HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 03-12-1996CITY OF PLYMOUTH
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 12, 1996
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mike Stulberg, Commissioners Allen Ribbe, John
Stoebner, Roger Berkowitz, Jeff Thompson, Tim Bildsoe,
and Saundra Spigner
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Director Anne Hurlburt, Senior Planner John Keho, Planner
Shawn Drill, City Engineer Dan Faulkner, and Clerical
Supervisor Denise Hutt
1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Public Forum: None.
3. Approval of Agenda: Approved.
4. Approval of Minutes:
Commissioner Spigner requested that the minutes be amended to reflect that she arrived
before Commissioner Ribbe.
MOTION by Commissioner Ribbe, seconded by Commissioner Thompson to approve the
February 27, 1996 Planning Commission Minutes as amended.
Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Commissioner Spigner requested that Item 5A (City of Plymouth --Site Plan to relocate
existing amphitheater to a site immediately north of the City offices) be removed from the
Consent Agenda. Chairman Stulberg noted that the item would be heard after Item 6C.
B. Life Time Fitness (96026)
MOTION by Commissioner Berkowitz, seconded by Commissioner Spigner to
recommend approval of the request by Life Time Fitness for a Site Plan for a Temporary
Sales Office facility to be located on the northwest corner of the Cub Foods Store.
Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page #49
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CARLSON REAL ESTATE COMPANY. (95008)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Carlson Real Estate Company for a
Preliminary Plat, Final Plat and Site Plan and Variance for 15,000 square feet of retail
shops for Carlson Center 14th Addition for property located southwest of Cheshire Lane
and Carlson Parkway.
Senior Planner Keho gave an overview of the March 8, 1996 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Brad Lis, representing the petitioner.
Mr. Lis concurred with the staff report. Mr. Lis stated that they appreciate having the
opportunity to present this project. The project will offer service/convenience type uses.
Commissioner Berkowitz queried as to what types of businesses are anticipated for the
site.
Mr. Lis responded that they are investigating the possibilities of a coffee shop, bagel shop,
dry cleaners, oriental restaurant, and quick printing business or the like.
Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to
speak on the issue.
MOTION by Chairman Stulberg, seconded by Commissioner Spigner to recommend
approval of a Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, Variance and Site Plan for Carlson Real Estate
company for property located at the southwest corner of Cheshire Lane and Carlson
Parkway.
Roll Call Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
B. KHDC H, INC. FOR KINDERBERRY HILL (96007)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by KHDC II, Inc. for Kinderberry Hill for a Site
Plan and Conditional Use Permit for an 11,600 square -foot child development center
located southwest of Cheshire Lane and Carlson Parkway.
Senior Planner Keho gave an overview of the February 28, 1996 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Janis Blumentals, representing the petitioner.
Mr. Blumentals indicated that he concurred with the staff report. Mr. Blumentals
presented a graphic of what the building will look like when completed.
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March 12, 1996
Page #50
Chairman Stulberg introduced Nola Kreml of 3650 Annapolis Lane North.
Ms. Kreml, Executive Vice -President of KHDC II, Inc., stated that this facility would be
the fourth in Plymouth. They currently have three New Horizon facilities in Plymouth.
She stated that Kinderberry Hill is an upscale of a New Horizon facility and she had
received numerous calls from interested parties.
Commissioner Bildsoe asked what type of grading is being anticipated for the play area to
shield it from I-494. He suggested that for the safety of the children, there be some type
of screening so that traffic can not see into the play area.
Mr. Blumentals replied that the play area would contain a gradual slope. He stated that
there would not be any trees in the play yard. They do not want the children climbing
trees. He added that there would not be any screening of the play area, as they don't want
to block the view of the play area from I-494 since the play area would function as a sign
for the day care.
Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to
speak on the issue.
MOTION by Commissioner Ribbe, seconded by Commissioner Spigner to recommend
approval of a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan for KHDCA II, Inc. for property
located at the southwest corner of Cheshire Lane and Carlson Parkway.
Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
C. CITY OF PLYMOUTH/LIFE TIME SPORTS COMPLEX (96003)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by the City of Plymouth/Life Time Sports
Complex for a Preliminary Plat, Site Plan, Conditional Use Permit and Variances for a
89,306 square foot Ice Arena and a 128,596 square foot Fitness Center including indoor
and outdoor leisure swimming pools and an indoor competition pool and diving well on a
40.23 acre site located east of Plymouth Boulevard between 35th and 37th Avenue North.
