HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 09-21-2011Approved Minutes
City of Plymouth
Planning Commission Meeting
September 21, 2011
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair James Davis, Commissioners Gordon Petrash, Marc Anderson,
Dick Kobussen, Scott Nelson and Bryan Oakley
MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Nathan Robinson
STAFF PRESENT: Planning Manager Barbara Thomson, Senior Planner Shawn Drill, Senior
Planner Marie Darling, Senior Planner Josh Doty and Office Support Representative Janice
Bergstrom
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. PUBLIC FORUM
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Commissioner Petrash, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the
September 21, 2011 Planning Commission Agenda. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Davis said someone has requested to speak on Item 5.D. Skyline Design, and this item will
be moved to Item 7.A.1.
Commissioner Anderson said an e-mail had been received regarding Item 5.C. Loucks
Associates, and requested it be discussed. Chair Davis said Item 5.C. would be moved to
Item 7.A.2.
A. APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Kobussen, to approve the
September 7, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION
approved.
B. ULTIMATE EVENTS (2011063)
MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Kobussen, to approve the
request by Ultimate Events for a variance to allow outside storage within a portion of a front
yard area at 13405 15th Avenue N. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved.
Approved
Planning Commission Minutes
September 21, 2011
Page 2
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PULTE GROUP (2011066)
Chair Davis introduced the request by the Pulte Group for a preliminary plat for The Willows
Third Addition.
Senior Planner Darling gave an overview of the staff report.
Commissioner Kobussen asked if the water lines to the houses would be shared and asked why
the sewer goes almost to the south end of lot 2.
Senior Planner Darling said each lot would have separate utility services. She said the sewer was
required to be extended to the south property line so properties to the south have access to sewer
when they subdivide.
Commissioner Kobussen asked where Juneau Lane will terminate.
Senior Planner Darling stated
59th Avenue was constructed east through The Willows to Juneau
Lane. She said the Trillium Woods development will continue 59th Avenue to Cheshire
Parkway. Senior Planner Darling said once roads through Trillium Woods are available for
public traffic, the piece of Juneau Lane north of 59th would be removed up to Co. Rd. 47.
Chair Davis introduced the applicant, Ian Peterson, Pulte Homes.
Chair Davis opened the public hearing closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Kobussen, seconded by Commissioner Oakley, to approve the
request by the Pulte Group for a preliminary plat for The Willows Third Addition.
Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved.
B. ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE (2011069)
Chair Davis introduced the request by the Original Pancake House/Savik Hunter, Inc. for a
conditional use permit amendment to allow a restaurant use within an existing commercial
building at 1455 County Road 101.
Senior Planner Doty gave an overview of the staff report.
Chair Davis opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one to speak on the item.
Planning Manager Thomson said clerical staff can attest to the fact there have been a lot of calls
from people who are very thankful the Original Pancake House is coming to our community.
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 21, 2011
Page 3
MOTION by Commissioner Oakley, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the request
by the Original Pancake House/Savik Hunter, Inc. for a conditional use permit amendment to
allow a restaurant use within an existing commercial building at 1455 County Road 101.
Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved.
C. TEAM DEFINITION FITNESS (2011070)
Chair Davis introduced the request by Team Definition Fitness for a conditional use permit to
allow a fitness training facility within an existing industrial building at 3700 Annapolis Lane N.
Senior Planner Doty gave an overview of the staff report.
Commissioner Anderson asked if there would be noise associated with the altitude room
equipment or if there would be any pressure problems with the structure.
Senior Planner Doty said this is the first altitude room in the Midwest, and deferred the question
to the applicant for specifics.
Chair Davis introduced the applicant, Ross Carlson, 16912 51St Avenue N. Mr. Carlson said the
altitude room would be an enclosed room where air is pulled out of the room to simulate training
conditions in Colorado where Olympic athlete go. He said there is no loud noise nor a generator
outside. Mr. Carlson said these are being developed in colleges for team athletes. Mr. Carlson
said they are working with a company from New York who specialize in altitude rooms.
Commissioner Anderson asked if the technology and structure of the wall exists to hold the
pressure.
Mr. Carlson answered affirmatively.
Commissioner Nelson asked about the age range of athletes who will train.
Mr. Carlson said it will be a diverse range, but mainly 13 — 14 year old kids. He said there could
be some professional athletes using it and added the individual who is setting this up is an ex -
NFL football player.
Commissioner Nelson asked if there are requirements for minors who use the equipment and the
altitude room.
Mr. Carlson said equipment is used under staff surveillance. He said there would be one trainer
for every 4-5 athletes. Mr. Carlson said insurance forms must be signed.
Commissioner Kobussen asked if the altitude room has a vacuum pump and where it would it be
located. He asked if it would be screened and asked the noise range of the pump.
