Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 03 CITY OF LAKEVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES August 17, 2017 Chair Swenson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The pledge of allegiance to the flag was given. New Planning Commission alternate Jeff Witte was sworn in at tonight’s meeting. Members Present: Chair Jason Swenson, Vice Chair Pat Kaluza, Karl Drotning, Brooks Lillehei, Elizabeth Bakewicz, Jeff Witte, Ex-officio Member Mike Lamm Members Absent: Scott Einck, Paul Reuvers, and Jason Kelvie Others Present: Daryl Morey, Planning Director; Frank Dempsey, Associate Planner; Kris Jenson, Associate Planner; Daniel Licht, The Planning Company; Matt Decur, Senior Project Engineer; and Penny Brevig, Recording Secretary 4. Approval of the Meeting Minutes The August 3, 2017 Planning Commission meeting minutes were approved as presented. 5. Announcements Mr. Morey stated that the following items were distributed at tonight’s meeting: • August 16, 2017 Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources draft motions regarding the Spirit Place at Brandtjen Farm 3rd Addition and Bethlehem First Addition preliminary and final plats • Revised Grading and Drainage Plan for Bethlehem Baptist Church • Elevation cross section for Bethlehem First Addition • Power Point handout of the Urban Land Institute’s “Navigating Your Competitive Future” workshop that took place on August 14th at City Hall. Mr. Morey welcomed new Planning Commission alternate Jeff Witte. He also thanked Matt Decur, Senior Project Engineer, for his service to Lakeville and wished him luck in his new position in Farmington as Assistant City Engineer. 6. First Park Lakeville 4th Addition Chair Swenson opened the public hearing to consider the application of RJ Ryan Construction, Incorporated on behalf of Gulnar, LLC for the vacation of a public drainage and utility easement, located along the south 50 feet of Outlot E, First Park Lakeville. Bob Houle, surveyor at Westwood Surveying & Engineering presented a brief overview of the request. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, August 17, 2017 Page 2 Associate Planner Frank Dempsey presented the planning report. Mr. Dempsey stated the vacation of a 50 foot wide public drainage and utility easement is being requested in conjunction with the final plat application for First Park Lakeville Fourth Addition. He indicated that the easement to be vacated, which is located along the south boundary of the plat, will be replaced by a new easement with the final plat. Mr. Dempsey stated that Planning Department staff will review and is authorized to approve the site plan and parking deferment applications administratively. The Planning Commission will conduct the easement vacation public hearing and forward a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will act on the final plat application and easement vacation at an upcoming City Council meeting. Mr. Dempsey stated that staff recommends approval of the First Park Lakeville 4th Addition easement vacation subject to the two stipulations listed in the August 11, 2017 planning report. Chair Swenson opened the hearing to the public for comment. There were no comments from the audience. Motion was made by Kaluza, seconded by Lillehei to close the public hearing at 6:10 p.m. Voice vote was taken on the motion. Ayes – unanimous Chair Swenson asked for comments from the Planning Commission. There were no comments. Chair Swenson indicated that this was basically an administrative item. Motion was made by Lillehei, seconded by Drotning to recommend to City Council approval of the First Park Lakeville 4th Addition public drainage and utility easement vacation subject to the following stipulations: 1. The easement vacation is subject to the recording of the final plat of First Park Lakeville 4th Addition 2. The recommendations listed in the August 4, 2017 engineering report. Ayes: Bakewicz, Lillehei, Swenson, Kaluza, Witte, Drotning Nays: 0 7. Bethlehem Baptist Church Addition (Tabled from the August 3rd Planning Commission meeting) Chair Swenson stated that the Planning Commission will consider the application of Bethlehem Baptist Church, which was tabled at the August 3, 2017 Planning Commission meeting, for the following, located east of Kenrick Avenue and south of 205th Street: A. preliminary and final plat of one lot and one outlot to be known as Bethlehem Baptist Church Addition; B. Conditional use permit to allow: a) a religious institution in the C-3, General Commercial District; b) building height greater than 35 feet; and c) an exception to the exterior building material requirements for an institutional use. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, August 17, 2017 Page 3 John Hendricks from Bethlehem Baptist Church presented an overview of the changes to the plans that they are proposing after listening to the neighbors at the August 3rd Planning Commission meeting. He appreciated the opportunity to address the neighbor’s questions and concerns and reiterated that the church wants to be a good neighbor. He indicated that church representatives met with City staff, which included the City Forester and the church’s landscape designer, following the August 3rd Planning Commission meeting. He stated they are proposing to reduce the future parking area by 41 spaces on the east side of the site and shift the future parking area 50 feet to the west to provide approximately 150 feet between the future parking lot and the closest single family home to the east. Mr. Hendricks also indicated that they are proposing to plant evergreen trees on a 2-foot berm located entirely outside of the gas pipeline easement with the initial construction of the church. As such, the trees will have time to mature before future church building and parking lot construction. He stated the entire site needs to be graded with the initial church construction to meet stormwater ponding requirements. Joel Cooper, Engineer with James R. Hill, presented the revised grading and landscaping plans. He stated that the proposed stormwater ponds need to be installed on the north end of the property with the initial site development since the site drains to the north. There is significant underbrush that is not listed on the tree inventory that would remain and help with screening of the ponds from the neighborhood to the east. Mr. Cooper indicated that the parking lot is essentially at the second floor level of the closest homes, which are 150-200 feet from the proposed church parking lot. Commissioner Lillehei asked Mr. Cooper about the ground elevation of the closest house to the church property. Mr. Cooper responded that the elevation at the front of the house is 1039 feet and the elevation at the top of the pond is 1039.5 feet. Associate Planner Frank Dempsey presented the planning report. Mr. Dempsey stated that at the August 3, 2017 public hearing, the Planning Commission heard from the applicant, Planning Department staff and residents of the adjacent Enclave at St. Frances Woods neighborhood regarding the Bethlehem Baptist Church request for the construction of a church on their property. The neighbors’ concerns were possible impacts from the development of the church property to the Enclave at St. Frances Woods neighborhood to the east, tree removal, the future phase parking lot, freeway noise, and possible impacts to property values. Mr. Dempsey indicated that the public hearing was closed and the Planning Commission requested that staff work with church representatives to revise the site plan and landscape plan to improve the screening of the future parking lot. Mr. Dempsey reviewed the revised site plan and landscape plan which is discussed in detail in the August 11, 2017 planning report. He stated that the revised plans submitted by the church exceed the Zoning Ordinance requirements for buffer width and the installation of the landscape screening in advance of the future parking lot construction. Mr. Dempsey stated that staff recommends approval of the preliminary and final plat and CUP, and adoption of the Findings of Fact dated August 17, 2017, subject to the eight stipulations listed in the August 11, 2017 planning report. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, August 17, 2017 Page 4 Chair Swenson stated that the public hearing was closed at the August 3rd Planning Commission meeting. Chair Swenson stated that one spokesperson from the neighborhood could come up to the podium and make a statement regarding the revised plans. Jeanne Carls, 20610 Kaiser Circle Ms. Carls thanked the Planning Commission, City staff and the Bethlehem Baptist Church representatives for listening to the neighbors’ concerns from the August 3rd Planning Commission meeting. As spokesperson for the neighborhood she indicated their main concern is to save as many trees on the church property as possible. She stressed that they provide protection from the wind, noise, and provide habitat for the wildlife. She appreciated the initiative for planting trees on the berm, but would like a few more trees planted and to plant the trees closer together. She asked if the proposed ponding could be shifted to save additional trees in the northeast corner of the site. Ms. Carls appreciated the plans for the maintenance of the ponds so that there won’t be 4-foot high thistles like the ponds in their neighborhood. Ms. Carls commented that the neighborhood is uncomfortable having work done around the natural gas pipeline. Chair Swenson asked for comments from the Planning Commission. Discussion points included: • Grading, drainage and stormwater basins were discussed. The Planning Commission received confirmation from the engineers present that the proposed stormwater basins are in the appropriate location due to the typography of the site and that the underground basins that were suggested by the neighbors are dramatically more expensive than traditional stormwater