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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 02-18-2015ApprovedMinutesCityofPlymouthPlanningCommissionMeetingFebruary18, 2015 MEMBERSPRESENT: ChairJamesDavis, CommissionersBryanOakley, MarcAnderson, JulieWitt, GaryGoldetsky,GordonPetrash, JimKovach MEMBERSABSENT: STAFFPRESENT: PlanningManagerBarbaraThomson, SeniorPlannerShawnDrill, PlannerKipBerglund, PublicWorksDirectorDoranCote 1.CALLTOORDER - 7:00P.M. 2.OATHOFOFFICE – PlanningCommissionerJulieWitt 3.PLEDGEOFALLEGIANCE 4.PUBLICFORUM 5.APPROVALOFAGENDA MOTION byCommissionerOakley, secondedbyCommissionerGoldetsky, toapprovetheFebruary18, 2015Planning CommissionAgenda. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved. 6.CONSENTAGENDA A.APPROVALOFTHEJANUARY21, 2015 PLANNINGCOMMISSIONMEETINGMINUTES MOTION byCommissionerGoldetsky, secondedbyCommissionerAnderson, toapprovetheconsentagenda. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved. 7.PUBLICHEARINGS A.GWSLANDDEVELOPMENTOFPLYMOUTH, LLC (2014121) ChairDavisintroducedtherequestbyGWSLandDevelopmentofPlymouth, LLCforarezoningandpreliminaryplatfor “GWSElementarySchoolAddition” forpropertylocatedatthesoutheastquadrantofCountyRoad47andTroyLane. SeniorPlannerDrillgaveanoverviewofthestaffreport. Approved Planning Commission Minutes February 18, 2015 Page 2 Commissioner Anderson asked for more information on the phasing of the development and how that would relate to the phasing of Enclave on the Greenway. Senior Planner Drill responded that the final plat for Enclave on the Greenway had been approved but was unsure if the residential portion of this project would be done in phases or all at once. He stated that the reason for the preliminary plat request at this time is so the developer is able to sell one lot to the school district. Chair Davis referenced the conservation easements and asked for additional information. Senior Planner Drill responded that the developer would place a conservation easement on the property, which would not allow anyone, including the owners of the affected lots, to remove any vegetation in the affected areas. He stated that the areas would be planted with trees in an attempt to buffer homes to the south from 53th Avenue. He stated that the developer is reviewing creative management options, including the use of a home owner's association or making those areas natural preserves, which require less maintenance. Chair Davis introduced Dave Gonyea, representing the applicant, who stated that the intent would be to begin residential development this year and complete the project in two phases. He advised that the entire site would be graded this summer in conjunction with the school project. He stated that they would like to plant trees and prairie grasses in the conservation easement and noted that the home owner's association would handle the maintenance responsibilities of the easements. Commissioner Goldetsky asked if there was consideration for running the street on the south side of the adjacent lots to the north side of the lots instead. Mr. Gonyea explained that road design works better to the south because of the topography but noted that there would be additional screening efforts. Chair Davis opened the public hearing. Chair Davis introduced Phyllis Stimler, 6035 Troy Lane, who asked if there would be changes to Troy Lane and also if city utilities would be expanded along Troy Lane. Chair Davis closed the public hearing. Public Works Director Cote replied that there are no current plans to make changes to Troy Lane. He stated that if the need arises in the future, Troy Lane could be improved at that time, similar to what occurred on Dunkirk Lane as that area developed. He stated that in reference to utilities, this proposal does include the extension of the sewer and water main trunk from the east side of the development to the west with the possible extension to the northwest comer of Plymouth. Commissioner Anderson questioned if a landscape plan has been submitted for the area between this development and Enclave on the Greenway. Approved Planning Commission Minutes February 18, 2015 Page 3 Senior Planner Drill stated that the landscape plan would be submitted with the final plat. He also noted that two trees would be required to be planted in the front yard of each single family home lot. MOTION by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Oakley, to recommend approval of the request by GWS Land Development of Plymouth, LLC for a rezoning and preliminary plat for "GWS Elementary School Addition" for property located between Troy Lane and Peony/Lawndale Lane. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved. B. WOLD ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS (2014122) Chair Davis introduced the request by Wold Architects and Engineers for a site plan and conditional use permit for a new K-5 elementary school in the Wayzata School District for property located at the southeast quadrant of County Road 47 and Troy Lane. Senior Planner Drill gave an overview of the staff report. Commissioner Goldetsky asked for additional information regarding noise from the chiller unit. Senior Planner Drill responded that the manufacturer is required to develop specification sheets, which identify the noise limits for certain distances. He noted that it is an industry standard. Commissioner Anderson referenced the expansion areas noted on the plan and questioned if additional parking would be needed with those expansions or whether all necessary parking will be constructed at this time. Senior Planner Drill replied that the site 1s already over on parking and would not require additional parking in the future. Commissioner Anderson referenced County