing two neighborhoods within the Walnut Grove development.
The villa neighborhood, with approximately 168 total homes and the bungalow neighborhood with
44 homes. What I'd like to do is share with you this evening some of the architectural changes
which has occurred since the last time you had an opportunity to review this development. These
changes come in direct response to some of the comments we heard from the neighborhood and
then also from the Mayor and City Council in the conceptual plan stage and hopefully we've
addressed those to your liking. The first thing I'd like to address is the bungalow neighborhood
which is a total of 44 homes. Within this neighborhood, of the total four different plans, with a
minimum of two elevations per plan. The square footage of the homes which will be constructed
in this area, we have 1,350 to approximately 1,600 square feet in size with a price range of
approximately $140 to $200,000.00. The target market for this particular product is empty
nesters and retirees, given the fact that the homes are single level and then also the expansion
space in the lower level. It's anticipated that the plan as reflected, as shown here hopefully will
sell equally well so that there will be diversity and will be able the ability to have alternating plans
so that the overall development will have a variety of looks to it. One of the struggles that we
always have as a builder is really to try to suppress the appearance of the garage. So often I think
you see both in attached and also single family neighborhoods, is where the garage presents very
much of a challenge and really is it's most distinctive feature that you see as you drive down the
street. What we've done with this particular plan is we've widened the total exterior front
elevation by 4 feet from what you originally saw so it's 36 feet in width with a double garage
leaving approximately 16 feet on the front elevation which can be treated in a variety of ways.
The garage itself will not be, will be suppressed in terms of it's depth in the fact that you'll have
porch elements, portico elements extending past and out front of the garage so as you drive down
the street, what you'll see is porch features and roof features and stoop areas and portico areas.
We think that overall that certainly should present a very nice feeling neighborhood and will
encourage people to spend time out on the front porch areas and the front yards versus in their
back yards so we're very excited certainly about this product. We've not built this product
before. I don't have any pictures to show you. It's something that was developed specifically for
this development and hopefully you'll be pleased with this particular product and neighborhood
ultimately. This neighborhood will be governed by a homeowners association, like the villa
neighborhood will be. All the exterior maintenance, including the exteriors of the homes, as well
as the landscape will be provided by the homeowners association and also be subject to a set of
covenants which will regulate architectural control as well as outside storage, etc. In addition,
through the conceptual process of reviewing the development, there's also comments with regard
to the villa neighborhood. There's a total of 168 homes within the villa neighborhood. 40 villa
townhomes or row type townhomes and then 128 villas or back to back type units that will be
constructed in 8 to 12 unit building configurations. That's what's reflected by this drawing which
would be an 8 unit building. What we've tried to do in this particular instance is to improve the
end elevations as well as the front elevations given the fact that the majority of what you'll see as
you drive down Highway 5, also along Village Boulevard, is you basically see the end element of
the homes. The homes will now have, versus previously what you saw, will have entrances on the
ends of the homes where the two units on the end and also does incorporate some of the features
you see in the bungalows in terms of field stone exteriors and those types of things which I think
integrate both neighborhoods better, between both of them so you have a common architectural
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
style. The target market for this particular product is singles and young couples. Square footage
will range between 1,200 to 1,400 square feet in size. Price range will be approximately $90 to
$140,000.00 in price. Again this is the 8 unit building configuration which was mentioned, has all
2 car garages now versus what you saw previously. Again was a more prominence on the end of
the unit in terms of architectural detailing. This would be the 12 unit building. Again with more
attention paid to the end of the home with side entrances on the ends. Also incorporating again the
features that you saw in the 8 unit building, again tying back into the bungalow neighborhood so
there's some continuity of architectural style between both neighborhoods. This is the villa
townhome product. Some of the changes that have been made to this is the addition of some of,
again the common architectural themes with the fieldstone. Some of the column areas that we're
trying to accomplish in terms of improving the appearance of the homes from what you previously
saw. Also in terms of what you'll see for the most part will be the rear elevations of these homes,
especially in the open common area that's between the bungalow area and the villa townhome
area and what we'll be doing in these areas and some of the porch areas in the back incorporating
the use of picket fences and also columns in the deck areas again to again encourage people to use
that area, but also to provide some privacy but also additional detailing of that area so that again it
ties into the overall feel that we're trying to accomplish. You didn't bring with by any chance, the
rear elevations for either the 8 or the 12 units by chance did you? As in the case of the 8, Mr.
Chairman, in the case of the 12 unit buildings, what you'll see is an exact mirror image on the
other side. So it is a back to back unit, correct. Because of the topography of the site, especially
along the wooded area on the southern portion of the site, it's necessary to have some walkout
configurations and this is referred to as being a vista townhome, which is included in the total of
40 row townhomes. In this case you'll have a walkout ability on the back side with porch
projections again on the back side of the home. So that's what that will look like. Again,
common architectural themes with the fieldstone, the cedar shake areas, the shudders which again
tie back the bungalow area also. One of the issues that staff brought up was relative to the
affordability. Metropolitan Council defines an affordable for sale home as that selling for less
than $120,000.00. 96 of the total 168 units will fall below the $120,000.00 price range and we're
committed to doing that within this development. That's basically the architecture that we're
trying to accomplish on this site. I know that our staff has spent a lot of time trying to address
some of the needs and requirements the City has had and I think overall the development has
benefited by that process and I think everyone will be very pleased when the development is
finally completed. Thank you.
Peterson: A few questions, if you would please. Take a little bit of time to walk us through
where the villas would be. Where the walkouts would be. Just kind of point and just give a
general feel for that intense grouping and where the respective ones would end up.
Todd StuN: The area that you'll see the walkout condition and the row townhomes, which we
refer to as our vista townhomes, occurs along the creek in the southern portion of the site which
would be these homes up here. The walkout conditions. The rest of them will be on grade, slab
on grade product as far as the row townhomes are concerned, and those row townhomes again
occur in a variety of locations. Here, here, these two locations here and also here. This area
again being the area that we'll be paying very close attention to in terms of providing some
confinements but also some privacy for those units in that open space and some additional
detailing on those backs of those homes with picket fences and such will be done to accomplish
that. The rest of the homes will be in the back to back type configuration with the 12 unit
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
buildings and 8 unit buildings again with end entrances on the end units and those occur
throughout the site. I'll just point out the 8 unit buildings to begin with. 8 unit buildings are
located here and here, here and here. And developing 12 unit buildings here, here, here, here and
in this location here, and those are reflected by the drawings that you've been provided.
Joyce: Can I ask a question, a quick question here? On the side elevation for the 8 unit building,
you have some windows, it looks like french doors. Windows without any shutters on them.
What exactly are those? The side elevation.
Todd StuN: Right. The side elevation.
Joyce: Yeah. Are those french doors that open out or?
Todd StuN: Mr. Chairman, Commissioner Joyce. They are not french, in this location basically
in this location here is a two story space. So these would actually function a transom windows
because the two story space in that location.
Joyce: I'm talking about the inside.
Todd Stulz: Yeah. Here and the.., it would be patio doors which comes off the dining room area.
Joyce: Okay.
Peterson: You mentioned that the bungalow is a new style for you but the current villas, I assume
you have around the area in some places. Did you by chance bring any pictures of those at all?
Todd Stulz: I did not. You do have a villa development within your community called Mission
Hills, although I will say that this in terms of product developed using the floor plans internally as
well as the exteriors will be very much different than that. That was one of the concerns. Those
are all front loaded whereas in this case the end units enter from the side. You have a hip roof
configuration and also the level of detailing with the fieldstone that's been added, the cedar shakes
have been added, creates a much richer feel than what you would see in Mission Hills, although
Mission Hills was certainly a very successful development. I know that was a real concern in
terms of highway, the Highway 5 corridor and what the appearance would be along Highway 5. I
know there's some variety occurring and really with four different product types that we have
within the villa neighborhood itself, I think you'll see a real variety versus maybe more of a
monotony that perhaps was a concern more perhaps with Mission Hills or other villa
developments.
Peterson: Other questions?
Skubic: Just a suggestion. The bungalows, the rear elevations. They have quite a bit of exposure
to the north from Windmill Run, especially the bungalows that are on the top crest of the hill
there. I think it would be a good idea to have rear elevations of the bungalows also since that is I
think a prominent view from the north.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Todd Stulz: Yeah. We've not yet developed the rear elevations, understanding that this is very
preliminary in nature in terms of the plans. It was intended to at least reflect what the streetscape
would be, which was one of the concerns expressed at some of the meetings that we had with the
neighbors and some of City Council. I don't have those with me this evening, although I will
indicate that the backs of the homes with the combination of having four season porches and then
also a lot of transom windows and two story type windows, because of the amount of light we're
trying to get into the backs of these homes, I think will be as equally appealing as certainly the
front is.
Rick Sathre: Mr. Chairman, Commissioner Skubic is it?
Skubic: Correct.
Rick Sathre: Rick Sathre again. When we were with the neighbors on several occasions and with
the Council as well, we shared some cross sections which we don't have here tonight. But I have
a board that shows what we did share view wise. I don't think this will work on the camera but
the section AA, this big yellow one through the site. We developed a cross sectional view that
showed the relationships of the Windmill Run houses to our single family lots in the northerly
portion of the site to the, what was then the cottage homes on that knoll that you speak about, and
then down through the villas down to Highway 5. Those bungalow units now that replace the
cottage homes in the middle are the highest units on the site but they're not that much higher. In
fact the street that comes out of Windmill Run, if we go back to the board on the table. This street
coming south, around this curve, actually is for a little ways, is actually higher than that central
knoll and the point being that the street in the single family area isn't that much lower than the
crest of that knoll. In fact the single family home that fronts this street will provide a visual break
or a visual buff'er if you will to the bungalow area. Our greater concern internally actually has
been how would this, the look of these bungalow units be perceived by these single family
homeowners. So we recognize as neighbors concern about whether we're going to be good or
bad neighbors but we're also worried internally and so Rick Murray has spent a lot of time with
Todd and with Arteka working on the landscape package for the internal transition too. So we're
very sensitive to what the whole site will look like and can look like.
Joyce: That was leading up to one of my questions. Is that private road going to be right on top
of that term then?
Rick Sathre: Yes.
Joyce: So you're going to have the bungalows on either side of that private road, is that correct?
Rick Sathre: Yes sir and they're walkout units on both sides. The northerly ones walk out to the
pond and the southerly ones back up and walk out to that open space.
Joyce: What kind of grade are you going to have going up there? I'm just curious. Is that going
to be.
Rick Sathre: Well we can zoom in again on the grading plan and, if you zoom into this area. We
can get real specific if you wish. How about much farther in? Even closer would be good. Oh,
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
that's it. Okay. Well, that's pretty good. Lift it up. Each of these lines on the street are 2 foot
elevations or they're 2 foot contours. In fact all of the lines that you see the curvilinear lines that
are behind the units are 2 foot contour lines so you can see behind those bungalow units toward
the pond there's about 12 or 13 feet of fall from the bungalow units back yards to the pond. And
through the unit itself, rising up to the road, there's the typical 8 foot or so elevation difference
between the garage and the basement level. The walkout level. So what we're doing, the top of
the knoll as it existed right now.., is right here. The road is skirting the edge of the very peak of
that little knoll.
Joyce: Thanks for explaining that. I didn't know what those arrows were and that makes sense,
thanks.
Rick Sathre: Sure.
Peterson: While you're on elevations, if you could go down to the villas that are closest to
Highway 5. What's the height and prominence of the berm between TH 5 and the villas?
Rick Sathre: Well now we're right down here. You'll remember that Highway 5 is actually just
south of the, bottom of the drawing. This is the future Arboretum Boulevard which is the future
frontage road. That will be similar in elevation to Highway 5. The top of this berm rises up to
982. The elevation of the frontage road will be in the 960's somewhere. We don't have, I don't
have the plan with me. We're anticipating an intersection elevation down here oh about 958.
Arboretum Boulevard will continue to rise I think as it goes over the hill. The existing hill. The
elevations of the villa buildings themselves are in the mid 970's. So this berm as we've shown it
would actually provide 5 or 6 foot high.., from the villa unit sides. But from the highway side, the
highway is very depressed compared to that so there will be a greater slope south of the berm than
there is north.
Peterson: Thank you.
Rick Sathre: There's still an issue to work out too with staff having to do with that bus pull out
area. We're not sure where that might be. It could be in that location as well so, as we proceed
we would be working on that issue.
Peterson: Other questions?
Blackowiak: Actually that was one of my questions was the bus pull out area. But my second
question also has to do with parking. You've talked about the number of spaces on the street.
But as I read the information from the fire chief, they're talking about no parking on private roads.
I see everything but Windmill Curve and Highlands Boulevard as being marked private roads.
Am I correct in assuming then there will be no on-street parking anywhere else but those two
major roads?
Rick Sathre: We are proposing, I'm sorry for the confusion. We are proposing to have all off
street parking, even in the private street system. Each homeowner would have their inside garage
spaces. They also would have the space in front of their garage plus those shared off street
parking spaces. The little head-in parking spaces that are shown on the plan. If we can go back
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
to the grading plan drawing I can point out some of those. Right here. There's 5 spaces for
instance in front of this little open space area that would be shared visitor parking. So we
wouldn't intend to have people parking willy nilly on any street.
Blackowiak: Oh as I read it, they couldn't park on the street. That's what I was making sure of.
And then when, I don't know if this is a staff question. When Arboretum Boulevard comes out,
will that access onto Galpin or onto TH 5 or what will happen? Bob, help me.
Generous: Arboretum will access onto Galpin Boulevard.
Blackowiak: Onto Galpin. So at this point in time we've got the entire, this entire neighborhood
dumping out onto Galpin from basically Windmill Curve, just one road. Has there been a traffic
study? And the results?
Generous: The results were that the level of service would be acceptable.
Brooks: You don't foresee any major traffic problems trying to get onto Highway 5 with 247
households trying to get onto TH 5 at one point?
Hempel: Mr. Chairman, maybe I can address that one a little bit. This development is very
similar to the Mission Hills development that you see down on TH 101 and we've not had any
problems that I'm aware of with that development and that has approximately 208 units in that
development... Again, the traffic study was prepared. They did not anticipate a problem with the
level of service at that one intersection. They anticipate a growth period here of a few years in
order to develop the site totally. By the time that that is fully built.., closer to probably the year
2000 in which time Arboretum Boulevard will be in place...
Brooks: When's the four lanes to Highway 41 going to be in?
Hempel: It's proposed to commence construction in 1999... year process. Build the frontage road
and widen Trunk Highway 5 concurrently.
Peterson: Other questions for Rick?
Rick Murray: Mr. Chairman, I apologize to Mr. Joyce. I skipped Commissioner Joyce's
question earlier about the landscaping.
Joyce: No, I would have caught you.
Rick Murray: It just dawned on me. Bob, in the staffrecommendation it spoke to moving those
evergreens along the creek area to the north. Well I instructed the landscape architect this
afternoon to move them all the way to the north so you will find them on that plan in the back
yards of the single, of my single families to provide additional buff'er to the people to the north.
Those will all be 8 foot evergreens. I didn't realize that you meant to have them go into the buff'er
area between my product and the Rottlund's product. So I moved them all the way north.
17
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Joyce: So you're saying that the evergreens are between Windmill Run and, okay. Could there
be any other additional shrubbery or whatever that would act as a buff'er there because I'm just
looking at what we have here as part of our ordinance here as far as buff'er yards and I'm just, I
don't even know how that is decided Bob as far as a buff'er yard. Is there shrubbery that should be
added onto there?
Rick Murray: Their calculation Bob is right under your left hand. It's, but to answer your
question specifically Commissioner Joyce. The buff'er yard between two single family, there is
not a buff'er yard between two single family areas, although we are quasi kind of creating one with
some landscaping.
Joyce: There's no buff'er yard between two single family but there is a buff'er yard between
intensifies and this is a lower, low density and then you have a medium density.
Rick Murray: Land use wise I think my single family densities are pretty equivalent to what...
Joyce: I think we're asking for a, you're asking for a LUP that would, with a 30.14 acres, you're
asking for that to be changed from, land use change from a A2 to medium density. That's what
we're here for isn't it? Bob? So there's a difference in densities there.
Peterson: Per your feeling of the ordinance for buffering Bob, would you consider that there is a
defined need for a buffering zone between the two?
Generous: By ordinance, yes.
Rick Murray: Let me ask the question a little differently Bob. Does my single family have to be
a medium density zone?
Generous: Yes.
Rick Murray: Okay.
Joyce: I think you've come a long way. I'm just asking you know.
Rick Murray: I didn't understand. I mean I didn't understand that.
Joyce: And I'm not really even forcing the issue here but I know he said that he was bringing up
the 10 trees, which aren't evident on this, and you said rightfully so. But I'm just saying you
know, if we're going to be consistent, I'm just, I'm throwing that out.
Rick Murray: As you can see from the buffering, we anticipated our buff'er zone to be between
our single family and our bungalow homes. That's where on our landscape plan, even the
landscape plan that you folks have, that's where it's demonstrated on that plan. That's a
perception and not an ordinance definition between single family and the bungalows. To redo, to
do the guiding that Mr. Joyce, Commissioner Joyce raises a very good issue. Should I move that
buff'er zone up to the top, and I'd suggest that that wouldn't fairly treat the single family neighbors
18
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
that were moving, that I was providing to be a buff'er to the Windmill Run neighborhood. That
that wouldn't sufficiently treat their needs against the bungalow homes.
Joyce: When you present this to City Council, will you be showing those 10 evergreens that you
were...
Rick Murray: They're actually I brought the plan this evening. It just wasn't ready.
Joyce: Can you show it right now?
Rick Murray: You're not going to.
Joyce: Not going to be able to see it.
Rick Murray: You're not going to like this. I even took the time to color some of dots look
pretty small. The darker green ones in there are evergreens and I think there's 10 or 12 of the
black dots. You put some of the, 3 or 4 of them right here on the comer as a distinction between
neighborhoods and then the dark dots that are scattered through here, they came out right through
this area.
Joyce: All right.
Rick Murray: That answers the question. I didn't recognize there was more question there.
Joyce: You didn't bring anything else about density though. I do have another question for you
Rick actually. Can you break down the time table of construction phasing for us?
Rick Murray: Yeah. David, can I? We would like to be grading in the month of June. That
would give us the longest portion and the driest part of the year to enable our grading project to
finish. Would like to have utilities installed from somewhere about the first of July to the 15th of
August and we're hopeful that it could be a little quicker than that but that gives us 45 days to
accomplish that task. Our sewer and water mains both have to come from Highway 5, with the
exception of what we can pick up off of the Windmill Run trunk line. There's a little piece there
that covers about 18 units to our north. We'd like to have the roads in by September. First part of
September so that if we got into a bind and the season got real wet and we couldn't be on that
schedule, I looked at a couple of scenarios of get all four products to a marketplace that would be
available in the spring. What roads wouldn't we finish with blacktop or curb or whatever. That's
really not a pleasant thought for me to think about. When I've seen, and other builders. I'm sure
Rottlund's much better than some other builders that have built on sites but when they come in and
5 or 6 trainloads full of sheetrock show up on your site and the immense, the amount of material
that, it's going to make it hard to come in a little bit later and finish the street because there's so
many things in the way. So our desire is to get everything finished this year. We have kind of a
fallback scenario if we couldn't where we would condense those streets.
Joyce: But then you will phase in Phase 1. Are you say all the phases would go at once?
Rick Murray: All the improvements would be done this year.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Joyce: Right. But then how would the phasing of the actual, will the single family homes go in at
one time?
Rick Murray: The single family homes will all be available for construction. There are three
builders that will be doing them.
Joyce: There are three builders? Okay.
Rick Murray: And that's 10 lots a piece. That's generally about a season and a half for most of
them. For construction. There would be three models up for this parade season is what they're
anticipating. In the single family.
Peterson: Other questions from commissioners? Thank you. This is open for a public hearing
and I would like to hear a motion to do so and a second please.
Joyce moved, Brooks seconded to open the public hearing. The public hearing was opened.
Peterson: This is a public hearing so if you would like to address the Planning Commission,
please come forward and state your name and address please.
John Hennessy: Good evening commissioners. John Hennessy, 7305 Galpin Boulevard. I own
the properly right in this area. This section right in here.., right now is looking at rezoning. My
understanding is... area that comes down here, is that correct Rick?
Rick Murray: Actually...
John Hennessy: Or whatever your recommendation is, should you recommend this, and I think
Mr. Murray has come an awful long way and I salute him. This is a very nice project. I'd just
ask that you also note in your recommendation that my properly also be zoned for that same
medium density since it's surrounded on all sides by that type of zoning. So I'd just ask for a
similar zoning to what's going on around me then. Thank you.
Peterson: Bob, I assume we can't do that as it's not presented formally before us tonight. So
what we'll have to do John is to formally present that to City staff and we'll have to deal, that
would have to open itself up for it's own public hearing. Staff could help you with that.
John Hennessy: It seems to me that in the past though the City has arbitrarily changed the
zoning.., without any notification to myself. At one point I was zoned in the agricultural area.
...my lower 2 acre parcel here was zoned for medium density. Then all of a sudden it's, this
comer here is to medium density and the rest is zoned for whatever.., usage was designated so
I've seen all kinds of zoning. It happens without any notification to me. It's my properly and I
don't see any need for that. That I should really have to undertake a huge process to go and have
it redone again when it's been arbitrarily zoned and rezoned at will. Is that standard?
Peterson: It's not standard not to be notified, no.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
John Hennessy: Four times.
Peterson: No, again we apologize on behalf of the city but I'm sure the intent was to notify and
placed in a public hearing because that is a requirement.
John Hennessy: And one time this lower 2 acres, which are.., was zoned for medium density.
Why that would disappear without my notification is far beyond me.
Peterson: I'm sure staff will endeavor to make it as simple and as easy as possible for you.
Anyone else wishing to address the commission?
Joan Joyce: My name is Joan Joyce. I live at 2043 Brinker Street and I just have a number of
requests to make. We spent a lot of time with Rick Murray trying to work through this
development and come up with what we feel is a good compromise and I do have just a couple of
concerns I'd like to point out. For one thing the villas along the southern part of the development.
I have a concern over the elevation. I just have, my thought here along this picture right here is
what that's going to look like from the Highway 5 corridor. I see nothing but garage doors there
and I'd like to make a request that the applicant consider putting up some sort of a gable over the
entry so there's a little more focus on the entry for the villas. And that specifically would be
appropriate I think for these, for this area right here. The other request I'd like to make is the idea
of the side entry for the garage on the bungalows. The bungalows look a lot better than the
cottages, I will say that as far as the architecture goes but it would be nice if there was a
consideration for these two right here. To have this side entrance garage for those two bungalows.
And then another concern I have is with regard to the single family homes. I haven't heard much
about the builders selected for those or if any of them are going to be walkouts. I'm also
concerned about the length of time. Would this, you know since there are three builders, is this
something that might drag on for 5 years or is there a time limit to how long this could go on?
And then last but not least, and I feel most importantly is the request over the landscaping. My
understanding is with the PUD, usually it is an enhanced development and I'm still waiting to see
some form of enhancement in this plan with regard to a feature primarily I would expect would be
seen through landscaping and I don't see that. I'd still like to find out if this is minimum
landscaping here or where the extras are and again, the way I read the PUD ordinance is that there
is a change in density and therefore there needs to be more of a buff'er and landscaping between
those densities and that would specifically be addressed to this area. As the plan is stated right
now, it's hard for me to really get a full view of what this would look like but I don't see that it's
necessarily an enhanced landscape plan. That's all. If you have any questions. Or you want to
add to that. Do you want to respond to the landscape?
Rick Murray: ... calculation on the site, previously on the side of the bottom.., gives the formulas
for the reforestation calculations. It also gives the formula for buff'er yard and transition area.
The required plantings that the City requires for those two requirements is 513 trees. This project
has 628 trees. The requirements for those reforestation buff'er yards are 113 shrubs. The project
has 3,251 shrubs in it. So we're 3,200 shrubs more and 115 trees more. In addition to that we
have 177 evergreens on this site. The City average for evergreens is 6 foot plantings. 75% of our
evergreens on this site will be 8 feet or larger. We have, well there's only 75 or 177 that will be 6
feet. There's 83 of them that are 8 feet. There's 11 of them that will be 10 feet. There's 12 of
them that will be...
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Joan Joyce: So are these bigger than the minimum standards then? The sizes that you're referring
to again?
Rick Murray: Minimum standard is 6 feet.
Joan Joyce: Okay. Then my request would be to have some of these trees relocated to some of
the other areas because I don't feel that, and I heard your last change that you're moving 10 trees
to the north and that's a step in the right direction but 10 trees spread out on 13 lots is not really
effective, in my opinion, so my request is that you would consider maybe doing a little bit more...