Director Hurlburt gave an overview of the March 4, 1996 staff report outlining the
existing site and where the Ice Arena, Life Time Fitness and the City Amphitheater would
be located. She also noted the current existing businesses surrounding the area such as the
Cub Foods Store, Plymouth Towne Square and State Farm Insurance. Director Hurlburt
stated that the City is subdividing the land in order to facilitate the pending agreement with
Life Time Fitness, which requires separate lots for Life Time Fitness, parking and the ice
arena.
Chairman Stulberg introduced James O'Shea of Shea Architects.
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March 12, 1996
Page #51
Mr. O'Shea stated that this project will represent the core of the community for people to
gather. Mr. O'Shea commented that one of the unique features about this project is that a
public and private sector have partnered to create something to serve the community. The
proposed facility would provide facilities that are unlike any other community in the twin
cities area or even in the state.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Vicki Hooper of Shea Architects.
Ms. Hooper explained that this would be the transitional piece between the urban core of
City Center and the park. Ms. Hooper stated that there are two primary entrances; one
for the fitness center and one for the hockey arena. She pointed out the parking
circulation from the main entrance and the parking area east of the facility, for overflow
from the hockey arena. There will be a site wall/fence along the perimeter that would
provide the "edge" that a small setback would have established, and link the building back
to the street to meet City Center Design Guidelines. The corner of 37th Avenue and
Plymouth Boulevard will provide for a community garden and bench seating area. Ms.
Hooper stated that pedestrian access to the building is important throughout the entire
City Center, and public plazas at both entrances will be provided. There will be two ponds
that will be landscaped.
Ms. Hooper gave a brief overview of the facilities. The Ice Arena will have an olympic
rink and a practice rink, with a seating capacity of 925 for the olympic rink versus 225 for
the practice rink. The Ice Arena will have rooms for teams, figure skating clubs and
referee rooms. Ms. Hooper stated that the Life Time Fitness facility would contain locker
rooms and a day care in the lower level. The upper level is for the workout machines.
There will be two basketball courts and four racquet ball courts. The facility also includes
a competition pool with a 300 seating capacity, sauna, kids and adult whirlpools, leisure
pool with slide, and an exterior recreational pool.
Mr. O'Shea added that the Ice Arena and Life Time Fitness facilities will be constructed
simultaneously, while the landscaping will be completed in phases.
Commissioner Thompson asked for a projected completion date.
Mr. O'Shea replied that they hope to be operational by the end of 1996.
Director Hurlburt described the phasing of the landscaping plan. Director Hurlburt
indicated that the proposed landscaping plan far exceeds the City's Landscaping Policy
requirements in both the number of plans and the size of the plants. She said that the
landscaping part of this project is the City's responsibility. The City plans to install
plantings by the spring of 1997 that would meet both the Landscape Policy and the City
Center Zoning District requirements. The first priority would be along the streets and the
parking lot areas. The remaining landscaping would be installed over the next two to
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March 12, 1996
Page #52
three years. Plantings around the sides and back of the building, as well as, around the
N URP pond would be installed in the later phases. There will be some phasing of the
landscaping for the community garden shown at the corner of 37th Avenue and Plymouth
Boulevard.
Director Hurlburt addressed the possible changes to the wall or fence to be located along
Plymouth Boulevard and 37th Avenue North. The plans show a wall or fence on both
street frontages. This design feature would offset the placement of the building back from
the street. The material proposed for the wall/fence will match those used in the building
and around the pool area. The material includes the use of four -foot tall masonry piers 12
feet apart with either a hedge or wrought iron fence between the piers. Director Hurlburt
also indicated that the length of the wall/fence may not be as long as shown on the plans
and that cost will be a factor in determining the final design. The fence sections will likely
be located where they would help to establish focal points, such as at the entrances to the
site. The current plans are based on the new zoning ordinance districts that should be in
effect before this is built.
Eric Blank, Director of Park & Recreation, described the interior layout of the ice arena
and various activities planned for the facility. He stated that the plans are available at City
Hall for anyone to review.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Bahram Akradi, owner of Life Time Fitness.
Mr. Akradi stated that this facility would be the largest and most complete fitness center in
his company.
Commissioner Spigner asked where the sidewalks would be.
