2022-04-26 Planning Commission MinutesApril 26, 2022 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 1 of 12
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
April 26, 2022
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, April
26, 2022 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve at 7:00 P.M.
The following Commissioners were present: Chair Litton Field, Commissioners Sally
Lorberbaum, Cindy Johnson, Brian Petschel, and Andrew Katz. Those absent: Patrick Corbett and
Michael Toth.
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as submitted.
Approval of March 22, 2022 Minutes
Commissioner Lorberbaum noted on page two, the first sentence, it should state, “…Japanese lilac
tree to the service berry tree recommended by Commissioner Johnson.”
COMMISSIONER LORBERBAUM MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL
TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MARCH 22, 2022 WITH THE NOTED CHANGE.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
Hearings
A) PLANNING CASE 2022-07
SD COMPANIES, LLC/SEAN DOYLE AND HELYNE PINCE, 945 WAGON
WHEEL TRAIL – PRELIMINARY/FINAL PLAT OF LILLIE’S LAKEVIEW
ADDITION
Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that the applicant is seeking approval of
a new subdivision of the property located at 945 Wagon Wheel Trail. The proposed plat is intended
to create two new lots for single-family residential development. The property is currently owned
by Helyne Pince, and SD Companies has the subject property under contract to purchase, subject
to acceptance of the entitlement application.
Hearing notices were published and mailed to all properties within 350-ft. of the site; no comments
or objections to this request were received.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti provided a planning staff report and a presentation
on this planning item to the Commission (which is available for viewing through the City’s
April 26, 2022 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 2 of 12
website). He provided additional details on Option B submitted by the applicant. Staff
recommended approval of this application based on the findings and with conditions.
Chair Field read a letter submitted by the applicant explaining his absence at the meeting and
asking the Commission to consider Option B.
Commissioner Johnson referenced the platting procedures within City Code which requires a soil
and erosion control plan as well as landscaping plan for sediment control. She asked if those
documents have been provided.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that the soils map/report was included in
the packet. He stated that each lot will have its own separate wetland permit in the future and
therefore those documents would come at that time as no work will be done other than the lot split
and removal of the existing home.
Commissioner Johnson stated that she was appreciative of the detailed listing of the trees and asked
if that has been marked to delineated removals.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that would occur when the homes are
platted, and tree removal is known.
Commissioner Johnson asked for details on drainage and flood control.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that would also be addressed under the
wetland permits.
Commissioner Lorberbaum asked and received clarification on elements within Option B. She
asked if there would be a road where the current shared driveway is located.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that it would not be a paved or developed
curb and gutter road but will be a platted roadway of 60 feet wide. He stated that in the future if
it is decided to punch a road into Mendakota Country Club, the City would have that right.
Commissioner Lorberbaum asked how the fire department would access the second lot and
whether they could turn around.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that he has not checked with the fire
department.
Commissioner Lorberbaum commented that she has concern with that. She commented that the
City will not be maintaining or plowing the access to the second lot, if it is not designated as a city
road.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that there would be a shared driveway
agreement and therefore it is similar to a driveway in that the homeowners would maintain it.
April 26, 2022 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 3 of 12
Chair Field stated that under the proposed arrangement would a different unrelated resident be able
to park their vehicle on that shared driveway and walk over to the lake.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that as a public right-of-way he would
believe that could be done.
Chair Field noted that it is a public easement and therefore could qualify as a road.
Commissioner Lorberbaum stated that this is a preliminary plat approval and not a final plat
request. She asked for more information on the process.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that the Planning Commission
recommends the preliminary plat which then goes to the City Council. He stated that the final plat
goes to the City Council as long as it is consistent with the preliminary plat. He stated that
sometimes both the preliminary and final are presented to the Commission as the developer has
submitted them together, otherwise the Commission does not review a final plat.
Commissioner Petschel asked if the northern lot would be on Rogers Avenue, or whether this
would not become Rogers Avenue unless the City decided to extend and connect.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that he does not believe that Rogers
Avenue has been officially included on mapping even though part of the road was dedicated under
a previous plat. He stated that the half section of road right-of-way is public at 30 feet. He stated
that once the other 30 feet is dedicated, it would become a full road right-of-way of 60 feet.
Commissioner Petschel commented that until the City exercises the right, the road would not be
official and would not have width or facilities to accommodate parking. He stated that the road
would not exist because the City has not chosen to put it in.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that the City chose to keep the right-of-
way section and request the remainder be dedicated and provide access through license agreement
at this time.
