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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. Planning Commission Minutes 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. Planning Commission Minutes 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 Planning Commission Minutes 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. Planning Commission Minutes 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. Planning Commission Minutes 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. Planning Commission Minutes 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. Planning Commission Minutes 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. Planning Commission Minutes 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. Planning Commission Minutes 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.