Peterson: We don't really need agreement here tonight. We just want to plant some seeds for.
Joan Joyce: Right, right. And again, I'm not looking at the trees that align the street on the south
side of those houses. I'm looking at what is on the north side of those houses because that is the
edge of the PUD development. That is where the buff'er would, suppose to be according to this
city code. Thank you.
Peterson: Thank you. Anyone else?
David Jensen: David Jensen, 2173 Brinker Street. I just have a couple of questions. Number one
is the road, Windmill Drive. It's been proposed before that we would like to have that blocked off
during construction. I'm not sure exactly where we're sitting on that. Again the neighborhood
would like that blocked off so we do not have construction traffic coming through our
neighborhood. That is something that we would ask for as a neighborhood. Number two is I'm
also not sure exactly what building code is for when construction can occur. I don't know if
Saturdays and Sundays are open for construction. We would like, we would prefer not to see
construction on the weekends. If that's not possible, definitely we would like to have a later start
time on the weekends. Again I'm not aware of what the city code is for this so if you could
enlighten me, I would appreciate that.
Peterson: Dave, could you speak to both those items.
Hempel: Certainly Mr. Chairman. The developer will be entering into a PUD/development
contract with the City which.., the construction hours of the development. Is more geared for the
actual on site development. The site grading, the utility work, street work. Those hours are 7:00
a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. On Saturdays it's 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. No work
on Sundays or legal holidays. What regulates or governs the home builders however is city
ordinance which currently I believe is 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:00 to
5:00 on Saturday. Now there has been some discussions I believe at the City Council level
instructing staff to look into those hours to try to reduce some of the evening hours and weekend
activity. However, the home builders, they have a fight schedule. I'm sure there's going to be a
lot of... that end of it. Everyday home builder, homeowners out there that want to do the home
construction.., hours and sometimes on the weekends, so people have to build a fence and
construct their shed or something like that so there's lots to take into account when we...
Peterson: Have you talked to Rick about the Windmill Run being closed off at all or not?
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Hempel: No we have not but if you look at the grading plan, it states right on there maintain
existing barricade until street is installed. I think Mr. Jensen's concern as well as possibly some of
the new home construction where you get cement trucks, your sheetrock trucks, lumber trucks,
could potentially find their way back through there. Looking at the street layout, it's only the
shortest, quickest route into the development is through the new street except for when you start
building the homes furthest.., and then there's the opportunity to go... It's really difficult to try to
regulate construction traffic there. Some home builders will install signs saying no construction
access points here but by that time it's sometimes too late... Difficult to regulate. We can
certainly request that though.
Peterson: Thanks. Anyone else?
Mark Peyereisen: Just one last comment. My name is Mark Peyereisen and I live at 7501
Windmill Drive and I think Ms. Brooks brings up a great point in regards to the traffic on Galpin.
Currently you're telling us that the 200 units that are going in there, that Galpin would be able to
handle that traffic, but I think there's some thought that should be gone into that. The Lundgren
development is not yet completed down the road from there and also the Centex development is
also enroute as well. And if you currently take a drive down Galpin Boulevard with the trucks
that are hauling there, the utility trucks and the sewer trucks that are coming in, the grading that's
going on down there, Galpin is not a safe street at this point in time to be on bike riding, running,
walking, whatever the case may be so I think there is some thought that needs to go into that in
regards to the Galpin Boulevard. Galpin Boulevard is an inferior street, especially for a 50 mph
speed zone on there and if that were to be the case, then we should look at lowering that speed
limit or just addressing the traffic study again in regards to Galpin Boulevard. That's it.
Peterson: Thank you. Anyone else wishing to address the commission? Seeing none, is there a
motion to close the public hearing and a second please.
Skubic moved, Joyce seconded to close the public hearing. The public hearing was closed.
Peterson: Commissioners. It's been a long and winding road in more ways than one. Alison,
would you care to comment first please.
Blackowiak: Okay. Get on the right page here. I'm just going to kind of run down the
conditions that staff suggested and comment where I feel necessary. Numbers 3 and 4, we're
talking about the commons in the plat and also the trail location. I agree that the commons is very
important and would like to see the trail moved either north or south. It doesn't matter which one
but just give us a larger open space in the middle. I agree with the dissenting members of the Park
Commission regarding the need for some type of a playground or something. I'm a member of
the Park Task Force and a recent survey done of city residents pointed out that neighborhood
parks are number one on their priority list, and I can't believe that the potential new neighbors in
this area would be any different than the people we already have in Chanhassen in terms of their
desire to have a neighborhood park. So I would strongly hope that something could be worked
out and I agree that the neighbors could, and then probably should have some input as to what it
would be but I would like that to be a part of the plan. Moving the trail a little bit and thinking
about some type ofa totlot or whatever you want to call it but something there for the families that
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
are going to have small children so that they too can enjoy these parks. The gazebo's a nice
touch. I don't know if that's the answer or the benches or whatever but I like the idea of a place
to meet and yes, a small playground can be a place to meet. I really haven't heard anything about
the bus shelter or bus cut out. I'd like to know a little bit more about that and where that could be
potentially incorporated because I am somewhat worried about the traffic and the fact that we are
at this point dumping everybody out with a single access point onto Galpin, and that scares me a
little bit because there will be a lot of cars. And I do realize that Arboretum Boulevard is
scheduled for 1999 but we all know MnDOT and that may just not happen so I'm kind of worried
about that. I like Joan Joyce's comments regarding the higher standards of the PUD. We need to
look for something that's going to be interesting. That's going to be above average and just
moving trees around maybe from the south side to the north side might solve a couple problems
but then if you really felt they were necessary in the south side, can't we just add some instead of
moving what we've got. If it is going to be a medium density PUD, then I think that in order to
conform to the requirements of our PUD standards we would need some buffering then between
the existing Windmill Run neighborhoods and the proposed Walnut Grove neighborhood. Let me
think here. Also parking. Hennessy's property. Again I think we addressed that. That that will
have to be a separate issue before the Planning Commission. It will have to be published in the
paper and proper notice given. And boy, I think that's about it. We heard a lot tonight. But
generally I think it's a good plan but if we address some of those issues, and probably some others
that the commissioners will bring up, it will be an even better plan.
Peterson: Thank you. Allyson.
Brooks: Well I agree a lot with Alison. I do think the playground should be considered. I know
we talked about empty nester and we talked about retirement but I think that a lot of single parents
with children are attracted to townhomes and bungalow type homes and that you may actually get
more children than you expect. It's also a nice way for families to congregate and meet each
other. If you're looking at different sets of people, you know you can tailor open spaces to the
different sets. You know put your gazebo or sort of non-children in one open space and have the
play area in another open space. The traffic question is not directly related necessarily to this
development alone. Trunk Highway 5 is going to be, just a horizontal parking lot one of these
days and I don't know, I think we're all, our hands are tied no matter what. No matter what
development goes in. I do worry about the idea that there's only one access out to Galpin and
then onto TH 5 and the back-up that will cause. And those are really my major concerns. Other
than that I guess I don't have a lot more comments.
Peterson: Thank you. Ladd.
Conrad: I don't have much to say. I think it's really come a long way. From the comments I
made 3-4 months ago, and I wasn't even involved in the process. They've taken care of them.
Between the neighbors and the developer. This is a good PUD. It's got variety of housing styles
in here which it didn't have 3-4 months ago. These are nice designs. I compliment the Rottlund
group who put them in. For the townhome type product, it's very good. I like the roadway
system and yeah, traffic's always going to be an issue but there was a study done. There was a
study done. We have to pay attention to the study. The study was done. Park and Rec also made
motions on what they like so, I think there's some things that could be done based on what the
commissioners like but overall I think, and John I think you won't have any problem getting the
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
zoning. If it doesn't go the way you want, I'd be real surprised. I can't believe it won't. But I
like this. I think there have been some comments on things that changing and refacing loading. I
think that's my only comment. I think there are some tweakings that can be done and as to how
we load certain units here, which can add. I think there were some good comments made about
maybe some simple things that could give a little bit better vision on Highway 5 for some of the
housing down there, but overall boy I just don't have too many problems with the proposal.
Peterson: LuAnn.
Sidney: I'm the newest commissioner and this is actually the first time I've looked at this plan
and studied this and I'm very impressed with it. I really like the idea of variety of home styles. I
think it's well laid out and really gives, been able to tell there's a lot of thought and work put into
the plan. A couple things I did note. The other commissioners have mentioned the playground
and that was a concern of mine too. That there would be a playground in this development. Also
back to the parking, that I had mentioned before. I'm concerned about the amount of off street
parking and I'm wondering if the applicant could work with staff to see if that could be reduced
and the reason that I liked it reduced is to hopefully minimize the impact upon some of the open
spaces that you've proposed in just the villa home development area. Particularly I'm looking at
the very northern portion, near the villa homes where there are several spaces that are near the trail
and as I walk along the trail I really don't want to come within 3 feet of a car when I'm walking
along the trail. So I'd like to see those removed. Also, on the very southern most part I see more
stalls closest to the proposed Arboretum Boulevard. I guess I don't really like the idea of having
parking there. And then also food for thought about open space .... right in the middle of that
villa townhouse development, could those slots, parking spaces be removed so that it is a green
space so you don't have to have your picnic table in the midst of a bunch of cars pointing at you.
I think the applicant can work to revise the parking plan. I would hope that the applicant would
do that. Otherwise I guess I see that this has been a long process. A lot of work and thought has
been put into this and really happy to see the developers worked with the neighbors to make some
progress in this area. That's what I have.
Peterson: Thank you. Kevin.
Joyce: Yeah... hats off to Rick. I think he's done a good job with what he has had to work with.
We've had some issues here. The road has worked out better than we had expected originally so I
certainly appreciate the help with that. I'm very happy with the bungalows. I think the bungalows
was a nice idea. I think they're going to be an asset to the neighborhood. The single family
homes once again is an extension of the Windmill Run. Somewhat of an extension to the
Windmill Run so that helped. I would have to echo that, on some of these 12 plexes of the villas
and on the 8 unit plex that to add gabling to that would help. I would have to respectfully
disagree with some of the commissioners as far as the totlot. I'm not really that much in favor of
the totlot there. I think they're doing a good job with that open space. I'm kind of against half
hearted playgrounds versus maybe something a little more natural. A gazebo would be nice. I
know that there had been considerations of some problems they thought they might encounter with
the gazebo. I can certainly appreciate that. Really the only issue I have left here, through this
long process, and I'm proud to say that I was part of the process because it's really evolved into
something that I, you know I do look, I'm going to be looking out on this so I have a vested
interest in what's going on here. And it's evolved nicely. The only thing that I could say Rick is
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
that, I'd really like you to look at a little additional landscaping up north by us. I know you're
putting those 10 trees up there. I'm not asking for a complete visual screen up there. I'm just
asking for some landscaping because per our ordinances we're allowed to have a little bit of
landscaping up there so the trees are wonderful but please, and I'm going to suggest a condition to
that. That you look at some additional screening there. And otherwise I think it will work.
Peterson: Bob.
Skubic: ... on the part of the developer, staff and the residents here, I think it really came along
nice. A couple comments. I tend to favor a totlot too based on my experience. I have kids and
what a neighborhood looks like but I think I really have to consider the developer's expertise on
this. He knows what he's developing these dwellings for so I think he has a better idea of what is
required here. And there will be input from the residents. The prairie grass. I live in a
neighborhood where the outlots of vegetation gets a real workout from the little kids and I agree
that prairie grass probably won't work to the north and I think it would work much better to the
south. And regarding the buffering. Now technically there should be buffering there a potentially
different from Windmill Run to the north. However that's not the intent of the ordinance. The
intent of the ordinance is to separate areas that have different densities, different uses. In this case
the houses to the south of Windmill Run I hope have the same value. Or same type and I really
don't feel, based on the intent of the ordinance that they should, all the buffering that we would
require between medium density and low density developments.
Peterson: Okay. Thank you Bob. My questions, my comments don't differ that much from my
fellow commissioners. I think that as you presented to the Council, Rick if you can present the
commons area and maybe the gazebo with a little bit more detailing as far as it's potential size and
give them some sense of how big we're talking. A 5 x 5 or a 25 x 25, just to get some sense
really of what impact that will have on the whole development. As it relates to the villa units, I
guess if there's anything that I do have concerns about with the development yet is in that area and
the really imposing size of them from the Highway 5 area south. I mean from a PUD, I think it
all fits. But in a PUD as close to Highway 5 corridor and the work we put into that study, I'm
even more concerned about what is within that corridor and what kind of views you really have
from Highway 5 going into the PUD. So I think anything that we can do to break up those units
on the villas, or that the comments were brought up tonight are germane or whether there's other
things that we can do to break up those into more appealing to the eye versus just the impending
size of the structure, does concern me. And I'm almost hesitant to vote in favor of the rezoning
because of that but the PUD is so strong in and of itself I think that that won't be the case tonight.
That I will vote for it but my rationale would be that because it being so close to Highway 5, it
was an issue in my mind. So anything we can do would be beneficial. But I think in many ways
what we're doing is sacrificing that to some degree to get more affordable housing and I respect
that position to some degree. I'd be somewhat concerned about moving the evergreens from that
natural area to the northern area. Again moving around vegetation and when you move those trees
you're opening up those villas to more views from Highway 5 too so you're definitely taking
something away from that area. As it relates to the side entries on the bungalows, and any of the
units that we're talking about tonight, which I think you did a fine job in creating those unique
structures. I think we should put the maximum number of side entries available into the project to
again, to further break it up. And lastly, the comments that I also disagree with one of my fellow
commissioners. Commissioner Sidney where you talked about the off street parking in those
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
areas. I, from a safety perspective I'd be concerned about removing those. On a Saturday night if
one of those or two of those people have parties, we're talking about a lot of potential people
parking on the street which is I'm sure Public Safety would have a concern with that so there's a
delicate balance there but I'd be careful about removing any. I'm generally a proponent of, in
those high densities, is to be sure we have enough so I'd just be cautious if talk of removing is
going on and what the impact of that would be. So with that, any other questions or comments
before we take a motion? Hearing none, may I have a motion and a second please.
Conrad: I'd make the motion. I think it's two motions. We need two motions here. I'd make the
motion that the Planning Commission recommends approval of the land use map amendment,
amendment #96-2 LUP, amending the northerly 30.14 acres from Residential Low Density to
Residential Medium Density to permit the proposed development known as Walnut Grove.
Peterson: Is there a second?
Blackowiak: Second.
Conrad moved, Blackowiak seconded that the Planning Commission recommend approval
of the Land Use Map Amendment #96-2 LUP, amending the northerly 30.14 acres from
Residential-Low Density to Residential-Medium Density to permit the proposed
development known as Walnut Grove. All voted in favor and the motion carried
unanimously.
Peterson: Second motion please.
Conrad: You don't want to do it Kevin?
Joyce: No.
Conrad: Well you're involved. I'll make the motion. The Planning Commission recommends
approval of PUD #96-4 for a mixed density residential development rezoning approximately 50
acres from Agricultural Estate District, A2, to Planned Unit Development, Residential PUD-R
with the...
Joyce: I'll second that motion.
Conrad moved, Joyce seconded that the Planning Commission recommend approval of
PUD #96-4 for a mixed density residential development rezoning approximately 50 acres
from Agricultural Estate District, A2 to Planned Unit Development-Residential, PUD-R.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanhnously.
Peterson: Third motion please.
Joyce: I'll throw this out. The Planning Commission recommends preliminary plat approval for
Walnut Grove subject to conditions, did you add a condition Bob?
Generous: 41.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Joyce: So we're at 42 right now? Okay. With condition number 10, the applicant shall work
with staff to relocate 10 evergreens scheduled to be planted along the boulevard near pond and
Bluff Creek. I'd like to add to the northern properly line between Windmill Run and Walnut
Grove. And I'd like to add a condition. Number 43. The applicant present additional screening
to buff'er the low density Windmill Run neighborhood and the medium density Walnut Grove
neighborhood.
Conrad: And all the other conditions stand?
Joyce: I'm sorry. Yes they do.
Conrad: Would you take some friendly amendments?
Joyce: Sure.
Conrad: On condition number 1. For the applicant to work with staff to, Bob I'm going to let
you word this but I'd really like to, we heard some recommendations both from the applicant and
maybe, I don't know who else but anyway, I'd like to have the staff review those, the
modifications that the applicant made and make a recommendation to the City Council. On
condition number 4. I'd like to make sure it's clear that the trail can be moved southward or
northward, but for sure out of the drainage area. Condition number 11. I'd want to make sure, I
do believe the applicant has a valid point about where the prairie areas should be and so I would
like as a sentence there to have staff review with the applicant the appropriate areas for the
treating of the prairie grass. Condition number 43. I'd like to have the applicant propose to the
City Council some revision to the villa units on Highway 5.
Joyce: That would be 44.
Conrad: Is that 44? Okay .... to the architecture on the villa units facing Highway 5.
Generous: Actually that should be the site plan.
Conrad: Site plan?
Generous: On page 23.
Blackowiak: We're actually looking at four motions, not three.
Conrad: Ah, I'm sorry. Sorry, yeah.
Joyce: Can we revisit that?
Conrad: Yeah. Yeah, let me do that later on. I'm sorry. I will work those in. So the only
comment that I made that is valid is the one on the first one on the site plan where the staff is
reviewing with the applicant the appropriate bungalow homes where the side entries work based
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
on the applicant's recommendation. Does that make sense Bob? That's the only, sorry Kevin.
That's the only amendment to your motion.
Joyce: Condition 4, you're going to move the trail southward. And so we have 43 conditions
then. Okay.
Peterson: Do you have that Bob?
Generous: I have 43 conditions, yeah.
Joyce moved, Conrad seconded that the Planning Commission recommends preliminary
plat approval for Walnut Grove subject to the following conditions:
The dedication of a public trail easement through the east/west commons area from Highlands
Boulevard east to the properly limit. Construction of an 8 fl. asphalt trail within this easement.
The applicant is to be reimbursed for material costs involved in constructing the trail from the
city's trail fund.
2. Payment of full park and trail fees per city ordinance.
3. The development of a "commons" within the plat.
The developer sliall relocate the trail northward or southward within the open area, staying
out of the drainage swale area, to expand the gathering space/public space and make a
more useable play area
The applicant sliall work with Southwest Metro Transit to incorporate a transit component
within the development potentially provid'mg land and/or fund'mg assistance for a bus
slielter/bus cut-out.
6. Landscape species must be selected from Big Woods species list in Bluff Creek Management
Plan.
7. Tree protection fencing shall be installed around all trees to be preserved on site prior to
commencing grading activities.
8. The applicant must submit revised landscape species list with corresponding plan.
9. Vegetation restoration plan for the slope leading down from road to wetland in southwest
comer must be developed.
10. The applicant shall work with staff to relocate 10 evergreen scheduled to be planted along
Boulevard near pond and Bluff Creek to the northern property line between Windmill
Run and Walnut Grove.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
11. Incorporate prairie areas in open space south of the traditional single family homes and also to
the north of the four unit villa blocks on the west side of Village Boulevard. The prairie areas
shall have a detailed planting and management plan submitted with the overall landscaping
plan for the development prior to final plat approval. The management plan will identify
responsibility for the areas and outline maintenance practices to be followed during the
establishment period and beyond.
12. Submit soils report to the Inspections Division. This should be done prior to issuance of any
building permits.
13. Submit streets names to the Public Safety Department, Inspections Division for review prior to
final plat approval. Submit proposed street names for private streets 200 feet or more in
length. All private roads and a number of smaller driveway accesses will be required to have
street names. Contact Chanhassen Fire Marshal for which streets will need to be assigned
street names. Street names must be submitted to both Chanhassen Fire Marshal and
Chanhassen Building Official for review and approval. No parking fire lane signs will be
required to be installed on private roads and roads leading to driveway accesses. Contact
Chanhassen Fire Marshal for exact location. Pursuant to Chanhassen Fire Department Fire
Prevention Policy # 06-1991.
14. Street and utility service shall be extended to the Hennessy's east property line. Drainage and
utility easements shall be dedicated over the utilities. The development's covenants shall
provide cross access easements in favor of the Hennessy parcel for ingress and egress over the
private streets within the development.
15. The applicant will need to develop a sediment and erosion control plan in accordance with the
City's Best Management Practice Handbook and the Surface Water Management Plan
requirements for new developments. The plan shall be submitted to the City for review and
formal approval in conjunction with final plat submittal.
16. All areas disturbed as a result of construction activities shall be immediately restored with
seed and disc-mulched or wood fiber blanket or sod within two weeks of completion of each
activity in accordance with the City's Best Management Practice Handbook.
17. All utility and street improvements shall be constructed in accordance with the latest edition of
the City's Standard Specifications and Detail Plates. Detailed street and utility plans and
specifications shall be submitted for staff review and City Council approval. The private
streets shall be constructed to support 7-ton per axle design weight in accordance with the City
Code 20-1118 "design of parking stalls and drive aisles".
18. Wetland buffer areas shall be surveyed and staked in accordance with the City's wetland
ordinance. The City will install wetland buffer edge signs before construction begins and will
charge the applicant $20 per sign.
19. The applicant shall provide detailed storm sewer calculations for 10-year and 100-year storm
events and provide ponding calculations for stormwater quality/quantity ponds in accordance
with the City's Surface Water Management Plan for the City Engineer to review and approve.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
The applicant shall provide detailed pre-developed and post-developed stormwater
calculations for 100-year storm events and normal water level and high water level
calculations in existing basins, created basin, and/or creeks. Individual storm sewer
calculations between each catch basin segment will also be required to determine if sufficient
catch basins are being utilized. In addition, water quality ponding design calculations shall be
based on Walker's Pondnet model.
20. The applicant shall enter into a PUD agreement/development contract with the City and
provide the necessary financial security to guarantee compliance with the terms of the
development contract.
21. The applicant shall apply for and obtain permits from the appropriate regulatory agencies, i.e.
Carver County, Watershed District, Metropolitan Waste Control Commission, Health
Department, Minnesota Pollution control Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources, Army Corps of Engineers and Minnesota Department of Transportation and
comply with their conditions of approval.
22. The applicant shall include a drain tile system behind the curbs to convey sump pump
discharge from units not adjacent to ponds or wetlands.
23. The appropriate drainage and utility easements shall be dedicated on the final plat for all
utilities and ponding areas lying outside the right-of-way. The easement width shall be a
minimum of 20 feet wide. Consideration should also be given for access for maintenance of
the ponding areas..
24. No berming or landscaping will be allowed within the right-of-way except landscaping along
the frontage road in accordance with the Trunk Highway 5 Corridor Study. The berm
proposed on Lot 18, Block 2 behind Lots 19 and 20 shall be redesigned so it is not situated
over the proposed storm sewer.
25. The lowest floor or opening elevation of all buildings shall be a minimum of 2 feet above the
100-year high water level.
26. Stormwater ponds must have side slopes of 10:1 for the first ten feet at the normal water level
and no more than 3:1 thereafter or 4:1 throughout for safety purposes.
27. The applicant shall report to the City Engineer the location of any drain files found during
construction and shall relocate or abandon the drain-tile as directed by the City Engineer.
28. The developer shall expand the conservation easement over Outlot A to include drainage and
utility purposes. This area may also be deeded to the City as an outlot.
29. The applicant shall be given credit for installing the 12-inch trunk watermain from Windmill
Drive to Arboretum Boulevard. The credit shall be for the construction cost difference
between an 8-inch and a 12-inch water line.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
30. Direct access to all lots shall be restricted to the interior streets and not onto Galpin Boulevard
or Arboretum Boulevard.
31. The southerly stormwater pond on Outlot A shall be oversized to accommodate runoff from
the future Arboretum Boulevard in addition to the site runofl~ SWMP credits will be given for
oversizing this pond.
32. Final grades adjacent to Arboretum Boulevard will be subject to review and approval of
MnDOT for compatibility with the future widening of Trunk Highway 5/Arboretum
Boulevard.
33. The developer shall work with City staff in reducing the encroachment of the retaining wall
into the right-of-way along Walnut Curve (Lot 1, Block 1). If there are no feasible
alternatives the developer shall enter into an encroachment agreement with the City.
34. The cul-de-sac proposed to serve Lots 37 through 40, Block 2 shall be redesigned to
accommodate fire truck turning movements.
35. Provide a 1" 200' scale plan of the subdivision to the Inspections Division showing all
streets, driveways, property lines and building outlines.
36. A 10' clear space must be maintained around fire hydrants, i.e., street lamps, trees, shrubs,
bushes, NSP, US West, Cable TV, and transformer boxes. This is to ensure that fire hydrants
can be quickly located and safely operated by firefighters. Pursuant to Chanhassen City
Ordinance 9-1.
37. No burning permits for trees removed will be issued. Any downed trees will have to be
chipped on site or hauled off site.
38. An additional 1 to 2 fire hydrants will be required. Contact Chanhassen Fire Marshal for
exact location of additional hydrant(s).
39. Comply with Chanhassen Fire Department Policy regarding premise identification. Pursuant
to Chanhassen Fire Department Fire Prevention Policy # 29-1992. (Copy enclosed).
Additional number ranges will be required on the building ends adjacent to main arterial roads.
Contact Chanhassen Fire Marshal for exact location and size of letters.
40. When fire protection including fire apparatus access roads and water supplies for water
protection is required to be installed, such protection shall be installed and made serviceable
prior to and during the time of construction. Pursuant to 1991 Uniform Fire Code Section
10.502.
41. The following setbacks shall be established within the Walnut Grove development:
Lots 1 - 14, Block 1, front 30 fl, rear 30 fl., side 10 fl.
Lots 1 - 3, Block 2, front 30 fl., rear 30 fl., side 10 fl.
Lots 4 - 17, Block 2, front 30 fl., rear 25 fl., side 10 fl.
32
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Lots 1 - 4, Block 3, front 30 fl., rear 30 feet, side 10 fl.
Setback from Galpin Boulevard: 50 fl.
Setback from Village Boulevard: 30 fl.
42. Water Quality and Quantity fees will be based in accordance with the City's SWMP. The
requirement for cash in lieu of land and pond construction shall be based upon a schedule in
accordance with the proscribed land use zoning.
43. The applicant shall provide additional screen between the proposed development and
the existing development to the north."
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
Peterson: Next motion please.
Joyce: We're going back to site plan?
Peterson: For the townhouses.
Joyce: I'll present that the Planning Commission recommends approval of Site Plan #96-14 for
168 townhouse units, site plan prepared by Sathre-Berquist dated 4/497 subject to conditions 1
through 4. Number 4 being minor adjustments to the villa homes fronting Highway 5, breaking
up the longation of those homes with possibly gables.., etc. Does that work?
Peterson: Is there a second?
Brooks: Second.
Peterson: Any discussion?
Joyce moved, Brooks seconded that the Planning Commission recommend approval of Site
Plan #96-14 for 168 townhouse units, site plan prepared by Sathre-Berquist dated 4/4/97,
subject to the following conditions:
1. The applicant shall incorporate side entry garages for the bungalow homes on Lots 19, 21, 25,
31, 43, and 44, Block 2, and Lot 14, Block 3.
2. The applicant shall incorporate three exterior siding selections for the villa townhomes and
four exterior siding selections for the bungalow homes, stamped received April 23, 1997.
3. No two adjacent bungalow homes may have the same elevations and exterior siding
selections.
4. The applicant shall make minor adjustment to Villa homes adjacent to Highway 5 to
increase architectural detail."
33
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING:
PRELIMINARY PUD APPROVAL FOR A MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT
CONSISTING OF OFFICE/INDUSTRIAL USES~ SUPPORT COMMERCIAL USES~
AND PARK AND OPEN SPACE; REZONING FROM AGRICULTURAL ESTATE~ A2
TO PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT~ PUD~ PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL
FOR 12 LOTS~ 20UTLOTS AND ASSOCIATED RIGHT-OF-WAY; WETLAND
ALTERATION PERMIT TO FILL AND MITIGATE WETLANDS; AND SITE PLAN
REVIEW FOR A 101~600 SQ. FT. OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDING ON
PROPOSED LOT 1~ BLOCK 3; INTERIM USE PERMIT TO PERMIT SITE
GRADING; ALTERNATE URBAN AREA REVIEW (AUAR) REVIEW AND
APPROVAL FOR GATEWAY ADDITION. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED AT THE
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF HIGHWAYS 5 AND 41~ GATEWAY PARTNERS~
STEINER DEVELOPMENT.
Public Present:
Name Address
Bruce Buxton Brainerd, Minnesota
Rich Wrase 405 Cimarron Circle
Mark Wenlzell A.K. Architects
Bob Generous presented the staff report on this item.
Peterson: Any questions for staff'?
Skubic: What do we have in here that would prohibit say a Cub Foods or a Best Buy retail store?
Generous: Under the intent section. Commercial use, retail uses are prohibited except for those
uses specifically...
Skubic: So they're not permitted uses you're saying.
Generous: Yes. They're strictly prohibited.
Skubic: Okay, thank you.
Peterson: Other questions?
Conrad: Yes Mr. Chairman. Bob, the institutional square footage minimum. You were advised,
or the applicants said 250,000 is too great. Why did you set it at the 250? Was there a rationale
for 250 versus 100 versus anything?
34
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Generous: No, because basically that was... Lot 9, Block 4. That threshold. And if you get
something that large you'd probably get a university, college type.., potentially research institute.
And we did, this is one of the concerns we want to have a high quality development on that
comer.., this, the design criteria...
Peterson: Other questions?
Joyce: Bob, have we thrown out any idea of housing in here then? Is that what we're saying?
Generous: That's correct.
Joyce: So when we talk about support, commercial support here, we're really limited now
because you're only dealing with the people that are there going for their office work and that
kind of stufl~
Generous: Unless a convention center with...
Joyce: Okay. I'm just curious, and I'm not quite understanding this. You said in the report it
says that there's going to be, I'm looking at traffic signals on the north and south road and
Highway 5.
Generous: Yes.
Joyce: So there will be signals there for the traffic going east and west on Highway 5?
Generous: Right. It will be north and south...
Joyce: Wow. That's pretty close to Highway 41, isn't it?
Hempel: A quarter mile away.
Joyce: It is a quarter, I guess all right. Okay. I just, it would seem like a lot of backing up to me
but if we have a big traffic report so evidently they know what they're talking about. I was just
curious about that though. Okay. Thank you.
Peterson: Bob, why don't you kind of just give us a general update on the Wrase property and
where we're at with those discussions and the access, etc., etc., that was the issue last time.
Generous: The access would be required under...the developer would provide a...driveway
access into their property. My understanding from the City Attorney was...
Peterson: I assume we're not close within, before going to Council etc., etc. We're weeks or
months away.
Generous: I don't know exactly...
Peterson: Okay. Other questions of stafl~
35
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Blackowiak: I may have missed this but Bob, what happened? What is the progress of the park
negotiations? I know that the Park Commission had talked about acquiring some more of the land
and since Lot 1 of Block 2 is no longer multi-family, what's happening for that southeast
quadrant?
Generous: They're still negotiating that. It won't be resolved probably until the... There's a
compromise position that we're... Staff's preference is to preserve.., developer has to have a
developable piece of properly... We're getting closer I believe.
Peterson: Would the applicant like to make a presentation? And if so, please come forward and
state your name and address please.
Fred Richter: Good evening. I'm Fred Richter with Steiner Development. With me tonight is
Howard Dahlgren, part of our planning group and John Uban. John Uban will be making the
majority of the presentation regarding the overall PUD issues. And Mark Wenlzell, an architect
with Ankeny Kell Architects will talk about the Phase I building and kind of run through the
exterior concept of that and the site plan on that. Just I guess one thing just to lead off and
reiterate what Bob has stated. We've had several work sessions with Council and I think it's fair
to say we've got a line pretty well figured out as to the boundaries in that southeast quadrant.
Approximately someplace in this area which will be an industrial site and.., park issue with the
Council with the final resolution of the dedication or purchasing the land. That was a big
issue.., pretty well focused now. I think with that, John can kind of run you through our
development and then we'll mm it over to Mark Wenlzell who will talk about the architecture.
John Uban: Well the last time we were before you we did have a residential component that we
talked about quite a bit and as pointed out, in looking at an enlarged park, now about one-third of
the site is being considered for park, which includes basically the whole easterly one-third of the
properly. This in a way changes the character of what we're proposing. It means we are
condensed into a smaller parcel. So what we have left is a set of lots. This is really a plat. It's a
set of lots that we have configured on this properly with the north/south street primarily serving
lots, and in exchange an east/west at some future phase, out to Highway 41. So we'll have, when
we end up maybe 90 acres of developable land. 100. In that neighborhood that can be developed.
In addition, the Wrase properly has already been discussed.., going to be included in with the
development by virtue of an easement or driveway access that would get into.., site so they don't
have to have direct access to Highway 41. And that will be integrated in with the site plan
through Lot 1. So that that is all tied together. A condition we anticipate a water tower site there.
On the perimeter, we're talking about enhanced setbacks that are part of the Highway 5 corridor
treatment. We talked about a lot of landscaping. Almost a wall of landscaping, and I will show
you that plan. And the interior is then different. The interior is treated differently to
accommodate these buildings and each one of the sites is graded to it's own separate plateau and
between the sites we have these terraces that create a backdrop for each of the buildings, and
that's what I'll focus on before we get into the architecture. This drawing, once again, here's
nd
Highway 5. Here's Highway 41. 82 Street comes across to about here and then turns to the
south. Everything colored in here is the proposed park area. North/south road up to Highway 5
where there will be a full intersection. The traffic study has indicated that this is absolutely
necessary. In order to have an industrial park here, we have to have this intersection signalized so
36
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
that it works. Otherwise it's not an industrial site. Coulter Boulevard is still being considered by
the City, whether or not it should go in or shouldn't go in. The traffic study said that this will
operate equally well with or without this road in place so that is still a future decision. Obviously
it allows for more parkland to be usable if that road isn't built. The road over to Highway 41 is
one of our last phases of development and in that we would anticipate that Highway 41 will be
improved. Lowered to minimize the grading.., tie into that. The grading on the site anticipates
these changes that will take place when Highway 41 and Highway 5 are developed. And we will,
after our first phase, create a second phase grading plan that precisely shows the cuts and fills and
quantities which are hard to do at this point. We have talked about some of the things with staff
that Bob brought up and we will continue to work with staff to kind of fine tune some of these
elements, like the land use where we would like to have a bank or financial institution. That's an
important part of a good service base for business and the same with servicing automobiles,
restaurants, these sorts of things. There is a significant industrial base to the south in Chaska that
they, themselves do not have good services. So we find this to be an appropriate place to
accommodate services that are... We are not anticipating a large institutional use, at least initially.
It would probably be unusual, a 1 in 10 sort of chance that something of a huge magnitude would
come along but we think a smaller number would work and would work well within the park
without really over burdening the tax base scenario for the development. I think the important
thing really to consider then is our landscape plan and our signage and what we're proposing to
do. We have illustrated here, and you can see it in different colors, a naturalized, re-establishment
of the terraced slopes throughout the development. These basic areas create the grade changes
between each individual lot and are fully naturalized. That means an extensive planting of trees,
native turf, flowers, everything so we kind of return some of the natural terrain that is now under
cultivation back to it's original form. And then all along the perimeter with a gateway landscape
feature at the comer of Highway 41 and 5, this is all planted in as well with both evergreen and
overstory trees. With the landscaping we're trying to blend into the road system the landscape.
Not just put up sort of a wall of trees, but let's spread it out a little bit and make it look more
natural, which two things have to be done and we need the flexibility to do it. One is to be able to
plant in right-of-ways so that the trees or shrubs can blend closer to the street surface. And the
other is to have a variety of sizes of plant material. Instead of everything being 6 foot or 8 foot
tall, or something, that we have a variety so it really looks like a naturalized planting. So these
are the details we'll present as we bring each individual development to you. So by planting in
the right-of-way it tends to give a visual narrowing of the streets, which calms traffic and really I
believe makes a much more attractive development. We have over 400 trees, just trees alone.
Lots of shrubs, just in this perimeter planting and the terracing. Each site will have it's own
landscape in addition so there's quite a bit to be planted for the site. We have coordinated
lighting. The signage, we're asking for signage larger than what has been talked about with city
stafl~ But primarily at the entrances of the three main entrances in which we really need a
gateway monument that expresses that this is an important site. And understanding that the
perimeter is going to be heavily landscaped, there won't be these immediate views into the site
itself. So what we have is a presence that needs to be expressed at the entrances. Tastefully done.