Chair Field stated that if the applicant decides to only have one home on the property at the
northern lot line, it would have access to a driveway of the same length proposed.
Commissioner Lorberbaum commented that the proposed length would be 556, therefore if this
were made a road it would exceed the maximum length for a cul-de-sac of 500 feet.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that calculation would only apply if the cul-de-sac
were put at the very end, which is not typically where the cul-de-sac is placed. He stated that the
cul-de-sac only needs to go to where driveways exist, therefore it would be lesser than 500 feet.
Chair Field opened the public hearing.
April 26, 2022 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 4 of 12
Greg Quehl, 963 Wagon Wheel, commented that if the fire engine could not reach this proposed
length, he would ask what would happen if there were a fire at his home. He stated that he has a
road that provides access for a fire truck, but they would not have room to turn around, they would
simply backup. He stated that a fire truck can access the homes that already exist and therefore
wondered what the issue would be with a third or fourth home.
Commissioner Lorberbaum commented that staff can gain an opinion from the fire department
before this moves forward to the City Council.
Mr. Quehl stated that he and the Jacobs put together a question-and-answer type thing as to what
would be asked of the proposal. He noted that many are public works or utility related. He stated
that they did not have an objection to the proposal and asked the difference between options A and
B.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti identified the difference between options A and B
in terms of the proposed lot lines.
Mr. Quehl asked if ownership of the right-of-way would be addressed.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti provided clarification on current property
ownership and what is being asked by the City in terms of right-of-way dedication.
Mr. Quehl noted a utility easement owned by Xcel and asked if that has been addressed. It was
confirmed that there would be no changes to that easement. He asked if the lots could be setback
further from the roadway and spaced further apart.
Chair Field commented that those home sites are just shown in example. He noted that the
applicant would return in the future with home proposals and the action before the Commission
tonight is only related to the lot split.
Mr. Quehl asked for details on the sewer connections.
Chair Field stated that the applicant has represented that there would be separate sewer service for
each lot but was unsure where those would be placed.
Mr. Quehl commented on the apron at Rogers Avenue and Wagon Wheel and the difficulty on
turning right out when leaving Rogers Avenue. He asked if that apron could be extended. He
asked when the determination would be made as to whether Rogers would be public or private.
Chair Field believed it would become public upon approval of the plat.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that he would view that as a shared driveway and
therefore there would be regulations against public parking. He stated that the City has and would
continue to issue a license to the homeowners to have a private driveway on a public
easement/right-of-way. He commented that a random person would not have the right to park on
this shared driveway.
April 26, 2022 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 5 of 12
Larry Jacobs, 953 Wagon Wheel Trail, reinforced the comments of the previous speaker. He stated
that the greatest concern they would have is related to turning the private drive into public access.
He stated that if there is increased public traffic on the private drive there would be safety concerns
because of the difficulty getting onto Wagon Wheel. He stated that he would not want to encourage
public parking on the private driveway. He stated that he would also have concerns when the
development of the homes comes forward, such as whether the private driveway would be widened
and whether the mail would be relocated.
Jane Haws, 940 Wagon Wheel, expressed concerns with allowing public parking. She commented
that people park on her driveway to access fishing in the area the City does not want fishing. She
stated that if parking were allowed on Rogers that would increase issues with safety and traffic.
Chair Field stated that he apologizes for asking that question about parking and noted that has been
clarified by Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek that parking would not be allowed.
Commissioner Katz suggested that the resident place private driveway signs to prevent public
parking.
Seeing no one else coming forward wishing to speak, Chair Field asked for a motion to close the
public hearing.
COMMISSIONER KATZ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON, TO
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
Commissioner Johnson referenced the staff recommendation and condition one which mentions
the wetlands permits. She noted that there has been clearing activity in the past prior to a wetland
permit being requested and therefore asked if additional language should be added prohibiting
clearing prior to obtaining the permit. She asked if the applicant is aware of the prohibition of
heavy clearing within the shore impact zone.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti confirmed that language could be added.
Commissioner Katz understood the recommendation of the City Attorney relating to the lots
meeting the requirements. He stated that it was his understanding as a member of the Commission
that the City was not allowing flag lots.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti stated that the definition of a flag lot is frontage
of less than 100 feet and advised that these lots would each have the necessary frontage. He stated
that the City Attorney has stated that Option A could have also been approved because the frontage
would have been provided along the right-of-way, whether the road were developed or not. He
stated that in order to avoid any conflicts, the developer chose Option B.