Road 47 and confirmed that there are no plans at this time to include a signal. He questioned if the tum lane to the east would support sufficient bus stacking. Senior Planner Drill responded that the applicant's engineer worked closely with Hennepin County to develop that tum lane and noted that Hennepin County did approve those plans. Commissioner Anderson stated that there has been conversation with the city possibly taking ownership of the roadway in the future and questioned if the city was involved in these discussions. He also asked for additional information regarding lighting. Senior Planner Drill confirmed that the city was involved in reviewing the plans and noted that there would also be sufficient space to construct a trail. He also reviewed the lighting regulations in that area and advised that the lighting system controls would be automated to meet the requirements of the district. Approved Planning Commission Minutes February 18, 2015 Page 4 Commissioner Witt asked for additional information regarding the lighting, specifically regarding the impact there could be to the neighboring homes. Senior Planner Drill stated that the city adopted a revised lighting ordinance recently, which is more stringent than it had been in the past. He explained that the previous requirements did not address glare and advised that the new ordinance uses lumens per square foot and sets a maximum amount of lighting that can be in certain areas. He stated there are additional conditions that specify a requirement for house side shields for lights near the lot line. Commissioner Witt stated that she was pleased to see the additional landscaping for the south parking lot, although she believed the plan could include more. She questioned if the city determined to add the park to the east before the school property came forward or whether that decision was made later. She stated it would be more logical in her mind if the park were located closer to the homes, perhaps in the area of the south parking lot. Senior Planner Drill responded that the comprehensive plan identified a park in the general area and explained the city purchased the land about a year ago, prior to the school district's decision on this location. Commissioner Kovach questioned what has been reviewed to improve the traffic for this site compared to other school sites within the city. He noted that the traffic is horrible going in and out of school sites during peak hours. Senior Planner Drill deferred that question to the applicant but noted that the long driveway will help in that situation. He stated there is not another opportunity for access to County Road 4 7 because of the layout for the site. Chair Davis introduced Scott McQueen, Wold Architects, representing the applicant, who stated that the plans have been studied with the developer, school operations, city and county to present the best layout possible. He stated that they are comfortable with the one access and the functions the long driveway will provide. He explained that for school drop-offs, they would prefer slow and organized movement, identifying the stacking, which will occur for drop-off and pick-up. He stated that busses will travel deeper into the site and will be in a separate sequence than the parents on site for pick-up and drop-off Commissioner Goldetsky asked for a breakdown of children that will be arriving by bus as compared to passenger cars. Mr. McQueen was unsure of the breakdown but estimated around 60 percent on average. He noted that number is dependent on the weather. Commissioner Goldetsky questioned if there has been any other planning for additional access to the site. He asked if alternative options were reviewed. Mr. McQueen stated that multiple access points provide speed but do not help with safety, which is the district's main concern. He advised that other access points were reviewed but the access Approved Planning Commission Minutes February 18, 2015 Page 5 point is guided by the county, and they are not interested in other access points. He stated that in order to gain a second access, they would need to utilize a second road. Commissioner Anderson stated that there does not appear to be an acceleration lane for those traveling east. Mr. McQueen stated that they worked with the city and county on access requirements, but confirmed that it does not appear to include an acceleration lane. He stated that the design is what the county is recommending. Commissioner Petrash agreed with the other commissioners that it would make sense to include an acceleration lane. Senior Planner Drill stated that the county would prefer for the traffic to enter the travel lane from a stop and would be concerned with conflicts at the merge point. He stated that item could be studied further and comments could be obtained from the county, noting that the item could be added in the future if needed. Chair Davis opened the public hearing. Chair Davis introduced Leonard Luedke, 17910 County Road 4 7, who stated that he is concerned with possible taking of property to the north side of the road, although he was unsure on which side of the road the tum lanes will appear. He also expressed concerns with water runoff, stating that he would like to see an increase in size for the culvert that drains the water from his property. Chair Davis closed the public hearing. Senior Planner Drill responded that the necessary right-of-way dedication would come from this plat, and there would be no taking of land from the north side. Public Works Director Cote stated that this applicant has not provided their drainage calculations but advised that rate and volume control must be provided on site to maintain "prior to development" standards. He stated that in regard to the culvert, he could certainly review that aspect with the Lawndale Lane project to ensure that appropriately sized culverts are installed. Commissioner Petrash asked for the speed limit on County Road 47. Public Works Director Cote responded that speed limit is 45 miles per hour. Commissioner Petrash asked for additional information in regard to the amount of traffic along the roadway. Jim Randall, 10035 County Road 47, stated that there is a lot of traffic and believed that may change with the tie into Lawndale. He accredited much of the traffic to the nearby high school and commented that the comer has poor visibility and can be dangerous. Approved Planning Commission Minutes February 18, 2015 Page 6 Commissioner Petrash stated that although there may be country standards to manage the traffic, he was concerned with this amount of traffic and speed limit. He stated that perhaps the speed could be lowered or additional safety measures could be added. Chair Davis questioned if there would be a school speed zone near the entrance to the school. Public Works Director Cote responded that once the school is in existence a school zone could be created. He advised that although the county can set the school zone speed limit, the state creates the actual speed limit. He stated that the city has asked the state to review the speed limit three times and the only suggestion has been to increase the speed limit, which is something the city and county do not wish to see. He stated that perhaps the issue could be reviewed once the school is in place. He confirmed again that the county can set the school speed zone. Commissioner Anderson referenced the ability to create an acceleration lane for traffic traveling east and asked how that option could be studied without holding up the construction of the school. Public Works Director Cote stated that staff can approach the county on the issue, but noted that the county's concern would be the conflict that would be created at the merge point. He explained that the county would prefer for vehicle to wait for an adequate gap rather than assuming there will be space at the merge point. Chair Davis stated that he likes the plan because the applicant purchased sufficient land to meet their intent and meet all the city requirements. He also commented that another elementary school will be a welcome addition to the city. MOTION by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Petrash, to recommend approval of the request by Wold Architects and Engineers for a site plan and conditional use permit for a new K-5 elementary school in the Wayzata School District for property located between Troy Lane and Peony/Lawndale Lane. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved. C. MICHAEL HAEGER (2015002) Chair Davis introduced the request by Michael Haeger for a conditional use permit to allow the relocation of an accessory structure to 1410 Yellowstone Lane. Planner Berglund gave an overview of the staff report. Commissioner Anderson asked if the view from County Road 6 would be the front or the back of the structure. He questioned if the same materials would be used for the entire structure. Planner Bergland replied that it appears that the orientation from Country Road 6 would be the side but noted that the applicant can provide additional information. He responded that it appears the same materials were used on all sides of the building. Approved Planning Commission Minutes February 18, 2015 Page 7 Chair Davis introduced Michael Haegar, the applicant, who stated the front of the structure would be facing inwards to the lot while the back would face County Road 6. He stated that the back of the structure would be completely finished as well. Chair Davis opened the public hearing. Chair Davis closed the public hearing. MOTION by Commissioner Oakley, seconded by Commissioner Goldetsky, to recommend approval of the request by Michael Haeger for a conditional use permit to allow the relocation of an accessory structure to 1410 Yellowstone Lane. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved. 8. NEW BUSINESS A.ELECTION OF PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR FOR2015 Commissioner Oakley nominated James Davis as Planning Commission Chair for Year 2015, seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Vote. 7 Ayes. Commissioner Oakley nominated Marc Anderson as Planning Commission Vice Chair for Year 2015, seconded by Commissioner Davis. Vote. 7 Ayes. B.ACCEPT 2015 WORK PROGRAM Planning Manager Thomson introduced the 2015 Work Program. Chair Davis commented that this work program shows that the city is vibrant and commended the commission for their continued hard work. MOTION by Commissioner Goldetsky, seconded by Commissioner Kovach, to accept the 2015 Work Program as presented. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION passed unanimously. C.APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSIONER TO SERVE AS LIAISONTO THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Commissioner Oakley volunteered to serve as liaison to the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee. Vote. 7 Ayes. D.CANCEL MARCH 4, 2015 MEETING The commission canceled the March 4, 2015 Planning Commission meeting. Vote. 7 Ayes. Commissioner Petrash stated that this is his last meeting and noted that it has been great to work with all of the commissioners and staff He stated that he has enjoyed his time on the commission and thinks of Plymouth as a great place to live. ApprovedPlanning Commission Minutes February 18, 2015 Page 8 9.ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Chair Davis, with no objection, to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 P.M.