basins. • The planting of additional trees and the preservation of existing trees was discussed. Staff stated the City Forester was not present at tonight’s meeting but in the meeting with church representatives following the August 3rd Planning Commission meeting she indicated that you do not want to plant trees too close together or their growth will be stunted. It is better in the long run to space the trees a little farther apart. The City Forester also provided input on the proposed tree species. • Regarding the concern of the neighbors with excavating around the gas pipeline, Mr. Cooper stated two feet of fill must be maintained over the pipeline. In addition, the contractors will notify the gas company when they plan to be working within the pipeline easement. • The Planning Commission thanked the neighbors for their respectful participation in the process and the church representatives for listening to the neighbors’ concerns. The neighborhood questions and concerns led to improved plans. Motion was made by Lillehei, seconded by Drotning to recommend to City Council approval of the Bethlehem Baptist Church Addition preliminary and final plat of one lot and one outlot, conditional use permit to allow a religious institution in the C-3, General Commercial District, building height greater than 35 feet, and an exception to the Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, August 17, 2017 Page 5 exterior building material requirements for an institutional use, and adoption of the Findings of Fact dated August 17, 2017, subject to the following stipulations: 1. The recommendations listed in the Engineering Department memorandum dated July 26, 2017. 2. The building and site shall be developed consistent with the plans approved by the City Council including the revised site plan and landscape plan dated August 8, 2017. 3. The Grade A and Grade B exterior building materials shall not be painted. 4. The cross shall not exceed 52 feet in height. 5. Outlot A shall be deeded to the City with the final plat. 6. A $20,000 landscape security shall be submitted with the final plat. 7. A sign permit application shall be submitted and approved by the City prior to the installation of any signage. 8. The future building addition and/or parking expansion requires approval of a conditional use permit amendment. Ayes: Lillehei, Swenson, Kaluza, Witte, Drotning, Bakewicz Nays: 0 8. Spirit Place at Brandtjen Farm 3rd Addition Chair Swenson opened the public hearing to consider the application of Carey and Jessica Tri, River’s Edge Dental for the following, located south of 160th Street (CSAH 46) and west of Elmhurst Lane: A. Preliminary and final plat of one lot to be known as Spirit Place at Brandtjen Farm 3rd Addition and PUD development stage plans for a multiple tenant commercial building; and B. Vacation of public drainage and utility easements. Carey and Jessica Tri from River’s Edge Dental and Joel Cooper from James R. Hill were in attendance at tonight’s meeting. Jessica Tri presented an overview of their request. Ms. Tri indicated that their proposed building will consist of their dental office, an orthodontist office and a future tenant to be determined. Planning Consultant Daniel Licht presented the planning report. Mr. Licht stated that River’s Edge Dental has submitted plans for Spirit Place at Brandtjen Farm (SPBF) 3rd Addition to be platted from Outlot B, SPBF. The proposed preliminary and final plat will consist of a multiple tenant commercial building. Mr. Licht indicated that the lot requirements, building materials, building height, off- street parking, trash enclosure, and exterior lighting all comply with the Zoning Ordinance requirements. The proposed landscape plan shows appropriate plantings for the site and the sizes comply with Zoning Ordinance requirements. The landscape plan will be revised to relocate the shade trees that are proposed north of the principal building so that they are outside of the 25-foot reserve area. Mr. Licht reviewed the proposed signage, including the freestanding sign with electronic messaging, which are all allowed per the Zoning Ordinance. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, August 17, 2017 Page 6 Access to the site will be via the shared private drive within Outlot A, SPBF 1st Addition with the proposed plans showing adequate access for semi-trucks and/or delivery vehicles through Lot 1, Block1. Mr. Licht stated that staff recommends approval of the Spirit Place at Brandtjen Farm 3rd Addition PUD Development Stage Plan, preliminary and final plat and easement vacation, subject to the five stipulations listed in the August 9, 2017 planning report. Chair Swenson opened the hearing to the public for comment. There were no comments from the audience. Motion was made by Drotning, seconded by Lillehei to close the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. Voice vote was taken on the motion. Ayes – unanimous Chair Swenson asked for comments from the Planning