April 26, 2022 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 6 of 12
Commissioner Johnson stated that while the lot would be odd shaped, access would not be gained
through the pole part therefore it would not be classified as a flag lot.
Chair Field noted that the access is off platted right-of-way and therefore eliminates the
consideration of a flag lot. He noted that if the intent of the City is to be spacious and gracious,
this would seem to be a good fit for development.
Commissioner Lorberbaum asked for clarification on whether this would be considered a private
drive rather than a minor street.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that this is a private driveway per the license
agreement. He stated that the license also defines the rights of the City should it desire to construct
a roadway.
COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON, TO
RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE PRELIMINARY/FINAL PLAT OF LILLIE’S
LAKEVIEW ADDITION, BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONDITIONS OF
APPROVAL NOTED IN THE STAFF REPORT AND WITH THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS:
1. A WETLANDS PERMIT MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW AND OBTAINED
PRIOR TO ANY PROPOSED/NEW SINGLE-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT IS
ALLOWED ON EACH NEW LOT. THE CONCEPT BUILDING PADS PRESENTED
UNDER THE PRELIMINARY PLAT MAP DO NOT REPRESENT OR PROVIDE AND
PREAPPROVAL OF A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY BUILDING LAYOUT ON EACH
LOT. FINAL LAYOUTS AND SETBACKS MUST MEET R-1 ZONE STANDARDS
AND SHALL BE APPROVED UNDER SEPARATE WETLANDS PERMIT
APPLICATION FOR EACH LOT.
2. THE TWO NEW PROPERTIES CREATED UNDER THIS PLAT MUST HAVE THEIR
ACCESS GRANTED UNDER A NEW (OR REVISED) LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH
THE CITY, AND IF NECESSARY, THE TWO ADJACENT PROPERTIES TO THE
WEST; AND ALSO, A REVISED SHARED DRIVEWAY AGREEMENT BETWEEN
ALL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES UTILIZING THIS UNDEVELOPED ROW FOR
THEIR OWN DRIVEWAYS AND ACCESS.
3. PRIOR TO ANY NEW DEVELOPMENT WORK ON THE SITE, ALL EXISTING
STRUCTURES ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY WILL BE REMOVED WITH AN
APPROVED DEMOLITION PERMIT ISSUED BY THE CITY’S BUILDING
OFFICIAL.
4. FULL EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION MEASURES WILL BE PUT IN PLACE
PRIOR TO AND DURING ANY NEW CONSTRUCTION WORK ACTIVITIES,
INCLUDING THE DEMOLITION OF THE OLD/EXISTING STRUCTURES, ANY
TREE REMOVALS, OR INSTALLATION WORK NEEDED FOR ANY PRIVATE
UTILITIES OR SERVICES TO THE NEW LOTS.
5. A BUILDING PERMIT, INCLUDING ALL NEW GRADING AND DRAINAGE
WORK, MUST BE APPROVED BY CITY STAFF PRIOR TO THE
COMMENCEMENT OF ANY NEW CONSTRUCTION WORK ON ANY SINGLE-
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING ON EACH NEW LOT.
April 26, 2022 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 7 of 12
6. A COMPLETE AND DETAILED GRADING PLAN, UTILITY PLAN AND
LANDSCAPING PLAN THAT ADHERES TO THE CITY’S POLLINATOR
FRIENDLY POLICY AND NATIVE PLANTINGS LIST MUST BE SUBMITTED
WITH EACH NEW WETLANDS PERMIT FOR EACH LOT. THE SUBSEQUENT
BUILDING PERMITS ON EACH LOT SHALL COMPLY WITH ANY CONDITIONS
OF APPROVAL RELATED TO EACH WETLANDS PERMIT REVIEW AND
APPROVAL.
7. ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION AND GRADING ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THIS
DEVELOPMENT SITE AND ON EACH NEW BUILDABLE LOT WILL BE IN
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL
REGULATIONS AND CODES, AS WELL AS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY’S
LAND DISTURBANCE GUIDANCE DOCUMENT.
8. AN ADDITIONAL PARK DEDICATION FEE OF $4,000 MUST BE PAID BEFORE
THE FINAL PLAT IS RELEASED BY THE CITY FOR RECORDING WITH DAKOTA
COUNTY.
9. ALL WORK ON THIS DEVELOPMENT SITE WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED
BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7 A.M. TO 8 P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND
9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON THE WEEKENDS.
10. ALL DISTURBED AREAS IN AND AROUND THE PROJECT SITE SHALL BE
RESTORED AND HAVE AN ESTABLISHED AND PERMANENT GROUND COVER
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PROJECT IS COMPLETED.
