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1996-10-22 Planning Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 22, 1996 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning. Commission was held on Tuesday, October 22, 1996, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:31 p.m. The following members were present: Dwyer, Koll, Friel, Betlej, Lorberbaum, Duggan and Tilsen. Also present were Public Works Director Jim Danielson, Planning Consultant Meg McMonigal, Administrative Assistant Patrick Hollister and Senior Secretary Kim Blaeser. APPROVAL OF MINUTES commissioner Friel moved approval of the September 24, 1996 minutes. Comrhissioner Lorberbaum seconded the motion. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 CASE NO. 96-27:-. WOOLSEY - WETLANDS PERMIT Mr. Chris WoQlseyj.of 2316 Lake LeMay Road., informed the Commission that he has encountered easement problems and that he is unable to pursue his application for a Wetlands Permit at this time. He requested that the Planning Commission table discussion on,this':matter. Commissioner Friel moved to table . Mr. Woolsey"s request for a Wetlands Permit by acknowledging that Mr. Woolsey consents to a waiver of the cijrrent.'120-day.reviewal period and the initiation of a new 120 -day review period to commence the day of the Planning Commission meeting at which the discussion of Mr. Woolsey's Wetland Permit. application will be resumed. Commissioner Lorberbaum seconded the 'rildtiqn. AYES: 7. NAYS:., -.0 CASE NO. 96-31: ACACIA CEMETERY - VARIANCE Mr. Kent Bentley, representing Acacia Park Cemetery, located at 2151 Pilot Knob Road, was present to request a Height.Variance which would allow the construction of a memorial bell tower and flagpole. Chair Dwyer explained that Acacia Cemetery would like to relocate its flagpole and erect a bell tower at its entrance on Acacia Boulevard and Pilot Knob Road. The proposed height of the bell tower is 40' and is proposed to be located at the entrance where the flagpole is located now. The height of the flagpole will be 30' and will be relocated * to the back of the parking lot (to the west). The height variances requested are: 1. 7.5 feet for the flagpole, and 2. 17.5 feet for the bell tower. Chair Dwyer stated that signatures of consent -have been obtained to waive the public hearing as per Section 5.5(4) of the Zoning Ordinance. Chair Dwyer stated that the FAA has acknowl6dged receipt of this request and has determined that the proposed construction would not exceed FAA obstruction standards and would not be a hazard to air navigation. The FAA 'has- also determined that obstruction marking and lighting are not necessary.- - Commissioner Duggan moved to recommend-. that the City Council grant the variance request.' He stated that it aopear�fiiirel§ nospecific hardship related to the land in. question. CommisWoner Betlej seconded the motion. In resoo*nse,tp a -question from Commissioner Lorberbaum, Mr. Bentley stated that the bell tower is a gift to the cemetery. In response to a question from Commissioner Koll regarding the amount of noise generated by the bell tower, it was explained that the normal decibel level.- for bell tones is 56- decibels.. -This particular, bell tower`-Wifl 'have 8 multiplicity of bells which is a carill.6n.(arnolified)'system. - T'he'majority of the -sound will carry d I own toward the hill (about 2/3 of the noise) and the remaining 1/3 Will carry in . the direction of the residential area. Commissioner Duggan inquired about covenants. protecting the tower from 2. cellular antennae attachments. Acacia representatives stated that they do not want cellular attachments on the tower. Commissioner Duggan concurred.. Commissioner Friel inquired about the flag pole height reduction. Mr. Bentley explained that because the flagpole is being moved closer to MSP runway, the height had to be reduced. AYES: 5 NAYS: 1, LORBERBAUM ABSTAIN: 1, FRIEL CASE NO. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS - WETLAND& PERMIT AND CONDITIONAL,VSE� PERMIT FOR. LAND RECLAMATION - Public Works Director - Danielson explained '..Vie!t.the City of Mendota Heights is requesting approval of. a Wetlands Permit and a Conditional Use Permit for Land, Reclamation which would allow the -City -to improve the pedestrian/cyclist . -crossing. in the southeast corner of the intersection of Highway" i 49 and -1-10.' The City proposes to fill an area of approximately 40 feet wide on the east side of Highway 14.9 to construct a right turn lane, a six foot wide boulevard and an eight foot wide pedestrian path. He explained the existing. storm sewer pipe will -be-.extended to handle the water runoff. He stated that 4,000 cubic 'yards of fill will be needed for the project. Danielson 'e'kpla* i ie d*'that the City is required to process these permits. as per the City's Ordinance requirements. He stated the 4,000 cubic yards of fill will be from the Dakota County HRA site. -.Hp.stated the fill will, consist of clay and sand- He explained that the work wiltbb done by a contractor and that City staff will be diligently watching over the'contractor. He explained that staff is -still working on the specifications for this job. Danielson stated that a silt fence will be erected around the fill site. Daniels6n explained that the length of i the culvert is 72 feet. and with a six foot opening and. runs in a southeast direction .under the Highway 110 and 149 intersection. He explained, that the oulv"e*r't:-w'ill'beextended to the .3. southwest direction by 60 feet. He stated the fill will be used to create a plat form which will lessen the steepness of the slope. A discussion ensued regarding setting precedence in allowing a wetlands area to be filled in. It was discussed that this particular area is considered a drainage area and that filling it in creates a safer environment for pedestrians Arid vehicles at the Jinterseptip.h of -;Highway .110 and 149. Public Works Director Danielson informed the Commission that the DNR does not require the City to apply for a permit and that the City is in the process of applying for a permit from the Corp of Engineers. He stated that the Corp of Engineers believes this construction is an excellent improvement to the intersection. Danielson informed the Commission that the project will be paid for by both the City and State. In response to a question from the Commission, Public Works Director Danielson reviewed a map depicting traffic flow in the area and how it will be improve ' d . by mQvingAraffic signal lights which will accommodate the new right 'harid'turn lane'. Commissioner Duggan was excused at,7:55 Commissioner Tilsen . inquired about reconfiguring the entire semaphore traffic system at the intersection of Highways 110 and 149' Danielson responded that M ' nDOTItends to avoid this process because this process would ble'b.�ftremely'expensive. In response to a question from Commissioner. Koll, Public Works Director Danielson explained that dump trucks hold iap­p"r'dx­im'a1teIy10 yards of uncomppcted fill and- thait''there will be appr.oXim ately -4 00 truck loads brin,qing*'i,n . 4,000 cubic yards of fill." Koll inquired about limiting the hours of operaiioh ,so,that traffic is not disrupted. Danielson responded that he would pqrsue',this concern *with MnDOT and through the plans and specification process. Commissioner Lorberbaum inquired if creating':a, larger platform.at this intersection'. .will make* it, an even larger nuisance.. Public Works Director Danielson responded, that the platform will create a safer environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. Commissioner Betlej moved to recommend that the City Council approve the Wetlands Permit and Conditional Use Permit for Land. Reclamation. Commissioner Friel seconded the motion.. - M AYES: 6' NAYS: 0. MISCELLANEOUS Commissioner Tilsen stated that the MnDOT,sign,. located at the maintenance facility on Pilot Knob Road, seems a little out of character compared to current/newer signs in- the business park. He stated that he Would like to have staff encourage MnDOT to change the appearance of the sign. The Planning Commission discussed rescheduling their December 24, 1996 meeting. The Planning Commission was of the consensus to cancel their December meeting. They directed staff to. in'toren the Commission of future applicant intentions. Commissioner Friel. reviewed an article from the West St. Paul/Mendota Heights,Sun Current I regarding City of West St. Paul discussions on creating an ordinance to regulate cell towers within their City. He.stated that other cities in the metro area are considering the same *ordinance regulations and that several .have, created moratoriums until such an ordinance can be adopted*. The. Commission was of the consensus that the City Council consider authorizing. the I Plarihing Commission to begin the process of creating. an ordinance regulating cell towers within Mendota Heights. Commissioner. Friel suggested that City staff contact the -League of Minnesota. Cities for further ordinance information. 292100 There'being rio'further business, the Planning Commission moved to adjourn its meeting at 8:12 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kimberfee'.K.-Blaeser, Senior Secretary 5