REGULAR MEETING OF THE VADNAIS HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 28, 2017

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1 OPEN MEETING REGULAR MEETING OF THE VADNAIS HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 28, 2017 Chair Carnes called the Regular Meeting of the Vadnais Heights Planning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. on February 28, ROLL CALL Brian Carnes, Chairperson Dave Anderson Linda Bigelbach Edward Caillier Gary Nelson Joseph Stumph Evan Cordes Martin Jokinen, First Alternate Curt Cooper, Second Alternate Absent Also present: Kevin Watson, City Administrator; Nolan Wall, Planning/Community Development Director; Mary Matze, Consulting Planner, Greg Urban, City Council Liaison, Jeff Melcoch, Cable Producer; and Michaela Kujawa-Daniels, Recorder. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Upon motion by Commissioner Cordes, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, it was RESOLVED, to approve the February 28, 2017, Regular Meeting Agenda. The resolution was adopted. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon motion by Commissioner Bigelbach, seconded by Commissioner Cordes, it was RESOLVED, to approve the minutes of the December 27, 2016, Regular Meeting. The resolution was adopted.

2 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Chairperson Carnes opened the floor to the public at 7:06 p.m. for questions and comments on items not on the agenda. No one wished to address the Commission, Chair Carnes closed the meeting to the public at 7:07 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Case : Dynamic Air, Inc. Site Plan, Variances at 1125 Willow Lake Boulevard Consulting Planner Matze reviewed the site plan for a proposed building addition and variance requests from the required minimum off-street parking and front yard setback standards for the subject property with the Planning Commission. Consulting Planner Matze stated the only condition related to the site plan is that they replace any trees being removed during construction to not further add to the nonconformity of this site in regards to the code. She stated the site should have had 107 trees on the lot to be up to code and currently doesn t. Commissioner Bigelbach asked about other parking variances for commercial uses and if the setback is a safety concern. Ms. Matze stated she didn t not analyze parking on other sites and the proposed setback isn t a safety concern; it is about keeping the look and feel of the buildings and area consistent. Chair Carnes asked what the vestibule would look like compared to the existing building; Ms. Matze showed a rendering of the vestibule and stated it would be consistent. Mark Conner, Vice President of Engineering and Manufacturing, Dynamic Air Inc., addressed the Commission. He stated he has been with the company for 29 years. Chair Carnes noted this isn t a huge expansion and asked if he feels the building will continue to be large enough for the business. Mr. Conner stated he believes it will provide plenty of room hopefully for the next years. Chairperson Carnes opened the public hearing at 7:21 p.m. Chairperson Carnes closed the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. Upon motion by Commissioner Jokinen, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, it was RESOLVED, to recommend approval of the Site Plan and Variances, based on the findings and fact, with the following conditions: 1. The applicant shall demonstrate compliance with Section (2)(2) of the Zoning Ordinance or the applicant shall replace the trees removed on the premises and provide a revised site plan showing the location of the new trees 2

3 for staff review and approval prior to obtaining a building permit. Tree shall be placed in a location that is acceptable to the applicant and City staff. 2. The applicant shall obtain a certificate of occupancy for the new building addition. 3. The applicant shall comply with the Fire Chief s memo dated 01/31/ Prior to release of the building permit, the applicant shall enter into a development agreement with the City. B. Case : City of Vadnais Heights. Comprehensive Plan Amendment at 3429/3437/3447 Centerville Road and unaddressed City-Owned Parcel Planning/Community Development Director Wall reviewed the Comprehensive Plan Amendment request to re-guide the subject properties to High Density Residential and increase the maximum expected density range with the Planning Commission. Chair Carnes stated there will be a future hearing regarding the actual structure and development of the property and stated tonight they are just making a motion on whether or not they will even move forward with the plan at this time. Commissioner Jokinen asked what type of parking and access will be on this site. Mr. Wall stated the majority will be underground parking with some above ground parking as well and access from both County roads. Commissioner Nelson asked for confirmation on the density request. Mr. Wall responded that the amendment includes eliminating the maximum density provision in the Plan for high density residential land uses in order to increase flexibility for the city and potential developers, but the City would have ultimate control under the PUD provisions in most cases. Chair Carnes called for comments from the public on this item. Ron Garceau, 3453 Centerville Road, addressed the Commission. He stated he has a petition signed by most of the neighborhood voting against this plan. He stated he has lived in the same neighborhood his entire life and has had only one neighbor, the idea of waking up one day in the near future and having hundreds of neighbors is very upsetting. He stated it is his worst nightmare come to life. He noted some of his other concerns are traffic, parking, preserving nature, and termites being disrupted by development and them migrating to other areas of the City. Chris Koentopp, 3479 Centerville Road, addressed the Commission. She stated she feels very strongly that if this plan is approved that there should be a cap on the size of the development, it shouldn t be left open to the developer s discretion. She asked the Commissioners if they felt personally that they would be in favor of this being in their backyard or neighborhoods. Chair Carnes stated that isn t the question they are here to ask 3