11. BEST EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO THE CONTRACTOR(S) TO “COME CLEAN,
LEAVE CLEAN” DURING THE COURSE OF ANY CONSTRUCTION ON THE
SUBJECT PROPERTY.
FURTHER DISCUSSION: COMMISSIONER JOHNSON REQUESTED TO AMEND THE
FIRST CONDITION TO EMPHASIZE THAT NO CLEARING SHALL BE CONDUCTED
PRIOR TO APPROVAL OF THE WETLANDS PERMIT AND THAT HEAVY CLEARING IS
PROHIBITED IN THE SHORE IMPACT ZONE.
COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL COMMENTED THAT THE STATE STATUTES DO NOT
PROHIBIT THAT ACTIVITY. HE STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE A FOLLOW UP
WETLAND PERMIT AND WANTS TO BE CLEAR THAT THERE ARE NO RULINGS ON
THE VEGETATION THAT MAY OR MAY OR NOT BE REMOVED IN SUBSEQUENT
PERMITS.
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON AGREED.
COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL AGREED TO INCLUDE THE LANGUAGE.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this application at its May 3, 2022 meeting.
April 26, 2022 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 8 of 12
B) PLANNING CASE 2022-08
LDK BUILDERS, 791 WENTWORTH AVENUE – WETLANDS PERMIT
Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that the applicants are seeking a
Wetlands Permit to allow the construction of a new single-family dwelling, along with a new
retaining wall structure located next to a small creek channel.
Hearing notices were published and mailed to all properties within 350-ft. of the site; the City
received one letter of objection from a neighboring property owner, no other comments or
objections to this request were received.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti provided a planning staff report and a presentation
on this planning item to the Commission (which is available for viewing through the City’s
website).
Staff recommended approval of this application based on the findings and with conditions.
Greg Kuperus, LDK Builders, commented that he is present to answer any questions.
Commissioner Johnson referenced the grading and drainage statement which states that it is
anticipated that all trees will be removed within the grading limits indicated. She asked where
those limits would be and where the sod would end in relation to the trail.
Mr. Kuperus replied that the sod would be complete to the trail and beyond. He stated that the
backyard would be sodded halfway to the filtration basin and the remainder would be seeded.
Commissioner Johnson referenced the berm with trees and asked if that would be removed.
Mr. Kuperus replied that they do not intend to remove the berm or those trees.
Commissioner Johnson asked if the plan is to sod up to the trail, what is being placed on the
opposite side of the trail – and is this land (on the other side of the trail) County property.
Mr. Kuperus stated that they will sod to provide the front yard appearance and to make it mowable.
Commissioner Johnson asked about a culvert near the corner, and front yard drainage towards the
roadway, what would slow down the water that is draining from the front yard.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that as part of the overall development of the four lots,
the City reviewed the overall grading plan and storm water management plan. He stated that the
overall development and this lot meets the drainage requirements of the City. He commented that
the front yard of this lot does not go into a treatment basin but would provide a reduction from the
existing conditions. He stated that the culvert was installed by a previous landowner and therefore
is not a County or City facility.
April 26, 2022 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 9 of 12
Commissioner Johnson commented that the City is working towards development and
implementation to increase the tree canopy and asking developers to retain mature trees and install
quality trees in replacement. She stated that there are two autumn blaze maples and liked the use
of the seed mix. She asked if the applicant would be willing to work with staff to increase the
number of trees and high value ecosystem communities as nothing of that nature is shown on the
plans.
Mr. Kuperus replied that the landscaping plan is proposed and noted that there would be additional
plantings around the house as this will be a high value home. He stated that he would want to
know what would be required before he would agree.
Commissioner Johnson asked if the applicant would be willing to work with City staff to add more
trees and high value ecosystem trees and shrubs.
Mr. Kuperus replied that he would work with City staff to ensure City requirements are met.
Commissioner Lorberbaum asked for more information on fill that has been taken from or brought
to the site.
Mr. Kuperus stated that overall grading was already completed, and that dirt was moved through
a separate grading permit. He stated that there would be excavation for the basement.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that the permit would approve the full build
out of the lot for a single-family home.
Chair Field opened the public hearing.
Jim Carlson, property owner across the creek, asked for clarification on the lot layout as to
Wachtler.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti provided clarification on the orientation of the
plans.
Randy Pentel 815 Deer Trail Court, stated that he had questions related to drainage which appear
to have already been addressed by staff. He stated that if the builder has excess dirt from the
basement excavation, he could use that.
