PC SUM 2018 08 07CHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
AUGUST 7, 2018
Chairman Aller called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Aller, Mark Undestad, Steve Weick, Nancy Madsen, Mark
Randall, and Michael McGonagill
MEMBERS ABSENT: John Tietz
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Generous, Senior Planner; Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Senior Planner; George
Bender, Assistant City Engineer, and Vanessa Strong, Water Resources Coordinator
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Russ & Diana Jones 3961 Country Oaks Drive
Lynn & Nancy Simpson 3980 Country Oaks Drive
Court MacFarlane 3800 Leslee Curve
Jane Bender 4001 Stratford Ridge
Steve Arndt 2960 Stratford Ridge
David Robertson 2900 Stratford Ridge
Jason Watt 3961 Stratford Ridge
Trent Birkholz 3851 Stratford Ridge
David & Diane Lieser 3881 Stratford Ridge
Linda Brand 3981 Country Oaks
Garit Solheim-Witt 3850 Leslee Curve
PUBLIC HEARING:
CONTROL CONCEPTS: REQUEST FOR SETBACK VARIANCE.
Bob Generous presented the staff report on this item. Commissioner Weick asked for
clarification on the need for the trail. Commissioner McGonagill asked about fencing.
Chairman Aller asked for clarification on the speed of runoff between having one or two
retaining walls. Representing the applicant, Cory Watkins explained that the need for the
variance was because of requests to have the trail be a different user experience than the first
proposal. Chairman Aller opened the public hearing. No one spoke and the public hearing was
closed.
Undestad moved, McGonagill seconded that the Planning Commission recommends
approval of a variance to permit construction of retaining walls within the Bluff Creek
primary zone setback as shown in the plans prepared by Loucks, dated 06-15-2018, revised
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7-12-18, subject to the following conditions and adoption of the Findings of Fact and
Recommendation:
Building
1. Retaining walls over 4 feet in heights require an engineered design.
Environmental Resources
1. The applicant shall coordinate a trail inspection with the city arborist to review tree
removals prior to any trail construction activities.
2. Tree protection fencing must be installed at the edge of grading limits along the trail.
Parks
1. The developer shall be responsible for planning, engineering, and constructing the
“wetland trail.” Connection points for this new trail shall be the terminus of the Trotters
Ridge trail and the intersection of Century Boulevard and Water Tower Place. Bid
documents, including plans and specifications, shall be approved by the Park &
Recreation Director and City Engineer prior to soliciting bids. Project bidding shall
occur in a competitive environment with a minimum of three bids being received. The
results of the bidding process shall be reviewed with the Park & Recreation Director and
City Engineer prior to award. Cash payment for trail construction shall be made from the
City of Chanhassen to the developer upon completion, inspection, and acceptance of the
trail.
2. Trail easements within Lot 2, Block 1, Arboretum Business Park 7th shall be dedicated to
the city to accommodate the “wetland trail”.
Water Resources and Engineering
1. The limits of the Bluff Creek Overlay District (BCOD) shall be identified throughout the
plan set.
2. Add detailed design for the retaining walls including a profile, proposed construction
materials, and railings/fences.
3. Add cut sections through the retaining walls and the trail to provide for easier
visualization and enhance constructability.
4. Create a parapet design along the upper wall when it is above the trail.
5. Extend the silt fence installation as appropriate to protect from construction.
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6. Identify snow storage locations on the plans.
7. Provide a restoration plan for grading in the wetland buffer and in the Bluff Creek
Overlay District (BCOD) buffer.
8. The proposed redevelopment will need Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District
(RPBCWD) permits.
9. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure and submit proof that permits are received
from all other agencies with jurisdiction over the project (i.e. Army Corps of Engineers,
DNR, MnDOT, Carver County, RPBCWD, Board of Water and Soil Resources, PCA,
etc.).
10. The grade through the ADA areas of the parking lot shall be a maximum of 2% slope in
any direction. The point elevations should be re-checked. Add this code requirement in a
note on the plans.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
PUBLIC HEARING:
GLENDALE DRIVE SUBDIVISION REQUEST.
Sharmeen Al-Jaff presented the staff report on this item. George Bender addressed the street
layout and Vanessa Strong discussed stormwater runoff issues. The applicant, Curt Fretham
with Lake West Development, 14525 Highway 7, Minnetonka, discussed issues related to the
subdivision standards, requirement for a through street from Stratford Ridge to Glendale Drive,
and how cul-de-sac lengths are determined. Chairman Aller opened the public hearing. Jason
Watt, 3961 Stratford Ridge expressed concerns and frustration with notification, issues
associated with Minnewashta Parkway being a collector road and how that affects the request for
a through street connection with Stratford Ridge, and asked how undue hardship is defined.
David Lieser, 3881 Stratford Ridge expressed opposition to the extension of the cul-de-sac on
Stratford Ridge to Glendale or any other road. David Robertson, 3900 Stratford Ridge discussed
the fact that when he bought his property there was nothing in the title search that indicated that
the Stratford Ridge cul-de-sac was temporary, and how this subdivision will affect their
Homeowners Association. Court MacFarlane, 3800 Leslee Curve expressed concern with
stormwater runoff and the confusion surrounding how cul-de-sac footage is measured, but noted
he was in favor of this development. Carin Moore, 6760 Minnewashta Parkway, owner of the
property directly south of the development, explained that her major concern was drainage,
future development possibilities of her property, and traffic circulation. Jane Bender, 4001
Stratford Ridge expressed concern with adding these 5 lots to the Pleasant Acres Homeowners
Association and the additional hard cover being added. Chairman Aller closed the public
hearing. After discussion by commission members the following motion was made.
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McGonagill moved, Madsen seconded that the Chanhassen Planning Commission tables
action on the preliminary plat to subdivide 2.14 acres into 5 lots and one outlot and a
variance to allow a 50 foot public right-of-way and directs the applicant to address the
issues, address issues in the staff report and preserves the right for public comment. All
voted in favor, except Commissioner Weick who opposed, and the motion carried with a
vote of 5 to 1.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Weick noted the verbatim and summary
Minutes of the Planning Commission meeting dated July 17, 2018 as presented.
COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS. None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS. Bob Generous presented the update on City
Council action and outlined future Planning Commission agenda items.
Randall moved, Madsen seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the
motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0. The Planning Commission meeting was
adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Submitted by Kate Aanenson
Community Development Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim