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1998-03-24 Planning Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 24, 1998 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, March 24, 1998, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1 10 1 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The following members were present: Dwyer, Koll, Lorberbaum and Duggan. Commissioner Tilsen had informed the Commission that he would be late. Commissioner Betlej was excused. Commissioner Friel was absent. Also present were Public Works Director Jim Danielson, Planner Meg McMonigal, Administrative Assistant Patrick Hollister and Senior Secretary Kim Blaeser. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Duggan asked for clarification regarding ownership of Sibley Park. Staff stated they would verify ownership. Commissioner Lorberbaum moved approval of the February 24, 1998 minutes. Commissioner Duggan seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 HEARING: CASE NO. 98-08: SEMPER DEVELOPMENT: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT, REZONING AND SUBDIVISION Chair Dwyer informed the audience that the Commission has received a request for continuance from Mr. Louis Brenner, of Semper Development. Dwyer stated that Mr. Brenner has requested that the hearing be continued to April 28, 1998 which would allow his company to address traffic issues as well as other considerations raised by the City Planner. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 24, 1998 1 Commissioner Duggan inquired if the developer will be providing information regarding the northern entrance to the proposed development. Mr. John Kohler, Semper Development, stated yes. As per the request from Mr. Louis Brenner of Semper Development, Commissioner Lorberbaum moved to continue the public hearing to April 28, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. Commissioner Duggan seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 Senior Secretary Kim Blaeser informed the Commission, as well as the audience, that she would send notice to the neighborhood informing them of the continuation of the hearing and that the Commission will be reviewing the application on Tuesday, April 28, 1998 regular meeting. DISCUSS DRAFT MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL RIVER AND RECREATION AREA CORRIDO• PLAN - (MNRRA) - COMPREHENSIVE PLA PROCESS Mr. Mark Weigle, of McCombs Frank Roos Architects, was present to review the Draft Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) Corridor Plan. Mr. Weigle explained that this plan is a part of the on-going process in updating the City's Comprehensive Plan. He noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission have reviewed this draft plan also. Mr. Weigle stated that in 1980, the City adopted a Critical Area Plan and Ordinance. He stated that this plan has been used sparingly become most of the land under City control within this area has already been developed. He stated the City has remained consistent with the policies of the original Critical Area Plan and some improvements identified in the original plan have become a reality. He explained that the City has worked with the City of Lilydale to improve several storm water run-off issues, a trail has connected Valley Park to Highway 13, and the City continues to encourage low intensity development in the Critical Area. Mr. Weigle explained that in 1988, the MNRRA was created and became a part of the National Park System. He explained that the MNRRA was established to: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 24, 1998 2 1 Protect, preserve, and enhance the significant values of the Mississippi River corridor through the Twin Cities metropolitan area. 2. Encourage coordination of federal, state and local programs. 3. Provide management framework to assist the State of Minnesota and local governments in the development and implementation of integrated resource management programs. 4. Ensure orderly public and private development in the area. Mr. Weigle stated that the City of Mendota Heights is located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers and that nearly 1,265 acres, or 20 percent of the City's land area is located within the designated MNRRA Corridor. He explained that although the MNRRA Corridor extends approximately 6.6 miles along the edge of the City, only three miles of the City's boundary actually abuts the Minnesota or Mississippi Rivers. Mr. Weigle reviewed the various sections of the draft corridor plan which includes general goals, history and culture, land use, natural resources and water management, parks and trails, public facilities and implementation of the program. Mr. Weigle pointed out that St. Peter's Church is the only designated historic site within Mendota Heights' MNRRA Corridor. He stated that this site is within the area designated for viewshed protection from Historic Fort Snelling. Commissioner Duggan inquired if the planning staff has informed land owners of vacant parcels of land of changes to the corridor plan. Mr. Weigle responded no. Duggan inquired about the height restrictions within the corridor area particularly related to St. Peter's Church. He stated that the Church is considering