Director Blank replied that there are existing sidewalks on Plymouth Boulevard and there
will be a sidewalk on 37th Avenue that will connect to a trail.
Commissioner Spigner asked what the signage would consist of and if it would be
cohesive with the City Center Plan.
Mr. O'Shea responded that the signage issue has not been addressed yet, but it would be
cohesive with the City Center Plan.
Commissioner Spigner asked what the signage would say.
Director Blank stated that although the exact details of the signage had not been finalized,
both Life Time Fitness and the City would be identified. He also said that there would be
signage at the entrances to the facility identifying the ice arena and the fitness center.
Commissioner Spigner asked where the landscaping and ponds fit into the schedule.
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March 12, 1996
Page #53
Director Hurlburt explained that the pond is currently a wetland that will be filled and
mitigated. It will become a N URP pond that must be constructed in concurrence with the
building.
Commissioner Berkowitz stated his preference for more sidewalk through the parking area
on the south side of the south parking lot connecting Plymouth Boulevard to the building.
He asked if there had been any consideration for a separate entrance to the pools and a
sidewalk from the east parking lot directly to the pool area.
Director Blank replied that people would need to go through the facility to be able to use
the pool facilities to ensure membership and to better control the safety of the pool area.
Commissioner Bildsoe asked if there would be a trail linking to Plymouth Creek.
Director Blank responded affirmatively.
Commissioner Bildsoe concurred with Commissioner Berkowitz's suggestions for a
sidewalk on the south end of the facility to tie in the sidewalk on Plymouth Boulevard.
Commissioner Spigner asked if provisions have been made that would make the outdoor
pool available for low income residents of Plymouth.
Director Blank said that children, under the age of 13, of Life Time members would not be
required to pay to use the pool. He also said that the City and Life Time are working on a
pool pass program that would address this.
Chairman Stulberg opened the public hearing. Chairman Stulberg introduced a letter
dated March 12, 1996 received from Kenneth Anderson of 15100 -38th Avenue North.
Mr. Anderson's letter questioned the merits of granting the variance based upon the
significant size of the lot which creates maximum opportunity to design a building which
does conform to the setback requirement. Mr. Anderson's letter also indicated safety
concerns caused by potential traffic going to Rockford Road by going through the
residential areas to the east. His letter suggested having two points of ingress/egress on
Plymouth Boulevard, one at 36th Avenue and one at 35th Avenue. His letter also
suggested that the site be linked with the existing sidewalk on the north side of 37th
Avenue and/or be constructed on the south side of 37th Avenue to be connected to the
existing pedestrian trail traversing under 37th Avenue immediately to the east of the
subject site.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Renate Melillo of 15300 -37th Avenue North.
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March 12, 1996
Page #54
Ms. Melillo stated that she manages Summer Place Apartments and was concerned with
the noise and increased traffic that the project will generate. She asked what the hours of
construction would be.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Bev Kottas of 2995 Harbor Lane.
Ms. Kottas stated that she is a representative of the Plymouth Civic League and is
concerned that the amphitheater be completed in time for Music in Plymouth to be held on
July 2, 1996. She requested that a member of the Plymouth Civic League be kept
informed of the project status to ensure the event goes smoothly.
Chairman Stulberg closed the public hearing.
Director Blank stated that construction noise is prohibited between the hours of
10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. He stated that staff does not expect there to be any unusual
noise from a construction project such as this.
Director Blank agreed with Ms. Kottas' concerns. Since Music in Plymouth is also a City
responsibility, staff has made the contractor aware of the July 2, 1996, event date and will
do everything possible to make sure the event is safe and on time.
City Engineer Faulkner stated that they will have an approved erosion control plan which
regulates erosion, NURP ponds and construction debris. Mud and construction debris
needs to be cleaned up on a daily basis. The construction management would be
responsible for street sweeping, debris clean up and erosion control.
In response to Mr. Anderson's letter, Director Hurlburt stated that the setback
requirement is very different for the City Center Plan compared to the rest of the City.
The City Center Plan requires the buildings be moved closer to the streets to create a
different feel. This site is unique since it is in the public area of the downtown. Because
of the grade change and the wetlands, the parking area was placed in the front of the
facility. A traffic analysis was completed and the area is designed to handle the projected
amount of traffic generated by the proposed project. She explained that although some
traffic will use the neighborhood streets east of the site for access to County Road 9, that
the design of the parking lot was designed to encourage use of Plymouth Boulevard.
Most traffic would gain access to the site from the west rather than through the
neighborhood.
MOTION by Commissioner Ribbe, seconded by Commissioner Bildsoe to recommend
approval of a Preliminary Plat, Variances, Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan for the
City of Plymouth and Life Time Fitness for property located east of Plymouth Boulevard
between 35th and 37th Avenue North.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page #55
MOTION to Amend by Commissioner Berkowitz, seconded by Commissioner Spigner to
add a new Condition #12 requiring an additional trail be added to the south side of the
south parking lot connecting Plymouth Boulevard to the building.
Commissioner Thompson suggested that the requirement of an additional trail be deferred
to a committee for discussion.
Commissioner Bildsoe asked if a trail is being anticipated for this area.
Director Blank responded that they have not gotten to that point yet.
Mr. Akradi stated he did not think a sidewalk/trail would be warranted as there is not
enough residential property west of Plymouth Boulevard to make use of it.
Commissioner Thompson stated that trees would be sacrificed for a trail that may not be
necessary.
Commissioner Spigner commented that a trail or sidewalk would be appropriate, as the
concept of the downtown to promote pedestrian traffic and a trail would encourage that.
Roll Call Vote on Amendment. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried on a 5-2 Vote.
Commissioner Thompson and Chairman Stulberg voted nay.)
Roll Call Vote on Main MOTION. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
D. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (96016) (Moved from Consent)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by the City of Plymouth for a Site Plan to
relocate the existing amphitheater to a site immediately north of the City offices.
Senior Planner Keho gave an overview of the February 23, 1996 staff report.
Commissioner Spigner asked for an explanation of a sentence in the staff report "prudent
or practical parking".
Director Blank explained that providing adequate on-site parking for a one-time event
such as Music in Plymouth is not practical when there is off-site parking available. He
added that for other possible weekly events, there would be parking available at the City
Offices and the Ice Arena.
Commissioner Spigner stated her concern with members of Life Time Fitness and patrons
of the Ice Arena having space available for their use if an event is going on at the
amphitheater.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page #56
Director Blank responded that the events that would take place at the amphitheater would
be short term and should not interfere with the Life Time Fitness or Ice Arena facilities.
Director Hurlburt asked how many parking spaces are available at City Hall.
Director Moore responded that including public safety, there are approximately 300
spaces.
Commissioner Spigner asked if anything had been taken into account for future parking
expansion for the amphitheater site.
Director Blank stated staff is hesitant to expand now, but they have the ability to add
spaces in the future. The parking expansion would take away a significant amount of the
trees; therefore, shared parking with other potential businesses in the downtown area
would be preferred.
MOTION by Commissioner Spigner, seconded by Commissioner Stoebner to recommend
approval of the Site Plan for the City of Plymouth for property located east of Plymouth
Boulevard and north of the Plymouth City offices.
Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
Chairman Stulberg called a recess at 8:35 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:48 p.m.
E. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (96008)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the 1996-2000 Capital Improvements Program (CIP)
Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Assistant City Manager Lueckert gave an overview of the March 8, 1996 staff report.
Commissioner Berkowitz asked if there is an overriding safety issue to expand Schmidt
Lake Road at I-494 as scheduled in 1998, or can it be put off until the bridge would need
replacement.
Director Moore replied that there is a safety issue on Schmidt Lake Road since Schmidt
Lake Road is four lane, but narrows to two lane at I-494. There is no program scheduled
for I-494 by MnDot. Under the City's tax increment financing, the funds need to be spent
by the year 2000.
Commissioner Berkowitz asked if there was any speculation for an interchange at I-494
and Schmidt Lake Road.
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March 12, 1996
Page #57
Director Moore replied that the Comprehensive Plan indicates an interchange, but it may
not come to fruition until 2010 to 2015.
Chairman Stulberg asked how staff calculates the increase of construction costs.
Assistant City Manager Lueckert explained the increase is based on the inflation rate.
Chairman Stulberg asked how proposed changes in tax increment financing will affect the
City and scheduled projects.
Assistant City Manager Lueckert responded that the City has tried to take every
precaution so that projects will not be impacted. The Tax Increment Financing Plan was
redone and bonds were sold to get projects committed and funded.
Commissioner Ribbe asked which side of Zachary Lane the trail will run.
Director Moore indicated that the trail will likely be on the west side as there are currently
segments of sidewalk in place on the west side.
Commissioner Ribbe asked if there would be an alternative route to exit Harrison Hills
before the reconstruction project begins on Zachary from Schmidt Lake Road North to
County Road 10.
Director Moore replied that the project may be completed in phases for different access
points.
Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to
speak on the issue.
MOTION by Commissioner Spigner, seconded by Commissioner Ribbe to recommend
approval of the 1996-2000 Capital Improvements Program for the City of Plymouth.
Roll Call Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
F. ENTRY ONE, INC. (96012)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Entry One, Inc. for a Conditional Use Permit
to allow the existing home at 10440 Rockford Road to be legally used as a duplex.
Planner Drill gave an overview of the March 4, 1996 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Michael McNealy, the petitioner.
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March 12, 1996
Page #58
Mr. McNealy stated that he concurs with the staff report.
Commissioner Spigner asked if the duplex would be remaining on the site.
Mr. McNealy replied affirmatively.
Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the public hearing as no one present to speak on the
issue.
MOTION by Commissioner Stoebner, seconded by Commissioner Spigner to recommend
approval of the request by Entry One, Inc. for a Conditional Use Permit for property
located at 10440 Rockford Road.
Roll Call Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Thompson commented that had the Commissioners known of the master
plan for the parking situation at the amphitheater site, they might not have added a
condition for a trail.
Chairman Stulberg replied that once the item was removed from consent, he should have
placed it before the Life Time Fitness/Ice Arena project to alleviate that.
Commissioner Spigner stated that it is important to base issues on a visionary point of
view and the Commission should take everything into consideration.
Commissioner Thompson stated that the Commission recommended a sidewalk for an area
that indicates on the master parking plan could have to be taken out at some time if
parking space is expanded. He added that had it gone to a committee to look at further, it
may not have been warranted.
Commissioner Spigner asked what type of items can be sent to a committee.
Chairman Stulberg replied that anything could be sent to a committee with direction of
who should review it, such as a committee of staff and Planning Commissioners, or
outside consultants.
Commissioner Spigner asked if the sidewalk issue had been sent to a committee, would it
have stopped the project.
Commissioner Stulberg replied that it was only an amendment to the resolution, it would
not have stopped the project.
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March 12, 1996
Page #59
Director Hurlburt stated that the intent was to table that particular item to look at it more
carefully. It probably would have been referred to the City Council and they would have
made the decision.
8. NEW BUSINESS
None.
9. OLD BUSINESS
Commissioner Ribbe stated that he would not be able to attend the March 19 special
meeting.
Director Hurlburt suggested that due to feedback, the schedule be altered to avoid special
meetings. In order to avoid special meetings, the Zoning Ordinance topics would have to
be added to the regular Planning Commission Meeting's agenda, which would entail
Commissioners receiving more material, with less time for discussion.
Commissioner Thompson commented that he would not be available on April 2, but stated
his preference to have the discussions during the regular meetings.
Commissioner Ribbe noted he would prefer less meetings even though they would be
longer.
Commissioner Berkowitz stated he would prefer fewer meetings even though they may be
longer.
Commissioner Bildsoe stated either is fine, but thought you could get more out of special
meetings.
Commissioner Spigner stated she preferred special meetings, as she tends to get "burned
out" with long hours.
Commissioner Stoebner commented that either was fine, but suggested adding to the
regular meeting for now to see how it goes.
Chairman Stulberg suggested working on a 30 -day basis to see how it goes.
Commissioner Spigner stated that a special meeting should be held for the items that seem
to be the most difficult.
Director Hurlburt commented that at this point, it would be difficult to determine what
issues would take the most time to discuss.
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March 12, 1996
Page #60
Director Hurlburt stated that the background/philosophy of the Zoning Ordinance will be
on the agenda for the March 26 meeting. The regular meeting can be adjourned and pick
up the Zoning Ordinance discussion is a less formal atmosphere. The special meetings of
March 19 and April 2 are canceled. If the Commissioners have any questions regarding
the material in their packet pertaining to the Zoning Ordinance, they should get their
questions to staff before the scheduled meeting, so they can be addressed.
MOTION by Commissioner Spigner, seconded by Commissioner Stoebner to adjourn.
VOTE. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.