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 21, 2011
Page 4
Mr. Carlson said he did not have specifics on the noise range. Senior Planner Doty said the city
code has noise regulations for the generator and any external noise which would be enforced at
the time the building permit is issued. Senior Planner Doty said rooftop equipment needs to be
painted to match the building or screened.
Mr. Carlson said the generator will be in the interior of the building.
Chair Davis opened the public hearing.
Chair Davis introduced Marge Christensen, 1150 Black Oaks Lane N., who asked if 13-14 year
olds would need parental permission to come into the facility.
Mr. Carlson said minors do not come in without parental consent and all will be supervised with
certified trainers.
Chair Davis closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the
request by Team Definition Fitness for a conditional use permit to allow a fitness training facility
within an existing industrial building at 3700 Annapolis Lane N. Vote. 6 Ayes.
MOTION approved.
7. NEW BUSINESS
A.1. SKYLINE DESIGN (2011068)
Chair Davis introduced the request by Skyline Design for a variance for impervious surface
coverage to allow a room addition at 1151 Black Oaks Lane N.
Chair Davis introduced Marge Christensen, 1150 Black Oaks Lane N. Ms. Christensen said her
neighbors never told her about the proposed addition and she learned of it from the HOA Board's
minutes. Ms. Christensen said she purchased her home 25 years ago at a premium because of the
pond view from her living room. She said that vista will disappear with the proposed addition
and will lower her property value. Ms. Christensen said the addition will be closer to her unit
and would have two windows facing into her home. She said she will not agree to extend the
fence between the homes which will further box her in. Ms. Christensen said the proposed
addition would not alter the neighborhood, just her house and would make it much less livable
for her. Ms. Christensen addressed impact on adjacent properties and said it would definitely
impair her light and air. Ms. Christensen said the HOA minutes stated two plans for additions
were approved, but only one needed a variance and she said she would like to protest this
variance.
Commissioner Petrash asked if the homeowners association approved this.
Ms. Christensen said both plans were approved.
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 21, 2011
Page 5
Chair Davis introduced Ron Splett, 7620 Kalk Road, Hamel, MN who said they have built 100
of these rooms in the last 15 years and have never had any problems with blocking views. He
said any addition would block a view to some extent. Mr. Splett said there is a 16 -foot diameter
spruce tree at the corner of this lot that blocks most of the view, Ms. Christensen has a spruce in
her yard, and there are numerous spruce trees along the pond blocking views. Mr. Splett said
both of the plans needed a variance because of the shoreland and both were approved by the
association. He added that the association guidelines require 8 feet from a property line, which
prevents many additions, and the proposed addition has a 17 -foot setback. Mr. Splett said many
lots are so small you can't put additions on, but this one had a lot of room. Mr. Splett said the
owner is putting in only two windows rather than glass all around, for privacy reasons and
reduced the size of the addition from 308 square feet to 300 square feet. Mr. Splett said the
owner originally considered the addition in 2004, but is now retiring and wants more room.
Commissioner Petrash asked if the alternate proposal would block as much view as this one.
Mr. Splett said the other addition was 14 x 22 feet and went to the corner of the building, where
the proposed goes three feet past the building.
Commissioner Kobussen asked if the smaller addition would require a variance.
Mr. Splett said the variance would still be required for impervious surface coverage, not for
setbacks from the lot line.
Planning Manager Thomson clarified they are already over the impervious surface maximum so
there is nothing they can do on this lot without a variance.
Commissioner Anderson said the variance for impervious surface is for an increase of
1.1 percent. He said as the subdivision was calculated, it was looked at as a whole.
Commissioner Anderson said the maximum impervious surface regulations have moved around
and they cannot build one square foot without a variance. He said he does not have a problem
increasing by 1.1 percent when the overall coverage is not an issue. Commissioner Anderson
asked what regulations exist regarding view sheds. He said people like to keep their view and
other people like to use their property. He said he does not think we have any ordinances that
say we can't change someone's view shed.
Planning Manager Thomson stated there is no ordinance regarding view shed. She said there are
some riparian requirements in the shoreland regulations but they would not apply to this
situation.
Commissioner Nelson echoed Commissioner Anderson's comments, and said there has been a
consistent pattern of approving amendments in this development and the city council has
approved 13 out of 13 requests and he did not see how we could not approve this.
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 21, 2011
Page 6
Ms. Christensen said there are evergreens, but when she stands on her patio she can see across to
the pond. Ms. Christensen asked about property value reduction because her view is being
wiped out.
Planning Manager Thomson said we don't have an appraiser present but she did not think there
would be an appreciable change in the value of Ms. Christensen's property.
Ms. Christensen said she has never seen the alternate plan but it would have been nice to see
alternate plans.
MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Petrash, to approve the request
by Skyline Design for a variance for impervious surface coverage to allow a room addition at
1151 Black Oaks Lane N.
Chair Davis said he appreciates Ms. Christensen's concerns but will vote in support. Chair
Davis said the homeowner owns this property and is putting on a small patio room; we have
approved 13 already and can't single this one out because a neighbor won't like the effect of his
addition on another property.
Commissioner Anderson added it seems to be a communication issue between the two
homeowners and this should have been discussed. Commissioner Anderson said they are
looking only at the variance issue before them.
Commissioner Petrash added this might have been best handled by the homeowners association.
Commissioner Kobussen said the other patio is being taken out to improve impervious surface
and that is what we concerned about, Commissioner Kobussen said because of the previous
pattern of approving these variances and there is no way to improve this property without
approving the variance because of the way the development was created, he would support this
request. Commissioner Kobussen said he would encourage the two homeowners to discuss any
way they can improve the view if there is any way they can do it amenably.
Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved.
A.2. LOUCKS ASSOCIATES (2011064)
Chair Davis introduced the request by Loucks Associates for a site plan amendment to expand
the building and related site improvements at 5000 Fernbrook Lane N.
Senior Planner Darling gave an overview of the staff report. Senior Planner Darling said a letter
was received from a property owner to the west. She addressed the concerns and said there are
limitations on the hours of construction and streets are cleaned a minimum of once a week or
more, based on the condition of the roadway. Senior Planner Darling said another comment was
at shift changes employees ignore stop signs or have rolling stops at Fernbrook Lane. She said
that concern has been forwarded to the traffic division to monitor that activity as necessary.
Approved
Planning Commission Minutes
September 21, 2011
Page 7
Senior Planner Darling said she discussed with Public Works Director Cote whether the
additional traffic justifies the need for a traffic signal at the intersection. Public Works Director
Cote said a study and warrants would have to be met to justify installation of a signal. He noted
that the intersection on the north side of Schmidt Lake Road is the lowest generator of traffic at
that intersection, and he said traffic could be tripled on the north approach without impacting the
intersection.
Commissioner Petrash asked where the residents access.
Senior Planner Darling said the residents can access on to Fembrook Lane or access directly on
Schmidt Lake Road to travel west.
Commissioner Anderson said this request adds a third driveway but it does not align directly
across to
51St Avenue. He said usually driveways and streets are aligned across from each other.
Commissioner Anderson asked what were the thoughts related to that driveway and traffic
issues.
Senior Planner Darling said the application was reviewed by various staff and there were no
specific comments concerning the alignment of this driveway with the street. She added that
both are low traffic generators in this area and potential for conflict is very low.
Commissioner Kobussen said there would be 79 additional parking spots and asked if there will
be that many more cars in the area.
Senior Planner Darling explained they are adding 79 more parking spaces to compensate for
losing a small parking lot on the north side of the property which was rarely filled, and to
accommodate additional employees.
Commissioner Kobussen asked how many employees will be added at Turck.
Chair Davis introduced Chris Kafer, Director of Operations at Turck. Mr. Kafer said Turck will
add 25-30 employees over the next three years.
Commissioner Nelson said a variance was granted for impervious surface coverage when this
building was originally built in 1996, and asked if impervious surface coverage is an issue with
this addition.
Senior Planner Darling stated the variance is not n issue because when Turck was originally
constructed the shoreland regulations stated that the entire parcel had to be considered within the
district if any part was in the district and consequently the entire property was held to that 25%
coverage rule, and therefore needed the variance. Senior Planner Darling said the ordinance has
since been modified, and now the portion that is within the shoreland district is the only area of
the property that is subject to the 25% maximum coverage limitation. She said no impervious
coverage is proposed within the shoreland overlay district.
Approved
Planning Commission Minutes
September 21, 2011
Page 8
MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the
request by Loucks Associates for a site plan amendment for a building expansion and related site
improvements at Turck, Inc. at 5000 Fernbrook Lane N.
Chair Davis said he thinks this is a good idea, and is glad to see this business expanding and
adding employees, and it is a nice looking building.
Commissioner Kobussen said he is also glad to see the business expand, and said he does not
think 25 cars a day is going to make a major difference on that intersection. He added the
volume of traffic is on Schmidt Lake Road.
Commissioner Petrash said he can understand how the behavior of some people, such as loitering
and not stopping for stop signs, can bother some people, and said he hopes the city focuses on
enforcing the existing laws and requirements.
Chair Davis said he has worked in a manufacturing plant, and at the end of the day people fly out
and it is a race to the exits. He noted this is a small street but it is important to adhere to safety
regulations.
Planning Manager Thomson reiterated that Senior Planner Darling has contacted the patrol
division regarding this matter.
Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved.
A.3. HGA (2011065)
Chair Davis introduced the request by HGA for a site plan amendment for a building expansion
and related site improvements at the Hazelden Center for Youth and Families at 11505 36th
Avenue N.
Senior Planner Drill gave an overview of the staff report. He said three letters have been
received and are now part of the public record. Responding to Mr. Herby's letter, Senior Planner
Drill said that there is no state law or city ordinance that prohibits an institutional use from being
located within 500 feet from another.
Chair Davis introduced Jim Steinhagen, Executive Director for Hazelden.
Commissioner Kobussen asked about truck access.
Mr. Steinhagen said trucks would continue to use both entrances. Mr. Steinhagen said Hazelden
is celebrating its 30t'
anniversary of providing services at that site. He said the reason for the
expansion is economics, and supply and demand. He said Hazelden has a strong reputation
across the country for the services it provides for persons suffering from alcohol and drug
addiction. He said the demands for their services have exceeded what they can accommodate,
and they want to respond at a higher level to that need and fulfill their mission as intended.
Approved
Planning Commission Minutes
September 21, 2011
Page 9
Commissioner Nelson asked about the increase in staff for the 32 additional patients, and if there
would be groups coming in during the day.
Mr. Steinhagen said they are projecting full occupancy to be 107 beds, and there would be 50
positions added. He said this is a 24/7 facility and there are three shifts, so individuals are spread
out over those shifts. Residents at the facility cannot have vehicles. He said the traffic increase
will be negligible.
Commissioner Nelson said he lives in the area and he noted in the emails residents have concerns
about potential crime issues. Commissioner Nelson asked about Hazelden's procedure and
policy addressing this issue.
Mr. Steinhagen said there is a stereotype to this population. He said at their open houses the
question was raised if the neighborhood is at risk if the expansion is approved. Mr. Steinhagen
stated no and said they do not have a relationship with the criminal justice system. He said these
are not bad kids - they are sick kids and desperately in need of help. He stressed that safety is
equally important at Hazelden as they want to ensure that patients and staff are not at risk. Mr.
Steinhagen said there is a comprehensive screening, pre -entry process. He said this is not a
gated facility and it is voluntary. Mr. Steinhagen said they have a strong working relationship
with the Plymouth Police Department if there is ever a need. Community risk is kept at lowest
level possible.
Chair Davis asked about noise pollution from trucks.
Mr. Steinhagen said the current entry and exit point is a driveway owned by Missions, Inc. which
would be used as an entrance point. He said the new driveway would be encouraged for exit use
as the incline is less and the noise pollution factor will be mitigated.
Planning Manager Thomson asked when deliveries occur.
Mr. Steinhagen said deliveries are usually between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday — Friday.
Commissioner Petrash asked about ambulances and the use of sirens.
Mr. Steinhagen said ambulances drive up and pick up. He explained that if a young person
decompensates mentally, staff will make an assessment whether to transfer that individual. He
said the procedure is to call 911, and the police escort the ambulance and deliver the patient to
the health care facility ensuring their safety. Mr. Steinhagen said this is a transport situation only
and there are no sirens.
Commissioner Petrash asked how often this occurs.
Mr. Steinhagen said this occurs maybe twice a month. He said a separate entrance on the south
side of the facility is used so as not to be disruptive to others.
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 21, 2011
Page 10
Chair Davis asked about sirens.
Mr. Steinhagen said he was not aware of the sirens ever having been used for an emergency
situation, and reiterated noise should not be an issue.
Chair Davis introduced Phil Lindau, 2825 Medicine Ridge Road. Mr. Lindau said he has lived
in the area since 1990 and walks and rides bike on the path every week. Mr. Lindau said he
didn't even really know Hazelden was there. He said he is a member of Calvary Lutheran
Church, and he has become familiar and aware of families that have needed this facility. Mr.
Lindau said he is very supportive of the proposal.
Commissioner Petrash asked if the proposed addition will match architecturally.
Chair Davis introduced Rebecca Sanders, HGA, who said the existing building has cement board
siding. She said the addition would have cement board siding which will be painted to match
and there would be stone material added on the exterior.
Commissioner Nelson stated that it has been an interesting evening with a new pancake house, a
state of the art training facility for athletes, once again proving what a well rounded community
this is. He said this is a world class treatment facility that is well known to family and friends,
and Commissioner Nelson said he will wholeheartedly support this proposal.
MOTION by Commissioner Petrash, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the request
by HGA for a site plan amendment for a building expansion and related site improvements at the
Hazelden Center for Youth and Families at 11505 36`h Avenue N. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION
approved.
8. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Chair Davis, with no objection to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m.