And we have right here as an example of the type of signage that we're proposing. Some nice
stone, boulder, masonry work with a logo and the name of the park placed on there. That's
important. That's an important part of developing a high quality park that has that type of
signage. And we're just asking for subtle increases. A few feet in height. The ability to have
finials or caps come off the monuments that might be higher yet. An exact design will be before
you when we're ready to build it. These types of flexibilities where we hope you understand and
37
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
present to you this evening. In addition, tying into the overall site will be a pond. All the water
quality issues are being addressed in the engineering. Traffic has been studied. An indirect
source permit is being processed. We have over 2,000 potential parking stalls here. We don't
know for sure but since the potential is there, we're processing an indirect source permit and
because we have over 500,000 square feet of potential building on the site, we are also doing an
alternative urban area review, which is an alternate way of doing the environmental review when
you have an excellent comprehensive plan and when you have excellent ordinances that control
many of the things that are of a concern in an environmental review. You already have much of
that in place so that process merely meets the criteria and the law and expresses all of those
concerns in that document. That is presently being published and being distributed to all the
agencies for review .... show you the type of building. This is an interior building. Not a
building seen from the perimeter, so it's inside the park building. Industrial building and will
show the architecture and treatment of that structure.
Fred Richter: Mark is going to be showing you.., you'll see more green space which is indicative
of the 70% maximum coverage. From our.., standpoint, we're open up the development, Phase 1
in '97 and '98 of 82nd Street. So this would be Phase 1 and possibly the comer of Lot 2. And
then we go over here. '99 to 2000 is the potential for this lot here and possibly these. Then when
a full intersection opens up, and we've talked with stafl} the comer lot, the larger lot. The one that
actually is anticipated to be a little different than what Mark will be showing in that we're guiding
this one to a kind of corporate user. A high tech manufacturing. One that's going to be a multi-
story building and more green space. Another just clarification. In the commercial, guided
commercial and this is also so what Mark will be showing you probably will be indicative of this
area here, which is the primarily industrial, multi-tenant or end user building with these being
guided a little bit differently. Mark.
Mark Wenlzell: Thank you Fred. This is the site plan for that first building that Fred just
mentioned. 82nd Street and then the proposed north/south road. It's approximately a 10 acre
parcel with one building placed in the center of which.., the first tenant coming into this section
and future tenants later so it becomes a modular kind of building layout. We have two entries to
the site. One off of 82nd, which is a truck traffic entry and then more parking for an entrance off
of the north/south road. Parking is related along the edge of the site. Along the front and forward
boundary of the site where the monument sign... The building is approximately 645 feet by
160... service yard in the back with some additional employee parking... Also there's a proposed
future expansion of the building shown right here.., parking and surface area here for the loading
dock. This is a computer generated perspective of the building. It shows the massing and scale of
the building. This is a view, this is the southeast comer of the building right here. It shows a
typical entry.., that comer. They're repeated then along the building at regular intervals so they
can be subdivided for tenants. The idea behind each entry, which is a significant feature of the
building, is there a recessed entry rather than a projected entry. It keeps the, I think the massing of
the building more consistent and here's an opportunity to create a shelter entryway around here.
We have some grillwork and some changing colors.., that you'll see in the coloration I'll show
you in a just a moment. So this is generally this large kind of feature right here and the building
matches the scale of the structure. The multi-tenant building.., the street faces the building.
Parking is right out here and then the back yard across here is where the service area is. This area
through here would be... is the embankment up to the next site, the sort of terraced area. That will
be covered again with the native grasses and heavily landscaped... This will explain a little more
38
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
about the materials and coloration of the building. Since this is a pre-cast concrete building with
insulated wall panels and metal structure within. It's an efficient, long lasting building system.
To give the building character we wanted to look at both scales. At the small human scale and
also to scale the entrance canopies and the entry features to the scale of the building. So we have
a series of entries along here. Some will be actual entries for a particular tenant. Some will be
just recesses to modulate the facade ifa tenant doesn't need this additional entry space. So we're
showing here five entries and three kind of just regulated appearing like entrances. Again we've
painted these in sort of a shades of earth tone. We started out with the lower portion of the
building with a light beige color and then above that a warm gray band. And then a little lighter,
an off white kind of color and then a gray cap give dimension to the height of the building and...
And then most of the features.., sort of a warm ochre brown color to identify those entries and to
give them the prominence. We then recess that entry and side. The sense of shadow will help
identify the entries and also protect them and then an ornamental grillwork is in there to add some
detail. I have here a photograph of a similar building, if you can see that very well. But again it's
somewhat.., concept with the recessed entry here and this dark area here looks somewhat brighter
color and then the ornamental grillwork gives that some enthusiasm right at the entryway. This is
again a painted, pre-cast building. Similar to the materials that would be used on this building.
Peterson: Would you pass that around, if you would.
Mark Wenlzell: The back side of the building, the loading dock side is painted in the same
coloration with a single.., cap across the top and then the lower.., loading docks will be painted to
match and then the back is painted with the off white color. A little bit simpler than the front, and
again this is the north side that is the future expansion and this is the south elevation with this entry
actually being from the southeast. And this is the major one across three sides facing the proposed
north/south road. And I think that completes my explanation of it. Yes.
Peterson: If you would, just a few questions. We talked about the colored material and the
banding. Do you have any of that with or have you met with staff to let them review the types of
materials that you're going to be using? When you say paint it scares me.
Mark Wenlzell: Well it's a cementitious paint product made for painting concrete. It's not house
paint but it is in any color imaginable because it is a paint product. It's not an aggregate or an
actual concrete product. I think there's several reasons for that. One, you get more consistent
color than you do if you're trying to use a natural concrete product. We have a greater variety of
color and we have the ability to put color on the building where we want it rather than as a pre-
cast panel which are made in 8 foot wide segments by the height of the building and you have to
pretty much stick with the color of that panel. So it's a little more flexibility. I think if you see
these photographs, the ability to get nice, warm colors. Kind of natural colors is quite... We can
provide the actual paint samples of the colors.
Fred Richter: One addition, in the pre-cast technology, this is a lot of reveals are put into the pre-
cast panels so as you talk about a color change, there is an architectural real crisp reveal that starts
to highlight, as you can see in that picture so this gives legitimacy to the color change. It's really
a way to take and develop a larger building and get it... like a day like today when you get a lot of
moisture, the exposed aggregate starts to modulate in color lots... Something that actually allows
39
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
in 10 years, whatever to update the color. To freshen up... We think this is a state of the art,
something we're seeing from the pre-cast companies that have it in other industrial markets...
Peterson: So as far as longevity of the paint itself.
Mark Wenlzell: It's significantly different than the old days of putting let's say like a latex paint
on a concrete wall. This is not that kind of system. This is, it's not going to flake or peel or
blister ofl~
Peterson: It's just going to fade.
Mark Wenlzell: It will fade like any paint, particularly bright colors will fade, and it will have to
be repainted sometime in the future but you're getting very long lead times. At least a 10 year
cycle now on these paints. I think maybe even 15. As a matter of fact a lot of these have never
been repainted. And it's consistent with the buildings that you see to the south. The what,
Flouroware building and.
Fred Richter: All the... I'd say the majority of those are painted with... This technique, with the
architectural reviews.., actually a little more sophisticated...
Peterson: The ones with the dark blue is what you're talking of?
Fred Richter: ... the older buildings, some of them are just standard concrete panels. Some of
them are exposed aggregate. Some of them have painted stripes. Some of them have a masonry
band.
Mark Wenlzell: You can see in those pictures how the reveal system works where it's not just a
paint line but an actual reveal where the paint colors change. That will be done here.
Joyce: I have another question here. In your development standards, item 11 of the building
materials and design. It says each building should contain one or more pitched roof elements.
How is that incorporated?
Fred Richter: We talked with stafl~ maybe Bob you want to answer how you define a pitched
element.
Generous: Well it varies. In this specific site plan.., entryway with the grill system and
coloring.., pitched roof element. The Byerly's went with the vault system. You know it varies.
... on Dell Road and Highway 5, they did those... Something that ties it in with the rest of the
community but gives it it's own...
Joyce: I'm obviously thinking more of.
Fred Richter: Yeah, the roof. I think when we talked to staff today, the.., might be generalized.
It isn't literally a pitch but to achieve the objective of giving the building entry identity, scale,
spatial modulation of the long walls. That type of thing.
40
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Joyce: Okay. I don't know if this is the right time to ask this question but we have all the, you
said there was going to be some parking back behind this building?
Mark Wenlzell: Yes .... parallel parking.
Joyce: Okay. What kind of tenants, is this a warehouse type of situation or what? Is this office
and warehouse or?
Fred Richter: The anchor tenant.., they're a 70,000 square feet facility. 12,000 offices. They're
a direct mail marketing finn. So they would have not only their purchasing, front offices, catalog,
publishing, that would be in the 12,000 square feet. Then the rest of it would be basically
distribution...
Joyce: So 10% of the building is for office and 90% is for warehouse.
Fred Richter: Yeah. That is the anchor tenant... 12 over 70.
Joyce: Or 12 over 70, I'm sorry. Okay, that's 15-20%.
Fred Richter: The remainder of the building, roughly 30,000, we would probably estimate
probably 20% for office. It varies. We've had buildings right now very similar dimensions and
all that, our first tenant is 50% build-up. In other words, 50% office. And in this... The overall, a
facility like this probably 20%.
Joyce: The thing I'm leading up to then I guess is, I believe we have to address something in the
parking with the islands, the landscape islands and things like that and I'm just, with that it seems
like a lot of parking to me and I just, I hate a building surrounded by parking. So how are you
going to address those situations?
Fred Richter: I think the islands, Mark did you want to address that.
Mark Wenlzell: We had.., that comment and I forget exactly... Our thought is that because
there's.., repeated row of parking. You know aisle after aisle, that you get the parking lot heavily
surrounded by greenery, just one aisle deep so that putting an island here really doesn't add a
lot... If it was a double row or you know three rows deep, then the islands do a lot more for the
parking lot to break up the asphalt.
Fred Richter: If we can work it out with staff'.., other communities it's pretty common. What
happens here is if you get more greenery in the parking, you obviously reduce your parking.., so
I think there has to be a balance.., pretty close to landscape.
Joyce: Thank you.
Peterson: This is a public hearing. I'd like to hear a motion to open up the meeting to a public
hearing and a second please.
Joyce moved, Sidney seconded to open the public hearing. The public hearing was opened.
41
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Peterson: Anyone wishing to address the Planning Commission, please come forward and state
your name and address please. Seeing none, may I hear a motion to close the public hearing, and
a second.
Joyce moved, Skubic seconded to close the public hearing. The public hearing was closed.
Peterson: Commissioners. Bob, would you share your comments please.
Skubic: Well I don't have a great deal to say about this. I do have a question of Dave. We
typically don't allow landscaping trees in the right-of-way. What are the implications of doing
so?
Hempel: Typically we don't. Or we have in some residential communities where the
homeowners association that maintains them. They enter into what's called an encroachment
agreement which spells out maintenance responsibilities and if they fail to do it... we're not
responsible for damage or maintenance in the right-of-way. This particular subdivision does have
a very wide right-of-way. 80 foot wide right-of-way.., areas will be 36 feet wide.., additional turn
lanes so there may be some opportunity here to utilize some of that right-of-way area for
landscaping. Typically on a collector type street, Coulter Boulevard for instance, we would have
a streetscape plan where we will plant boulevard trees.., with the city project .... open for ideas
for landscaping.
Skubic: Okay, thank you. Regarding the institutional square footage. I don't have a strong
feeling on that. I guess 250,000 square feet is prohibitive, I would consider a reduction. I don't
know what to what. I think I need more convincing on that and more background. Just a couple
details. The building is a little bit plain, especially on the south side and it fronts 82nd Street.
There's no windows on the south side. I think it needs to have some architectural features on that
side. We typically get some materials in here to look at. I certainly don't expect you to bring in
an 8 foot by 20 foot pre-cast slab but we like to look at materials to see what they're like. I don't
have anything else to add.
Peterson: Kevin.
Joyce: I have a couple questions and Bob, maybe you can help me out on this. What do we have,
six motions here? Is that what we're looking at?
Generous: Five.
Joyce: Five, okay. The second motion is for the actual PUD, and I'm sorting through here. Is
there, in the conditions something about signage?
Generous: That would be the design standards. Once this is final.
Joyce: Then we go into those conditions? Okay, that explains that for me, thank you. All right,
because we just went through that signage business with the 8 inches. I didn't want to do that
42
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
tonight for sure. I suppose that will also incorporate the multi-story possibility on Lot 5 and that
kind of thing. Is that?
Generous: Yes.
