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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 06-19-1990CITY OF PLYMOQTH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 19, 1990 The Special Meeting of thi City of Plymouth, Planning Commission was called to orde- at 7*.00 p.m. MEMBERS PREfENT.- Chalrmti Richard Plufka, Commissioners John W re, Dennis Zylla, Joy Tierney, Larry Phrofsky and Michael Stulberg. MEMBERS ABSENT -k Commissioner Hal Pierce. STAFF PRESENT: Coordinator Charles Dillerud and City Enqinee'r Dan Faulkner. Chairman Plufka announced that this was a special Planning COUNTY ROK0 24 Commission meeting to consider cortiments of the public with ALIGNMENT respect to alternative alignments for County Road 24 south of Medina Road to Vicksbu,.,g Lane and, Medina Road in the vicinity of the intersection with County Road 24. hairman Plufka introduced Rick Brown of the firm, Strgar- R)scoe-Fausch, Inc. to present the alignment alternatives developed by the City's traffic consultant. Rick Brown introduced Mr. Bob Roscoe and 11r. Dennis Eyler, also of Strgar-Ro.coe-Fausch, Inc,, Mr. Brown presented a series of six alignment alternatives for Ci,unty Road 24/County Road 9 between points south of Medina Road and the intersection with Vicksburg Lane. He noted that Strgar-Roscoe-Fausch, Inc. recommended an alignment that is located westerly of the existing wetland areas existing north and south of State Highway 55 and east of Dunkirk Lane,. He stated that the recommended alignment is based on the following positive characteristics. - 1. Confirmation from W-nnesota DNR that all wetland encroachment is avoiaea. 2. The fewest and the flattest curvatu-es. 3. Intersection with Highway 55 at :i stretch that is both straight and not super elevated. 4. Phasing of the road construction would be simplified. Planning Corn.ission Minutes Jane 19, 1990 Page 2 Chairman Plufka observed that the State of Minnesota has ignored erosion control practices with the improvement underway on Int. state 494. He asked the consultant if the County could, at a later date, make improvements to a new County Road 24/County Road 9, the construction of which would ignore erosion control in the same manner and cause the degradation of the wetland the City was now trying so hard to avoid with the initial road location. Mr. Brown indicated that erosion control measures were currently required and will likely be even a more important factor in the future. He said it is hard to avoid some environmental degradation with a major roadway adjacent to a wetland area. Commissioner Wire inquired as to whether Vicksburg Lane will continue to intersect Highway 55 at grade in the future. Mr. Eyler responded that the State may or may not permit the continued irtersection of Vicksburg Lane with State Highway 55 in the future based on whether Highway 55 becomes an expressway or a freeway. Commissioner Marofsky asked Mr. Eyler what the purpose of County Road 9/County Road 24 is. Mr. Eyler respozided,that it will certainly function as a relief to State Highway. 55, but he also noted that County Road 24 County Road 9 would become the only eastwest roadway extending from one side of Plymouth to the ofrer. Commissioner Marofsky asked Mr. Eyler if a more indirect connection of County Road 24 with County Road 9, would be possible. Mr. Eyler respondedthat while it would be physically possible, it would result in a substantial amount of "turning traffic` thereby both reducing the effict,inqy of the movf":-,rf and dramatically increasing the incidence of aczide&s. Commissioner Tierney asked Mr. Eyler if the future improvewent of State Highway 55 would result it the elimination of the two wetlands that were close, to the County Road 24i'County Read 9 alignment alternatives. Mr. Eyler responded that the existing right-of-way of State Highway 55 has sufficient width to aceerizedate six laces by use of the median area. Cowmissioner Marofsky asked whether other non -04R protected wetlands would be impacted by the County Road 24/County. Road 9 alignment recommended by Strgar. Mr., Brvni re;pendtA that there would be some non-D4R designated --ietlf-,AF that would , encroached upon by the recommended. al c. -"Nit as well. Planing Conmiission Minutes IJune, 19, 1990 Page 3 Commissioner V%rofsky asked whether the Medina Road County Road 24 inter -section would be signalized. City Engineer Faulkner responded that oace warrants are achi(ved it would be. Commissioner Zy'lla asked why as many as six optional routes were being presented. Mr. brown responded that Henuepin County had produced a tentative, center line routs and engineering consultants representing property owners that would be impacted had presented alternative routes as well. The City's consultant had been d-rected by the City to consider all suggestions as to a possible routing. Chairman Plufka they o-)ened the Public Hearing. Chairman Plafka excused Coumiiss,'oaer Stulberg from the Commission table. Commissioner Plufka introduced Mr. Merrill Birch, 1808 Black Oaks Place. Mr. Birch indicated he represented a -,-!lurch that had acquired in-srest in groperty r1orth of 55 and east of Dunkirk Lane. He stated that tha Strgar-Ruscoe-Fausch, Inc. recommended alignment will sever the site that the church had tent,,tively agreed to acquire. In response to a question by Coordinator Dillerad, Mr. Birch indicated that the, east boundary of toe church',. proposed acquisition is defined by the loCa-tion of the County Road 9/County Road. 24 alignment. Mr. Brown indicated that the intersection of Dunkirk Lane with County Road 9 is subject to some flexibility, regardless of the County Read 9/County Road 24 alignment that is selected. He indicated that he believed the church's requirements could be net regardless of the alignment selected—assuming one of the west alignments. Chairman Plufka introduced Jim Shaw, 2130 Urbandale Lane. Mr. Shaw indicated that ate was in favor of a easterly alignment 1•or the roadway based an a less complex land purchase and a resulting lower cost. Chairman Plufka introduced Mr. Richard Bloom, 14600 Woodruff Road, Wayzata. Mr. Bloom indicated that he eepresented property ownership south of flighwaY 55 in all fair quadrants oll' the proposed Medina Road/County Road 24 intersection. He noted that development plans had been drawn for this vicinity assuming a more easterly alignment originally, and had Planning Commission Minutes June 19' 1990 Pap 4 recently been changed to reflect an alignment close to that proposed by girgar-Roscoe-Fausch, Inc. He stated that another of the six alignment options, designated "'MFR West', and colored yellow on the graphic before the Planning. Commission, reflected the alignment pyciposed by those he represented, He stated that a development plan had been presented to the City for this area using that alignment option. Mr. Bloom indicated that the "MFR West" alignmeni. reflected linproved angle of intersection with Highway 55; a movement of CouiNty Road 24 slightly to the southeast to save trees on their site; and resulted in a reduced impact on County Road 24 homes. Chairman Plufka asked representatives of Strgar-Roscoe- Fausch, Inc. to describe the d4fference between the "MFR West" alignment and the alignment recommended by Strgar- Roscoe-Fausch, Inc. Mr. Brown responded that the `MFR West" alignment resulted in slightly addod, curvature to the route, but the amount of curvature adtied was not crucial. City Enfj neer Faulkner added that the 11MFR West" alignment was v,ot as nerfect as the Strgar-Roscoe-Fausch, Inc. alignr.ant, butt entirely acceptable. Commissioner v11a asked Mr. Bloom whether he really preferred an easterly alignment. Mr. Bloom responded that at this point an easterly alignment would require, them to completely redo their plans and therefore they preferred to retain the `MFR West" alignment. Chairman Plufka introduced Greg Frank, representing the engineering firm of McCombs, Frank, Roos, Mr. Frank indicated that he had no convients to present at this time. Chairman Plufka introduced Hans Hagen, representing Hans Hagen Homes. Mr. Hagen indicated that his firm preferrec the "'IFR West" alignment option for the same reasons provided in the comments of Mr. Bloom. He noted that between his ling and Mr. Bloom's the entire Medina Road/County Road 24 intersection area is currently controlled aad that the right-of-way could be de.',-*,.ated. lie concluded that in terms of land use, saving of trees, and preserving wetlands, the 'IMFR West" alignment was the best available. Chairman Plufka noted that George Jackson, 3200 Harbor Lane; and Richard Owen, 17015 County Road 25 had szUbmitted Plan,aiog Commission Minutes June 19, 1990 Page 5 blue cards but were no longer in attendance to present comments. Chairman. Plufka introduced Bill Pritchard,, representing U.S. Homes Corporation. Mr. Pritchard Mated that he supported the "MER West" alignment for many of the same reasons presented by Mr. Ha9en and Mr., Bloom previously. He stated that "MFR West" alignment provided for fewer i-eziant parcelsless tree loss; better alignment with respect to State Highway 55; less than a percent curvature; and somewhat less impact on Dundee Nursery. He stated that earlier plans he had been presented sbowed County Road 9 entirely off the property controlled by U.S. HomL-s east of Dunkirk Lane and south of Old County Road 9. He stated that his firm would accept the Hennepin Counky alternative alignment as a less desirable, but acceptable, compromise. Chairman Plufka then introduced Mr. Jerry Theis, 801 Valley Drive. Mr, Theis submitted a letter to the Planning Commissioners stating his concerns. Mr. Theis stated that he does not believe a grade separation will be iequired at County Road 24/9 and State Highway 55. He said he believed that County Road 6 will relieve the desire to et west to Plymouth. He noted that this situ. -,tion could ch,-,nge if an overpass were built at Vicksburg rather than at at grade intersection in the future. Mr. Theis indicated that the current plans for Covnty Road 9/County Road, 24 if adopted with a west alignment will inhibit the economics of Dundee Nursery since there will continue to be a shadow over the future of their new building. He noted that Oundee Nursery was a local business, not a developer, and -their stake was their continued existence in the building they had just constructed. Mr. Theis stated that the best option i,, the easterly route because it would not require