4 today. Ms. Koentopp stated she is disappointed that the Commissioners will not respond to the question. Joe Kaas, 710 Bibeau Court, addressed the Commission. He stated he just moved into his current development. He stated his family moved because they were trying to leave the high-density area that became of their old neighborhood. He stated a very similar thing happened, he had land and they developed apartments in the neighborhood and it created a big change to the community. He stated he is concerned about the same thing happening in the new neighborhood. Mike Garceau, 3457 Centerville Road, addressed the Commission. He stated that his backyard right now overlooks the lake and he has an amazing view, one of the reasons he loves his property. He stated he is upset about the thought that that will be taken from him and he could potentially only see an apartment building in the future. He asked the Commission to seek alternative options for the site. Darlene Garceau, 3480 Edgerton Street, addressed the Commission and stated she is the oldest resident who grew up in the neighborhood and still lives there. She stated she is very sentimental about this plan because it is her home she is talking about. She stated she is worried about many things because of building the apartments; water flow issues because of extra usage, the feel of the neighborhood changing, the idea that they could build an apartment complex any size they wanted is extremely upsetting. Bill Koentopp, 3479 Centerville Road, addressed the Commission and stated he is worried about the character of the neighborhood and emergency services traffic. He stated with the high-density and unlimited capacity on this structure is concerning. He stated he worries about what the City will become and asked the Commission to envision if this is what they want the City to look like. Wayne Motzko, 3469 Centerville Road, addressed the Commission and stated he is a lifelong resident who purchased his family home. He stated he has public safety concerns, he stated he has a child who takes the bus off Centerville Road and he has had to have Sheriffs sit in his driveway to make sure people slow down. He stated with the already concerning traffic flow they are now talking about adding hundreds of people driving on that street, and that is a major concern he stated. He stated putting in some single level townhomes that would offer a great view of the lake while still giving the residents their views and land would be ideal for everyone. He asked the Commission if they would be able to guarantee that the apartments will not turn to HUD or Section 8 funding if in fact they can t fill the apartments. Bruce Dischinger, 701 Bibeau Court, addressed the Commission, he stated he and his wife have only lived there for five months but have come to love the area. He asked if there are other comparable apartments that are off a transit line and how successful have they been filling those with millennials. He stated the plan doesn t fit for transportation, the environment and the community and noted the City should do more research and find out what could better suit the community as a whole. 4

5 Paul Houck, 1133 Roselawn Avenue West, addressed the Commission and stated he owns the property adjacent to the land to be developed and he stated he would voluntarily include his land in the lot if needed for the apartments. There were no further comments from the public. Commissioner Cordes asked if the proposed plan is approved, would the City ultimately have the final say in the height and density. Planning/Community Development Director Wall replied stating the City will have a say as they own the property. Commissioner Cordes asked if townhomes or single-family/townhouse developments have been researched or considered for this plan. City Administrator Watson stated for the City Council expressed the desire to get their investment back and townhomes and single-family homes will not recover the investment. Chairperson Carnes asked if there was a pollution or waste issue on this piece of land. City Administrator Watson stated he is correct and provided further background on the history of the site and the City s involvement. The City purchased the land to clean it up and redevelop it. Commissioner Stumph stated he has lived in the City for 14 years, he stated he knows he needs to be subjective but he feels this building is like putting a hotel in the middle of a neighborhood. He stated the only reason he can see the City doing this is for monetary gain, noting the view would be amazing for the people in the apartments but at the cost of the neighborhood that used to have the great view of the lake. He stated he does not agree with this for many reasons and cannot support it. Chair Carnes stated he does not live right next to the proposed site but stated he is very concerned about the traffic on Centerville Road and stated he does not see how it can support even an 80-unit apartment complex in that area. Planning/Community Development Director Wall stated the County did review the request and did not offer any comments on traffic, but noted that traffic will be studied as part of a potential future development to ensure the roads can support the traffic flow. Chair Carnes stated he would want the study to be done by someone who drives these roads everyday because it is a serious issue and he does not see how it can be corrected. He further commented that he was not sure this site is appropriate for a high-density residential use. Commissioner Nelson asked if the parcels would need to be rezoned to do what is being proposed and then have a hearing on that. Planning/Community Development Director Wall stated that is correct. Commissioner Cordes asked if the parcels were re-guided to high-density residential, would that exclude the ability of a developer to build single-family or townhouse developments on the property. Planning/Community Development Director Wall referred to the table in the staff report, which shows the current density range for high-density residential land use. 5

6 Commissioner Nelson asked what would have to happen if another commercial development were to be interested in the site after the properties are re-guided to highdensity residential. Planning/Community Development Director Wall stated in that scenario, a commercial use would be not be consistent. Chair Carnes reviewed the proposed findings of fact for approval and questioned whether the proposed change to high-density residential land use is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Planning/Community Development Director Wall reviewed the location of the subject property and the surrounding residential land uses, noting that only a few properties are directly adjacent to the proposed development site and that the lake and vacant properties are also in close proximity. Commissioner Bigelbach stated she is not in favor of this on a personal level or for the City as a whole. She stated Gable Pines development has been brought up a few times in reference to this plan and stated it does not compare, she stated Gable Pines is not located in the same neighborhood area as the proposal would be. She stated she would like to see the financial implications if they put townhomes or single-family homes on that land. Upon motion by Commissioner Cordes, seconded by Commissioner Bigelbach, it was RESOLVED, to recommend that Case : City of Vadnais Heights. Comprehensive Plan Amendment at 3429/3437/3447 Centerville Road and unaddressed City-Owned Parcel is tabled for a future agenda. Direct staff to gather information and studies on single-family/townshouse homes under the existing density and to gather traffic reports for the area of the plan. Ayes 6 Nays 1 Stumph OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS A. Case : Interstate Development Partners, LLC. Code Amendment concerning Transportation/Transit Uses in the Industrial (I) Zoning District. Planning/Community Development Director Wall reviewed the proposed Code Amendment concerning Transportation/Transit Uses in the Industrial (I) Zoning District and described the site and building and the applicant s proposed use. Commissioner Jokinen asked how far away the Gable Pines development was from the proposed site and if the storage tanks would be kept underground. Planning/Community Development Director Wall stated that Gable Pines is not zoned as residential and he believes they will have filling stations above ground but covered. Wall noted the fire department would enforce where the tanks can and cannot be. Commissioner Jokinen asked what type of fencing they will have. He stated he wouldn t be in favor of a chain 6