Joyce: Okay. All right. As far as the Heartland America, I guess I didn't ask the question about
condition 7. There was a request for increased evergreen plantings. Has that been taken care of?
Is that in the presentation? Did they increase those?
Generous: No they haven't.
Joyce: They have not?
Fred Richter: We have to, once we figure out...
Joyce: All right. Okay. It's a huge development and in some ways it's nice to have one
developer. I think that's a plus but then it can be a minus too. I hope it's not a cookie cutter type
of situation either, but since we'll be looking at each site plan it doesn't sound like it's going to
be. As far as the banking facilities, or I think there was a question to whether that would be an
allowable usage. I think that's a good usage. That's my feeling on that. Thank you very much
for this. This is very nice and helpful. I like being able to, when it's reduced and you can look at
these things. I will have to agree with Bob though, once you go to City Council, it'd probably be
good to have some samples of materials and stuff like that so, I mean I think you are aware of
that. Otherwise, I'm pretty satisfied with it.
Peterson: Good, thanks. LuAnn.
Sidney: I'm pretty satisfied as well and I guess I have one comment about architectural details on
the building. Personally I'm not a great fan of the metal grid or that kind of design element above
the door and I guess I would like to see some other options for the design of the building if
possible. That's all I had.
Peterson: Ladd.
Conrad: This is an interesting review meeting. I think City Council did a real nice job. I attended
their meeting when they talked about this project. We don't have their notes. Their Minutes. I
think that would have been real helpful to have seen their Minutes because I thought they gave
some direction to the developer and we don't have privy to that. So you don't know if we're
meeting what their requirements are or not. Just one comment. I think Bob, we've just got to,
when the Council gives real clear direction to the developer, we've got to see it. We do. They
had some insightful things and I think they were very positive. I thought it was a really good
interchange between the developer and Council. I guess it's such a big project, I guess we lose
sight of the fact that we're looking at a PUD first and then there's some other stuff that's going to
happen but we now merged the two and I think it's really overall, I think it's easy to water this
down and... I don't have many comments on the PUD. I think it's moved in the right direction. I
think the developer's doing a good job. I think the staff report, from what I can tell, is on the
money but that's just a guess because I didn't take the notes from the City Council meeting but,
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
and I'm going to make, I want to make, I think we should approve the PUD tonight. Secondary,
the other item before us, I'm the last person on this commission that gets involved in architecture
but I didn't, and maybe it's our new way of presenting things. But I can't relate at all to what I
saw tonight. We always have building materials here and I don't, I'm not even the one that wants
it, you know. I'm pretty much the one that would let developers do their thing and staff reviews it
and makes it fit. But I couldn't relate to what was presented tonight. And it may be the
presentation. It may be the materials. I know I need a better front elevation so I can relate to
what it is. I couldn't let that go through. It doesn't mean I'm against it. It just wasn't what we
typically see. Back to the big picture, the PUD for Gateway. The only thing that I see, and I
think the staff report is good. I made one note and the only note dealt with sidewalks. Are there
any? We probably connect to a trail but in an industrial like this, do we have sidewalks?
Generous: We will on the north/south boulevard.
Conrad: Do I know that? It's in the subdivision.
Generous: And under the design standards we have...
Conrad: And how do I know that?
Generous: On page 13. We typically say sidewalk or pedestrian access or some type of...
Conrad: So we have a master thinking. What I don't want to do is piecemeal it. There's, that's
okay. Well, is there a master plan for connectivity for sidewalks in an industrial park like this?
John Uban: The problem is it's hard to see on your television I think but we have indicated all
along here, the north/south, east/west if that takes place. It also shows a trail in here. It also
shows Highway 5, Highway 41 and the same for 82nd Street. So we have a big loop this way.
We're connecting into the park north/south and then the trail along the State Highway... We're
also proposing that, we'd like.., between the curb and trail.
Conrad: Thanks. And Bob you started the presentation with a whole series of questions and I
don't know that we've really provided any direction yet. One, I can't remember what you said.
And I think at the bare minimum we should get out with at least giving you some direction on that
so as it goes to City Council they have, you know they have some direction. Well, as we end
talking about it, I think we have to address the issues that you brought up. If they were the
developer's issues or your issues. Bottom line, the site plan's fine with me. Looks good. It's
where.., it looks good to me. I like it .... the building that's presented. I don't know. I'll listen to
others. I haven't heard any critical comments so if somebody else makes the motion, that may fly
through. I just, again it may be the new format of presentation here but I think we should have
materials. We should have a pretty good front elevation rendering. And I didn't see that tonight.
And I guess the bottom line is, the architectural detail, I think as LuAnn said, makes me a little bit
nervous. I'm not, pre-cast is fine. We haven't ruled it out. It just wasn't up to what we had been
seeing from almost every other developer that's been in here in the last year.
Peterson: Allyson.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Brooks: I'm going to start with the traffic. I think I was really surprised to see that SRF could
ever put any kind of an assumption in their report that Trunk Highway 5 would ever be six lanes.
I think that is appalling. I can't believe that they could think that TH 41 would be four lanes. The
transportation system plan has been out in draft form with the Metro Division for almost a year.
They've had every access to it. There is no excuse for SRF to come in and do a traffic report
saying that Highway 5 could ever be six lanes. You know we were talking before about a traffic
report was done for another development you know and everything's fine. Well when I see this, I
question the traffic reports. This is not fine. This is completely out of the realm of reality. And I
think that you know again this development, and there's nothing that I suppose can really be done.
It's really going to put a lot of pressure on Trunk Highway 5. It's not going to make it six lanes.
It's just going to make a lot of traffic. I agree with the Parks and Recreation Commission of their
preference that the boulevard not be extended through the park preserve. I think it would be nice
to just leave it as it is. As for the Wrase properly, I think I discussed before, I believe that
building is 19th Century building. Didn't we discuss that the last time it came forward? 18807
Right. I would like to see something that if that properly ever goes away as part of the
development, there is some mitigation done for the historical record. You know whether we
move the building or we don't move the building, take into consideration that we are removing a
piece of Chanhassen's history and we do something to mitigate that damage. Finally, as for the
building that Ladd was talking about. I found the building to be quite ugly. I don't like the pre-
cast building. I think they have no class. They have no style and they have no individuality.
They look like anywhere. There was nothing attractive or special about either of those buildings
that passed in front of me, and maybe as Ladd said you know, if we saw the materials it might be
different but just from the photographs, I thought they were particularly ugly and I thought even
the loading dock area, I realize nobody sees it but it's still pretty poor to look at. Aesthetically, it
was not a very nice building. And other than that, the development as a whole I have nothing
against but those are some of the issues that I came up with but that traffic study is really
alarming. I'm sorry Dave. To have SRF come in with six lanes is amazing.
Hempel: Mr. Chairman, maybe I can address that a little bit. We, staff does have concerns with a
lot of the assumptions in the traffic report. We reviewed it in about a couple of hours but we have
a lot of questions to go back with to SRF.
Peterson: Okay, thanks.
Brooks: Thank you.
Peterson: Alison.
Blackowiak: I too agree that overall I like the PUD. I'm personally glad the residential
component is out of it because I didn't really feel that that ever fit into it so I'm glad to see that's
not a part of that anymore. Regarding Coulter Boulevard, I too would prefer that that not be
extended through the parkland. Not only do you have a nice, you know Outlots A and B. You've
got the wetlands and the park area. You also have the O'Shaughnessy properly immediately to
the east which is I think just a wonderful opportunity to leave an area untouched. We do have
residential to the southeast of this and that would just be a nice chance because if we put the street
in, we're just going to have lots of traffic going through this park very quickly and that's a fact.
And regardless of what happens on TH 5 or TH 41, it would be nice if we didn't have to put the
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Coulter Boulevard extension through this parkland as well as through the O'Shaughnessy
properly. The Heartland building, I wouldn't go quite so far as Allyson but I was rather
uninspired. Like she said, it's everything else. I mean we see this building everywhere. We've
talked about PUD's and how they need to show us something a little bit more. A little bit extra.
We've got, we want to see a little bit more in design standards as I understand the PUD ordinance
and I didn't see it there. I would like to see that again. I would like Heartland to come back and
show us the materials like Ladd said. Show us something a little bit more inspiring. A little more
interesting maybe than your mn of the mill industrial building that you can see on any area in the
Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area so that's basically it.
Peterson: Okay. I think we have a diverse opinions tonight. I think there's a consistent theme
however on the PUD, as my thoughts parallel that. I think the idea presented tonight and the
uniqueness of a terracing is going to be a tremendous asset to the community and give a generally
unique feel. I agree with the other comments. I think one of the things missing, as I was talking
to staff today that I had a difficult time with regarding the Heartland building itself was, is that we
didn't have renderings of the building really before that were of the scale that you can get a sense.
I don't remember what scale it was. It was relatively small where we really didn't get a sense of
really what the building was going to look like. We had the top views and the parking lot views
but as far as the side and front and rear rendering to the building, they're really small and hard to
get a feel for what we're really experiencing. I think it is necessary for us to make an informed
recommendation to Council that we see that again. See the building and see the styling of it more
than what was presented tonight. I was squinting at the monitor tonight on the pencil drawing to
kind of get a sense of really what I was looking at. I really couldn't get that from the pencil
drawing. Bob made a comment earlier that I think the south side of the building clearly needs
some more architectural lines. I think that to me is at a minimum and I'd like to refrain from
making further comments on the front until I really get a feel for it and right now I don't. We had
done some very nice things with those building materials around town and I'm not saying that this
isn't there yet but again I don't know, and I can't make a recommendation up to Council until we
see a little bit more of it so. That's the extent of my comments. Do I hear a motion? We have
five so.
Blackowiak: Well I'll start with an easy one. I move that the Planning Commission recommends
approval of the rezoning of the properly from Agricultural Estate, A2 to Planned Unit
Development, PUD.
Joyce: I'll second that.
Blackowiak moved, Joyce seconded that the Planning Commission recommends approval
of the rezoning of the property from Agricultural Estate, A2 to Planned Unit Development,
PUD. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
Joyce: I'll take my turn. The Planning Commission recommends preliminary approval of PUD
#92-6 for an office industrial business park and preliminary plat approval for 12 lots, two outlots
and associated right-of-way subject to conditions 1 through 29.
Peterson: Second?
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Blackowiak: I'll second that.
Joyce moved, Blackowiak seconded that the Planning Commission reconunends
preliminary approval of PUD #92-6 for an office/industrial business park and preliminary
plat approval for 12 lots, two outlots and associated right-of-way subject to the following
conditions:
The developer will be responsible for surface water management fees pursuant to
ordinance. Staff has estimated the water quality fees at $528,255 and water quantity fees
of $497,127. Water quality credits will be given for the creation of on-site water quality
ponds meeting NURP standards in accordance with the SWMP. Water quantity credits
will also be given for payment of assessments and/or construction of trunk storm sewer
lines. Final SWMP fees will be determined upon review of the final grading, drainage and
construction plans with each phase of the project. Surface water management fees are
only applicable to the lots being platted and not outlots.
The developer shall supply the City with an overall phasing plan of the grading including
the amount of earthwork involved in each phase.
3. The grading plan shall be revised to incorporate the following items:
a)
Lot 1, Block 1 shall be revised to accommodate for a drive access over the easterly 40 feet
of Lot 1, Block 1 to service the Wrase property.
b)
nd
The proposed storm water pond at the northeast comer of 82 Street West and the
north/south street shall be reconfigured into a more north/south configuration to minimize
tree loss and preserve natural slopes adjacent to the wetlands.
c)
The north/south street between Coulter Boulevard and the cul-de-sac street shall be
realigned 50 to 75 feet westerly to reduce wetland impacts and give slope relief along the
east side of the north/south street adjacent to the we~nd/park property.
d)
MnDOT's review comments shall be incorporated into the final grading and development
plan.
e)
The grading plan may need to be revised to insure predeveloped runoff rates are being
maintained to Wetland C.
Preliminary and final plat approval shall be conditioned upon the City Council ordering
public improvement project No. 97-1. Without the project, preliminary plat and/or final
plat shall be void.
The developer should be responsible for extending sanitary sewer service to the Wrase
parcel which lies directly north of Lot 1, Block 1 as a part of the overall site improvements
with Phase I.
47
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Depending on the amount of sanitary sewer discharge from Lot 3, Block 1, Lots 1 and 2,
Block 1 may not be able to develop until Lot 3 is connected to permanent sewer facilities.
The installation of a temporary traffic signal and/or auxiliary mm lanes at the intersection
of 82nd Street West and Trunk Highway 41 is required with Phase I development. The
developer shall be responsible for a share of the local cost participation of this traffic
signal on a percentage basis based upon traffic generation from full development of this
site in relation to the total traffic volume on 82nd Street West. The developer shall also be
responsible for future costs associated with the local share of the traffic signal to be
installed at the north/south road at Trunk Highway 5. Financial security to guarantee the
installation of these traffic improvements will be required from the developer in the form
of a letter of credit or cash escrow.
The street right-of-way width adjacent to Lot 4, Block 2 and Lot 1, Block 3 shall be
expanded to 100 feet wide to accommodate future turn lanes.
The east/west street will be restricted to a right-in/right-out only at Trunk Highway 41.
All lots shall access onto interior streets and not Trunk Highways 41 or 5.
All public streets and utilities constructed by the developer shall be designed and
constructed in accordance with the City's Standard Specifications and Detail Plates.
Detailed construction plans and specifications for the developer-installed public streets and
utilities constructed by the developer will be required in conjunction with final platting for
staff review and City Council approval.
The developer shall be required to enter into a PUD Agreement/Development Contract
with the City and provide a financial security in the form of a letter of credit or cash
escrow to guarantee site improvements.
The developer shall be responsible for the installation or costs associated with the
installation of street lights. The City's standard street light along industrial/collector-type
streets are 25-foot high corten steel street lights. Location of the street lights will be
determined upon review of the final construction drawings.
Type III erosion control fencing will be required adjacent to wetland areas. Additional
erosion control fence may be necessary at the toe of steep slope areas and adjacent to
storm water ponds after the grading has been completed.
The storm water ponds and/or temporary detention ponds shall be constructed in the initial
grading phase to minimize erosion off-site. Erosion control blankets will be required on
all slopes greater than 3:1. Revegetation of the exposed slopes shall occur immediately
after grading is completed.
All areas disturbed as a result of construction activities shall be immediately restored with
seed and disc-mulched or wood fiber blanket or sod after completion of each activity in
accordance with the City's Best Management Practice Handbook.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
Wetland buff'er areas shall be surveyed and staked in accordance with the City's wetland
ordinance. The City will install wetland buff'er edge signs before construction begins and
will charge the applicant $20 per sign.
The applicant shall provide detailed storm sewer calculations for 10-year and 100-year
storm events and provide ponding calculations for stormwater quality/quantity ponds in
accordance with the City's Surface Water Management Plan for the City Engineer to
review and approve. The applicant shall provide detailed pre-developed and post-
developed stormwater calculations for 10-year and 100-year storm events and normal
water level and high water level calculations in existing basins, created basin, and/or
creeks. Individual storm sewer calculations between each catch basin segment will also be
required to determine if sufficient catch basins are being utilized. In addition, water
quality ponding design calculations shall be based on Walker's Pondnet model.
The applicant shall apply for and obtain permits from the appropriate regulatory agencies,
i.e. Carver County, Watershed District, Metropolitan Waste Control Commission, Health
Department, Minnesota Pollution control Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources, Army Corps of Engineers and Minnesota Department of Transportation and
comply with their conditions of approval.
Fire hydrants shall be incorporated per the Fire Marshal's recommendations.
The appropriate drainage and utility easements shall be dedicated on the final plat for all
utilities and ponding areas lying outside the right-of-way. The easement width shall be a
minimum of 20 feet wide. Consideration should also be given for access for maintenance
of the ponding areas..
No berming or landscaping will be allowed within the right-of-way except landscaping
along the frontage road in accordance with the Trunk Highway 5 Corridor Study.
The lowest floor or opening elevation of all buildings shall be a minimum of 2 feet above
the 100-year high water level.
Stormwater ponds must have side slopes of 10:1 for the first ten feet at the normal water
level and no more than 3:1 thereafter or 4:1 throughout for safety purposes.
The applicant shall report to the City Engineer the location of any drain files found during
construction and shall relocate or abandon the drain-tile as directed by the City Engineer.
Final grades adjacent to Trunk Highways 41 and 5 will be subject to review and approval
of MnDOT for compatibility with the future widening of Trunk Highway 5.
Increase landscape plantings to include 400 trees in addition to buff'er yard plantings and
individual site plan landscaping.
A 10' clear space must be maintained around fire hydrants, i.e., street lamps, trees, shrubs,
bushes, NSP, US West, Cable TV, and transformer boxes. This is to ensure that fire
49
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
hydrants can be quickly located and safely operated by firefighters. Pursuant to
Chanhassen City Ordinance 9-1.
28.
Submit street names to Chanhassen Fire Marshal and Chanhassen Building Official for
review and approval.
29.
Existing structures on the property which may be demolished require a demolition permit.
Proof of septic and well systems that are abandoned are required.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
Peterson: Next motion please.
Sidney: I'll make the motion that the Planning Commission recommends approval of Wetland
Alteration Permit for Gateway Business Park subject to the conditions of preliminary PUD #92-6
approval.
Peterson: Second?
Skubic: Second.
Sidney moved, Skubic seconded that the Planning Commission reconunends approval of
Wetland Alteration Permit for Gateway Business Park subject to the conditions of
preliminary PUD #92-6 approval. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
Peterson: Next motion.
Skubic: I'll recommend that the Planning Commission recommend tabling of Site Plan #97-6 to
allow the applicant to improve the presentation and the architecture of the building. To take
another look at that.
Brooks: I second.
Fred Richter: Just a question of stafl2 One, we're nervous about our schedule. Would it be
possible if we had.., overall, the notion of pre-cast, the coating. If we come back with larger
renderings, and even have some options on some of the colors.., basic industrial concept...
address the details of this. Again the Planning Commission and come back... I think the
comments I heard were one of not really understanding this. We apologize for that. We should
have had larger elevations. Materials is kind of tough since it is a piece of pre-cast.., that we
showed you in that photograph. The idea of the reveal over on the openings is just kind of the
basic concept that has various elements.., several different options on that. The basic concept...
600 feet long. And Bob, I guess I'm asking you also, schedule wise. If it gets tabled, we can
come back when... ?
Peterson: We can take it in two weeks so it would be the following Council meeting. We're not
talking major delay.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
Fred Richter: I have no problem with the comments, ifI understand you right. I'm reading that
it's a matter of detailing more and maybe looking at some options and carrying our concept out a
little more...
Peterson: Yeah, I think the sense, the general sense is this is the first building of what you're
presenting and what we consider to be a fine development so we're taking maybe even extra care
with the first building sets the tone quite often to the rest of the development so, and what we're
saying is we haven't got a feel for what that tone is yet. Further discussion to the motion at hand.
Conrad: Could I make a comment, just so. Yeah, I think part of it was presentation because we
can't even tell. I don't have a problem with the 600 feet but it looked pretty boring. So when we
say we couldn't tell, that's the truth. We couldn't tell because we couldn't see. But there's a
feeling inside that you haven't broken up 600 feet very well and we've done that in Chanhassen
almost every building. We're breaking, not, we don't want two 300's. The 600 is okay but we're
looking for those design elements that can help break up that monotony of that long span of space
and I didn't see it in what I saw so, there's some surface stuff and then maybe there's some depth
behind it that I just want to be sure right now.
Peterson: Any further discussion to Bob's motion to table?
Skubic moved, Brooks seconded that the Planning Commission table Site Plan #97-6 for
Heartland America. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Dahlgren: Mr. Chairman, a point of timing. Are we talking about tabling from two weeks from
now?
Peterson: Work with staff on that but I think that was the plan. Is that the final motion? There's
one more.
Brooks: I move the Planning Commission recommends approval of Interim Use Permit #97-1 for
Gateway West Planned Unit Development site subject to conditions 1 through 15.
Peterson: Second?
Skubic: I'll second it.
Brooks moved, Skubic seconded that the Planning Commission reconunends approval of
Interhn Use Permit #97-1 for Gateway West Planned Unit Development site, subject to the
following conditions:
The applicant shall provide the city with a letter of credit in the amount to be determined
by the City Engineer based on earthwork quantities, maintenance of erosion control
measures and site restoration.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
10.
11.
The applicant shall pay the city a grading permit fee as required by the Uniform Building
Code and pay for all city staff and attorney time used to monitor and inspect the grading
operation. The inspection fees shall be computed at a rate of $30 per hour per person.
The applicant shall obtain and comply with all permit requirements of the watershed
district.
The applicant shall work with City staff in revising the proposed grading plan to an
acceptable stormwater management plan in accordance with the City's Surface Water
Management Plan. Since the stormwater management plan for the subdivision has not
been fully approved, the applicant's engineer shall provide an interim storm drainage and
erosion control plan including but not limited to construction of temporary sediment basins
in accordance with the City Best Management Practice Handbook in an effort to minimize
erosion off the site.
Upon completion of the site grading, the applicant's engineer shall supply the City with a
letter certifying that the grading has been completed in compliance with the proposed plan.
All site restoration and erosion control measures shall be in accordance with the City's Best
Management Practice Handbook. The applicant's engineer is encouraged to pursue
acquisition of this handbook and to employ these said practices. A stockpile must be
provided for the topsoil which will be respread on the site as soon as the excavation and
site grading is completed. Topsoil and disc-mulched seeding shall be implemented
immediately following the completion of the graded areas unless the City's Best
Management Practice Handbook dictates otherwise.
Noise levels stemming from the operation are not to exceed Minnesota PCA or EPA
regulations. If the City determined that there is a problem warranting testing, such tests
shall be paid for by the applicant.
Hours of operation are limited to 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and no
work on national holidays or Sundays. Hours of operation on Saturdays are limited to
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If complaints from residents are logged with city staff regarding
Saturday operation, the hours shall be reviewed by the City Council.
The applicant shall construct and maintain gravel construction entrances during the grading
operation.
All erosion control measures shall be installed prior to commencement of grading
operations and be maintained until all disturbed areas have been fully restored. The
applicant shall also be responsible for removal of all erosion control measures upon
completion of site grading. The city engineer will determine the appropriate time and
authorize the applicant to remove the erosion control measures.
The applicant shall notify the city engineer of all drainage files encountered during site
grading. The city engineer shall determine the appropriate abandonment or rerouting of all
existing draintile systems.
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Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
12.
Additional Type I erosion control fence shall be used along the north perimeter of the site.
Erosion control fence surrounding the wetlands shall be the City's Type III version.
13.
This grading permit approval is conditioned upon the City authorizing public improvement
project No. 97-1 to extend trunk utility service to the site.
14.
The grading permit shall be conditioned on approval of the preliminary plat for the
Gateway West Business Park PUD by the City Council.
15. The developer will be responsible for monitoring the effects from the construction activities
and mitigating any such effects."
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Generous: The car dealership's off for the 21st.
Joyce: What was that? I'm sorry.
Generous: The car dealership was supposed to come to you on the 21st and they requested to be
withdrawn again. Oh, another new business. I'm supposed to remind you on May 19th we're
having the citizen kick off meeting for the Comp Plan amendment schedule. It's open to the
Planning Commission and City Council. Basically staff will run it but if you want to listen to
what people have to say.
Peterson: You'll be sending out a notification?
Generous: We're doing it as part of the.., article in the Villager... The 19th at 7:00, between 7:00
and 9:00 at the Rec Center. What we hope to do is put things on the wall... See if we can get
some input before we start the... On the 21st you have the land use section which is basically a
recap of what we have.., start thinking about the comp plan issues.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Joyce noted the Minutes of the Planning Commission meeting
dated April 14, 1997 and April 16, 1997 as presented.
CITY COUNCIL UPDATE:
Generous: Chairman, the Paulstarr Phase II development.., industrial building in Chan Business
Center off Audubon... The Gateway concept plan was approved. The reason you didn't have the
Minutes is that was approved last Monday. The report was done on Wednesday. We don't
normally have the Minutes...
Conrad: I knew it was a time deal but it's, I tell you, in terms of process and understanding, it's a
timing deal on staff's part but in terms of us looking at it, it's real helpful. It was a good meeting.
They analyzed it very well and they set out some clear direction to the group and for us not to
53
Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 1997
have it is like we're not playing with... They complain about, well enough said. It was just too
bad we didn't have it. I think the staff report was appropriate for what they said but...
Peterson: Anything else Bob you wanted to bring to our attention?
Generous: Not from Council.
Peterson: Anything else on anything?
Conrad moved, Blackowiak seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the
motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Submitted by Kate Aanenson, Planning Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim
54