the acquisition of developed land. He stated that he d'd n0t believe the Thoroughfare Plan was accurate with respect to the location of this thoroughfare. Mr. Theis noted that if a wes would -Advocate movement of t' wetland at the northeast torr DunirkLane as possible --even over the wetland on some sort had seen in other locations. t alignment was selected he e roadway as close to the er of State Hiqhwa. y 55 and cunstruction of the roedway of a bridge structure as he Planning June 19, Page 6 g Coiltmission Minutes 1990 Mr. Theis concluded that regardless of the alignment location selected, he would like to see the concept of a separated grade interchange between County Road 24/County Road 9 and Stag 'Highway 55 eliminated. Chair-tvaii Plvfka stated that Tom Threlkeld, 4810 Oakview Lane, submitted a blue card but no 'longer was present to provide any comin.ents. Chairman Plufka then introduced Mike Stulberg, 6010 Troy Lane North. Mr. Stulberg stated that he agreed with tiro comments of Mr. Theis. He, noted that the recommended alignment shc0d not assume a grade separated interchange. He obser.,..A' that the proposedplan, particularly the separated grade interchange, would further reduce the amount of planed industrial land available in the community. He stated that the 1989 Land Use Guide Plan Map changes approved by the City Council had already reduced the amount of planned industrial land available from what had previously been available. Mr. Stulberg concluded that it was imperative for all property owners and those contemplating development in this vicinity that. a decision be renderedas quickly -As possible. MOTION by Chairman Plufka, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO APPROVE Tierney to recourn.,-nd adoption of the County Road 24/County Road Vtna Road corridor south of State Highway 55 11 consisf :,il-lh the alignment designate) `"MFR West" it the traffi, ogineer's report. Comm ,lover Marofsky stated that he did not believe that the intersectictl of Medina Road and County Road! 24 was a topic that was before the Planning Commission at the present time. MOTION to amend by Commissioner Marofsky, seconded by Commissic;ier Tierney to delete the reference to Medina Road in -Oie Main Motion. Commissioner Marofsky stated that tie intent of his motion was to avoid "buying in" to a PUD -Ilan by Hagen/bloom that was not scheduled for, Commission consideration until the next meeting. Chairman Plufka indicated that the alignment of Medina Road, without reference to the Hagen/Bloom PUD Plan, was a topic that should be considered by the Planning Commission concurrent with the consideration of the Countv Road 24/County Road 9 alignment. Roll Call Vote on inotion to amend. 2 Ayes. Commissioners Wire, Zy'tla, and Chairman Plufka Nay. MOTION failed. MOTION TO AMEND VOTE - MOTION FAILED Planning Commission Minutes June 19, 1990 Page 7 MOTION by Commissioner Marofsky, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO AMEND Wire, to amend the Main Motion to state that the Hagen/Bloom ('"MER West") route be recommended only if there is a decision that a linkage between County Road 24 and existing County Road 9 at Vicksburg Lane is required. Roll Call Vote on motion to amend. 3 Ayes.. Ch a i rm an Plufka and Commissioner Wire Nay. MOTION carried. Mr. Brown indicated that he would iesire that any decision on these matters be subject to proper engineering standards. Commissioner Wire indicated that engineering standards will prevail regardless of the decision rendered. Commissioner Zylla indicated that it would be his preference not to have connection between County Road 24 County goad 9 mad-, in any manner. i Commissioner Wire indicated that oe preferred an east alignment over a west alignment since it is *'cleaner" and provides less impact on developed property. Commissioner Marofsky stated that he disagreed with the concept that the east alignment wo-Ald be "cleaner" since the east alignment needs to go between two wetlands and he could not see h.,o that alignment could avoid impact on one or both. Commissioner Zylla commented that the eastst alignment would providelandlessimpactonOrrinThompson, and controlled by Mr. Stullberg, and existing, development of Dundee Nursery VOTE - MG ION CARRIED Roll Call Vote, on Main Motion. , Ayes. Coinuissioner Wire VOTE - MAIN MOTICN Nay, MOTION carried. CARRIED MOTION by Commissioner Plufka, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO APPROVE Tierney, to recommend alignment of County Road 9/County Road 24 from Vicksburg, Lane to State Highway 55 be on the alignment designated "MFR West" in the Strgar-Roscoe- Fausch, Inc. report. Commissioner Marofsky observed that the "MFR West" alignment is more adverse to wetlands than the alignment recoirmiended by Strgar-Roscoe-Fausch, Inc. Roll Call Vote. 4 Ayes. Commissioner Marofsky Nay. VOTE - MOTION CARRIED MOTION by Commissioner Marofsky, seconded by Comm4sioner MOTION TO APPROVE Wire, to recommend to the City Council that they ccnsider no thoroughfare connection between Vicksburg Lane and Medina Road. Planning Covnission Minutes June 19, 1990 Page Comm ssituc.r Marrs ::fir noted that he considered the cost of completing the, therjughfare alignment between Medina Road and Vi