a new addition adjacent to the old school site. Mr. Weigle stated that he will continue to work on the MNRRA Corridor Plan and that he welcomes additional questions and/or comments from the Planning Commission. HEARING: CASE NO. 98-08: MENDAKOTA COUNTRY CLUB - CUP FOR PUD Chair Dwyer informed the audience that the Commission has received a request from Mendakota Country Club representatives to table a portion of PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 24, 1998 3 their request for a Conditional Use Permit which would allow the construction of a maintenance facility until the April Planning Commission meeting. He explained that the representatives have asked that the Commission review only the request for a Conditional Use Permit which would allow the construction of a driving fence. Chair Dwyer noted that the request for a new maintenance facility project is contingent upon the presentation of the request for rezoning, comprehensive plan amendment and preliminary plat for Walgreen's (Case No. 98-07). Mr. Bob McKinney, Superintendent of Mendakota Country Club Golf Course, was present to discuss their request for a Conditional Use Permit which would allow the replacement of a 6 foot fence with a 12 foot high net fence on the east side of the golf course's practice facility. McKinney explained that in 1997, Mendakota Country Club developed several acres along Mendakota Drive into a new golf hole surrounding a pond. Commissioner Tilsen arrived at 7:58 p.m. McKinney explained that during the construction, it became apparent a barrier between the driving range and the new hole would be needed to meet safety concerns and reduce the amount of balls being lost to the pond. He explained that several members of the Club met with the homeowners on Mendakota Court to discuss several options and to determine which options would be most helpful to the course and pleasing to the neighborhood. McKinney explained that the neighbors agreed to construct a fence along the eastern edge of the practice facility. The fence would be 12' in height, 300' in length and located approximately 2 to 3 feet from the base of the berming which will be planted with natural grasses and wildflowers. He explained that after the grown -in period of the flowers and grasses on the berms, additional plantings and trees may be added. The fence will be comprised of netting with 1 " holes installed on black metal fencing posts. He stated that this fence will replace the existing 6 foot fence. Chair Dwyer inquired if the netting will be in place year round. Mr. McKinney responded possibly and noted that the winters are harsh and that the net expense is between $100041500. He stated that they are in the process of determining what will be more stressful on the net - taking it down every year or keeping it up year round. He noted that the netting will be black and PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 24, 1998 4 not real obtrusive. Commissioner Duggan inquired if the net could be lowered to the ground during the winter time. McKinney noted concerns for rodents and rotting. Commissioner Lorberbaum inquired if the Club has really determined that a 12 foot high fence will be effective. She inquired if they did testing to determine the appropriate height. Mr. McKinney stated that they believe this fence help prevent 75 percent to 85 percent of the golf balls from going into the pond. He stated that if this height does not work, they may come back to request a higher fence. In response to a question from Chair Dwyer, Mr. McKinney stated that they have accepted bids for this project. Commissioner Duggan inquired if an angular piece of fencing could be added to the top of the fence. Mr. McKinney stated he is unsure of how this could be done and that it would probably add a significant cost to the project. In response to a question from Commissioner Koll regarding flowers and plant material, Mr. McKinney stated that the berm has been seeded. He stated that camouflaging this area was a concern with the neighborhood. He stated that everyone agrees to keep this area as natural as possible. He stated that some trees could be added and that the proposed flowers will look gorgeous. Chair Dwyer opened the meeting to the public. Mr. Frank Friedman, 906 Mendakota Court, stated that he was a member of the committee who negotiated between the neighborhood and Mendakota. He stated that Mr. McKinney has given the Commission an accurate reflection of their meeting. He stated that the neighborhood feels this solution to be a good solution and that it appears to be a class act project. Mr. Jay Taylor, resident of Mendakota Estates, stated that the pond is frequented by birds and that he is concerned with the environment. He inquired if the proposed fence netting may affect the migratory patterns of the birds. He also inquired about the cost of lost balls the Club incurs on an annual basis. Mr. McKinney stated that the net will be far enough away from the pond not to it will affect the bird environment. He stated that the club incurs about $4000 to $5000 in lost balls on an annual basis. Commissioner Duggan moved to close the public hearing. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 24, 1998 5 Commissioner Lorberbaurn seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 Commissioner Koll moved to recommend that the City Council approve the conditional use permit which would allow the construction of a permanent 12 foot high fence. Chair Dwyer seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 HEARING: CASE NO. 98-09: US WEST WIRELESS - CUP Ms. Julie Townsend, of US West Wireless, L.L.C., was present to discuss a request for a Conditional Use Permit which would allow the construction of a PCS antennae on the roof of the Henry Sibley High School building located at 1897 Delaware Avenue. Ms. Townsend informed the Commission that the Planner's report had indicated that US West Wireless has not received permission to construct a PCS antennae on the roof of Henry Sibley. She informed the Commission that this statement was incorrect and that the School Board has given US West Wireless permission to pursue its application with the City and that their approval is contingent upon the City's approval. She stated that the confusion arose because the School District will not be allowing any further antennas to be attached to the high school. Ms. Townsend explained that the antennae is proposed to be attached to the southwest corner of Henry Sibley High School. She stated the school building is approximately 65 feet in height and that US West is requesting that their antennae be placed 70 feet above the ground. She stated the antennae will be mounted on the roof and will protrude 5 feet above the roofline. She stated no accessory buildings, lights or other structures are proposed. In response to a question from Commissioner Lorberbaum, Ms. Townsend stated that there are two other companies located on the building, Air Touch Cellular and Sprint, PCS. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 24, 1998 6 Chair Dwyer stated that the City's ordinance prefers that the antennae be mounted on the face of the building. Ms. Townsend responded that the School District does not want the antennae on the facade. She stated that she can get this information in writing from the School Board if necessary. She further explained that the school does not want the antennae on the facade because it interferes with classroom activities. Commissioner Lorberbaum stated that the City encourages co -location. She inquired as to why US West prefers this location. Ms. Townsend stated that US West is co -locating on Sibley. Commissioner Tilsen stated that the City's Ordinance requires antennas to be placed on the face of the building. He stated that the City has put a lot of effort into creating this ordinance and that the City is concerned with a "pin cushion" effect. Ms. Townsend stated that the School Board has requested this specific location and that US Wireless would rather have the antennae placed on the facade. Tilsen stated the antennae will be more aesthetically pleasing if placed on the side of the building. Chair Dwyer opened the meeting to the public. There was no one present to discuss this request. Commissioner Lorberbaum moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Koll seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 Commissioner Tilsen inquired how 75 feet was designated as the optimum height of the antennae. Ms. Townsend explained that a temporary tower was used to test the best height for the antennae. Ms. Townsend explained that US West needs to place the antennae separate from other vendors as well as comply with the School District's requirements. The Planning Commission explained that this application is the first application to be processed under the new ordinance. Commissioner Lorberbaum inquired about the number of carriers within the metro area. Ms. Townsend stated that there are 5 PCS carriers, those on the high school are Air Touch, AT&T and one new company. In response to a question from Commissioner Tilsen, Ms. Townsend stated PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 24, 1998 7 that she could provide the City Council with an intermodulation study. She further stated that according to the ordinance requirements, the antennae will be painted the color of eggshell. Commissioner Duggan moved to recommend that the City Council approve the conditional use permit which would allow the construction of a PCS antennae subject to the following conditions: 1 The antennae be painted eggshell (as per Ordinance No. 317, Section 21.6(5)b). 2. The applicant shall submit a coverage/interference analysis and capacity analysis (as per Ordinance No. 317, Section 21.6(8)d). 3. The applicant shall submit a report from a qualified professional engineer guaranteeing noninterference and a copy of the FCC approval of the antennae in regards to non-interference (as per Ordinance No. 317, Section 21.6(8)e). Commissioner Lorberbaurn seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 VE?B4L TEVIEW Public Works Director Danielson gave a brief review of Council action regarding previous planning applications. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Planning Commission moved to adjourn its meeting at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kimberlee K. Blaeser Senior Secretary PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 24, 1998 8