Commission. Discussion points included: • Chair Swenson asked about the proposed future sidewalk on the north side of the proposed building. Mr. Licht responded that the sidewalk on the front of the building will provide access for the tenants to the trash enclosure. • Commissioner Lillehei stated he is pleased that the Spirit of Brandtjen Farm development has continued to attract homeowners and new businesses. Motion was made by Drotning, seconded by Bakewicz to recommend to City Council approval of the Spirit Place at Brandtjen Farm 3rd Addition PUD Development Stage Plan for a multiple tenant commercial building, preliminary and final plat, and vacation of existing drainage and utility easements, subject to the following stipulations: 1. The landscape plan shall be revised to locate shade trees north of the principal building parallel to 160th Street (CSAH 46) outside of the 25-foot reserve area. 2. All utility plans shall be subject to review and approval of the City Engineer. 3. All grading, drainage, and erosion control plans shall be subject to review and approval of the City Engineer. 4. All easements shall be subject to review and approval of the City Engineer. 5. The developer shall pay $7,074.00 as a cash fee in lieu of land for park dedication requirements in accordance with the SBF Master Development Agreement. Ayes: Swenson, Kaluza, Witte, Drotning, Bakewicz, Lillehei Nays: 0 9. Bethlehem First Addition Chair Swenson opened the public hearing to consider the application of AG Architecture for the following, located east of Ipava Avenue, south of 192nd Street, and west of Dodd Boulevard (CSAH 9): A. Preliminary plat of two lots and final plat of one lot and one outlot to be known as Bethlehem First Addition; B. Comprehensive Plan Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, August 17, 2017 Page 7 amendment to re-guide a portion of the property from Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential; and C. Zoning Map amendment to rezone a portion of the property from RM-1, Medium Density Residential to RH-2, Multiple Family Residential. Mike Miller from AG Architecture, Michael Klatt, President of the Lutheran Home Association in Belle Plaine, and Grant Jacobson from Jacobson Engineers & Surveyors were in attendance at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Klatt presented an overview of the request. He indicated that his organization is a small non-profit ministry that has been around since 1898 and serves seniors and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their services range from nursing homes, memory care, low income housing and support services primarily in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He indicated that they are currently looking to partner with Bethlehem Lutheran Church, who is a member of their ministry. Bethlehem Lutheran Church is looking to build a new church on this site and Lutheran Home Association is looking to develop a senior independent apartment building on the site as well. He sees being close to the high school as a very attractive part of their development as seniors may suffer from loneliness, helplessness and boredom and a high school provides opportunities for volunteering and community events. Mr. Miller presented an overview of the site plan and how the exterior of the building will look. He indicated that his company specializes in designing senior living facilities. They are proposing a 70-unit, three story independent living apartment building above an indoor parking garage at ground level. Associate Planner Kris Jenson presented the planning report. Ms. Jenson stated that this project is proposing a three-story independent senior housing building with 70 one and two-bedroom units and a main level parking garage to be known as Kingsway Lakeville senior housing. The remaining property is proposed to be developed in the future as Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Mr. Jenson explained the Comprehensive Plan amendment process. She indicated the proposed Kingsway Lakeville development, with the senior housing apartments, will be compatible with Lakeville North High School to the south and the detached townhomes to the north. Ms. Jenson indicated that the developer is proposing to rezone a portion of the Bethlehem First Addition plat from RM-1, Medium Density Residential District to RH- 2, Multiple Family Residential District. The remainder of the property (Outlot A) will remain zoned RM-1, Medium Density Residential District. Ms. Jenson stated that the Bethlehem First Addition preliminary plat abuts 194th Street and Ipava Avenue. Three access points are proposed from the Kingsway Lakeville lot to 194th Street with no direct access onto Ipava Avenue at this time. A sidewalk connection will be constructed from the existing trail to the sidewalk proposed along the front of the senior apartment building. Ms. Jenson indicated that there are 95 significant trees on the submitted tree inventory and preservation plan with 49 trees proposed to be saved and 46 to be removed. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, August 17, 2017 Page 8 Indiana Avenue aligns with 192nd Street at Ipava Avenue and with 194th Street at Dodd Boulevard. Ms. Jenson indicated that the City will consider renaming Indiana Avenue to 194th Street with this development to better conform with adjacent street names. Ms. Jenson reviewed the site plan, including density, setbacks, parking/circulation, loading/delivery area, trash storage, building height, exterior building materials, and site lighting, all of which meet the Zoning Ordinance requirements. A landscaping plan was completed for the Kingsway Lakeville senior building. The City Forester reviewed and commented on the landscape plans. Staff is recommending that the lilacs proposed to be planted along the south property line be replaced by evergreen trees located to fill in the gaps of the existing trees adjacent to the Lakeville North High School parking lot. Ms. Jenson indicated that the revised landscape plan must be submitted prior to City Council consideration of the plat. Ms. Jenson stated that staff recommends approval of the preliminary and final plat, Comprehensive Plan amendment and Zoning Map amendment, subject to the six stipulations listed in the August 9, 2017 planning report. Chair Swenson opened the hearing to the public for comment. Michael Bauman, Superintendent for ISD #194 He expressed the following concerns on behalf of the Board of Education: • Will the senior citizens be accepting of the noise, lighting, busing, student drivers and major school events that are in close proximity to the facility? • Concern about stormwater drainage impacts from the subject property on the school property. Will the drainage affect the school parking lot or retaining wall that the school district spent $800,000 to construct? • Stated that the school district wants to be a good neighbor but also wants to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars • Would like consideration given to senior drivers and younger drivers being in close proximity because of this proposed development Motion was made by Lillehei, seconded by Kaluza to close the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. Voice vote was taken on the motion. Ayes – unanimous Chair Swenson asked for comments from the Planning Commission. Discussion points included: • Senior Project Engineer Matt Decur explained how the drainage will work on the subject property. He indicated that the existing and proposed site drainage will direct stormwater away from the school property and the retaining wall. • Mr. Klatt stated he has walked the site several times and they want to be a good neighbor to the high school as well. While he cannot guarantee that there will be no noise or lighting complaints from his residents, he firmly believes this is a good site for a senior housing facility because the seniors want opportunities to interact with others. This interaction will occur at the church Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, August 17, 2017 Page 9 after it is constructed and at the high school during football and basketball games, and theater activities. He stated there will be mentoring opportunities as well. He stated the senior apartment management will work with the school district to minimize complaints. • Screening was discussed. It was pointed out that the Zoning Ordinance does not require the senior housing project provide screening from the high school. Motion was made by Kaluza, seconded by Lillehei to recommend to City Council approval of the Bethlehem First Addition preliminary and final plat, Comprehensive Plan amendment to re-guide a portion of the property from Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential and Zoning Map amendment to rezone a portion of the property from RM-1, Medium Density Residential to RH-2, Multiple Family Residential, subject to the following stipulations: 1. Implementation of the recommendations listed in the August 9, 2017 engineering report. 2. The site and buildings shall be developed in compliance with the plans as approved by the City Council and in accordance with Zoning Ordinance requirements. 3. A sign permit shall be issued by the Planning Department prior to the installation of any signs. 4. Snow storage shall not take place in required parking spaces. If there is not adequate space to store snow on site, snow must be hauled from the site. 5. The Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance amendments are subject to the recording of the Bethlehem First Addition final plat. 6. Prior to City Council consideration, the landscape plan shall be revised to provide additional screening along the south property line between the Kingsway Lakeville senior building and Lakeville North High School. Ayes: Kaluza, Witte, Drotning, Bakewicz, Lillehei, Swenson Nays: 0 There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Penny Brevig, Recording Secretary