7 link and barbwire fence. Planning/Community Development Director Wall stated the City wouldn t be in favor of that either. Mike Brass, Colliers International, introduced representatives from the potential developer and user. Commissioner Nelson questioned whether or not the parking will be adequate for the proposed use. Planning/Community Development Director Wall responded that it would be up to the developer and user to ensure they provide enough parking as part the special use permit process, should the code amendment be approved. Tim Ogren, General Manager of First Transit, stated there will be about employees on site during the week and about drivers and some take public transportation. Victoria Perbix, Interstate Development, she stated she doesn t have a site plan yet but they will provide that for the Commission to ensure it is adequate and it can be addressed as part of the special use permit review process. Upon motion by Commissioner Cordes, seconded by Commissioner Stumph, it was, RESOLVED, to recommend approval of the Zoning Code Amendment request contained in DRAFT Ordinance 708, based on the following findings of fact: 1. Components of the proposed use are consistent with other permitted and special uses currently allowed by the Zoning Code within the Industrial District. 2. The proposed use is appropriately classified as a special use, with conditions, within the Industrial District. 3. The proposed conditions ensure high-quality development standards and seek to mitigate any potential negative impacts to surrounding properties. 4. The subject property is currently vacant and has several constraints for re-use by potential single and multi-tenant warehouse, manufacturing, or office uses. 5. The applicant intends to make significant investments to improve the subject property in order to operate the proposed use and bring jobs to the community. B. Case : City of Vadnais Heights. Code Amendment concerning the Planning Commission. Planning/Community Development Director Wall described this item and provided a presentation with background on this item. Upon motion by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Bigelbach, it was RESOLVED, to recommend approval of the Zoning Code Amendment request contained in DRAFT Ordinance 709, based on the following findings of fact: 7

8 1. Minor revisions are required to the Commissioner appointment and expense allowance processes to be consistent with current practice. 2. State statute requires any municipality with zoning authority to provide by ordinance for a Board of Zoning Appeals and Adjustments, which is proposed to be the Planning Commission. 3. The existing Variance Review Board has a narrow focus and limited role, which is proposed to be eliminated and added to the duties of the full Planning Commission to encourage a more transparent, consistent, and equitable variance review process. C. Case : City of Vadnais Heights. Code Amendment concerning Interim Uses, Special Uses, and Temporary Classroom Buildings in the Residence One (R-1) Zoning District. Planning/Community Development Director Wall described this item and provided a presentation with background on this item. Commissioner Bigelbach asked how long the school has asked for a special use permit. Planning/Community Development Director Wall stated the special use permit goes with the land and the interim use permit can be conditioned to expire. The school has a special use permit in place currently, so instead of amending the current special use permit they are seeking the interim use permit in the near future. Upon motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, it was RESOLVED, to recommend approval of the Zoning Code Amendment request contained in DRAFT Ordinance 710, based on the following findings of fact: 1. The current Code provisions for interim and special uses are inconsistent with the applicable state statutes. 2. In order to properly utilize interim use permits as a zoning tool and mitigate potential impacts to surrounding properties, standards for reviewing, conditioning, revoking, and extending interim use permits should be adopted. ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS A. Elect Chairperson Chair Carnes asked if any Planning Commission members would like to be Chair. Upon motion by Chair Carnes, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, it was 8

9 RESOLVED, to appoint Joseph Stumph as the Chair of the Planning Commission. B. Elect Vice Chairperson Upon motion by Chair Carnes, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, it was RESOLVED, to appoint Linda Bigelbach as the Vice Chair of the Planning Commission. C. Appoint Economic Development Authority Representatives (2) Upon motion by Chair Carnes, seconded by Commissioner Bigelbach, it was RESOLVED, to appoint Gary Nelson and Evan Cordes as the Representatives to the Vadnais Heights Economic Development Authority. D. Appoint Variance Review Board Members Upon motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Cordes, it was RESOLVED, to appoint Dave Anderson, Brian Carnes, and Edward Caillier to the Variance Review Board. E. Accept Annual Expense Allowance Upon motion by Chair Carnes, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, it was RESOLVED, to accept Annual Expense Allowance Report. 9

10 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE PROCESS Planning/Community Development Director Wall provided background and information on this item and what is being proposed. More information will be presented monthly as the project moves forward. REPORTS A. Council Liaison No report. B. Planning Commissioners Chair Carnes welcomed new members of the Planning Commission. C. Planning and Engineering Staff None at this time. NEXT MEETING The next Planning Commission meeting will be held on, March 28, ADJOURN MEETING Upon motion by Commissioner Cordes, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Michaela Kujawa-Daniels TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 10

Case : Pope Architects. Site Plan At 3391 Labore Road

Case : Pope Architects. Site Plan At 3391 Labore Road Chairperson Joseph Stumph Commission Members Dave Anderson Linda Bigelbach Ed Callier Brian Carnes Evan Cordes Gary Nelson Martin Jokinen Curt Cooper City Administrator Kevin P. Watson The City of Vadnais