Seeing no one else coming forward wishing to speak, Chair Field asked for a motion to close the
public hearing.
COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KATZ, TO
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
April 26, 2022 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 10 of 12
COMMISSIONER LORBERBAUM MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KATZ, TO
RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUESTED WETLANDS PERMIT TO LDK
BUILDERS AND FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 791 WENTWORTH AVENUE,
WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL DWELLING AND RETAINING WALL, BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF
FACT AND WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ALL DISTURBED AREAS LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE CREEK CHANNEL AND
AREAS IN AND AROUND THE BOTTOM LEVEL OF THE NEW RETAINING
WALL, SHALL BE SEEDED WITH MNDOT SEED MIX LIST #33-261.
2. PRIOR TO THE RELEASE OF ANY ESCROW PAYMENT OR ISSUANCE OF ANY
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (C.O.) ON THE NEW DWELLING, ALL
DISTURBED AREAS MUST BE SHOWN OR DEMONSTRATED THAT THE NEW
VEGETATIVE BUFFER SEED MIXTURE WAS SUCCESSFULLY PLANTED, AND
PLAT GROWTH HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED, TAKING PLACE, OR IS HOLDING.
3. NO ADDITIONAL GRADING OR OTHER LAND DISTURBANCE SHALL OCCUR
WITHIN 25 FEET FROM THE EDGE OF THE ADJACENT CREEK, EXCEPT FOR
THE INSTALLATION OF EROSION CONTROL MEASURES (IF NEEDED) OR FOR
THE PLANTINGS OF ANY NEW SEED MIXTURES OR LANDSCAPING
MATERIALS, AND ONLY WITH CITY APPROVALS.
4. ALL NEW LANDSCAPING MUST COMPLY WITH THE NATIVE AND
POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTINGS LIST OF THE CITY.
5. ANY GRADING AND/OR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY RELATED TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THIS LOT SHALL BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL REGULATIONS AND CODES, AS WELL AS IN
COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY’S LAND DISTURBANCE GUIDANCE
DOCUMENT.
6. FULL EROSION/SEDIMENTATION MEASURES SHALL BE INSTALLED PRIOR
TO COMMENCEMENT OF WORK AND MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT THE
DURATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT. EROSION BARRIERS SHALL
BE PLACED AND MAINTAINED ALONG THE EDGE OF THE CREEK CHANNEL
AND DEVELOPMENT SITE THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF THE PROJECT
AND REMAIN IN PLACE UNTIL ALL DISTURBED AREAS HAVE BEEN
RESTORED.
7. THE NEW DWELLING AND RETAINING WALL AND ANY RELATED
CONSTRUCTION WORK SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL OTHER AND APPLICABLE
STANDARDS AND CONDITIONS UNDER TITLE 12, CHAPTER 2 WETLANDS
SYSTEMS OF CITY CODE.
8. A BUILDING PERMIT MUST BE APPROVED PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF
ANY CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE NEW RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OR
RETAINING WALL. CONSTRUCTION WORK SHALL OCCUR ONLY BETWEEN
THE HOURS OF 7 A.M. AND 8 P.M. ON WEEKDAYS AND 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON
WEEKENDS.
9. BEST EFFORTS WILL BE MADE BY THE CONTRACTOR(S) TO “COME CLEAN,
LEAVE CLEAN” DURING THE COURSE OF CONSTRUCTION ON THE SUBJECT
April 26, 2022 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 11 of 12
PROPERTY, AND ENSURE NEW GROUND MULCH IS FREE OF INVASIVE
SPECIES.
FURTHER DISCUSSION: COMMISSIONER JOHNSON REQUESTED TO AMEND THE
MOTION TO INCLUDE ANOTHER CONDITION STATING THAT THE APPLICANT WITH
WORK WITH THE NATURAL RESOURCES COORDINATOR TO INCREASE TREE
CANOPY AND INSTALL HIGH ECOSYSTEM COMMUNITIES ON THE LOT.
COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL STATED THAT HE WOULD NOT SUPPORT THAT. HE
STATED THAT COULD BE RECOMMENDED BUT COULD NOT BE FORCED.
CHAIR FIELD AGREED THAT SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED ON THE RECORD AND
SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE A RECOMMENDATION.
COMMISSIONER LORBERBAUM STATED THAT THE APPLICANT HAS STATED THAT
THEY WOULD BE OPEN TO WORKING WITH STAFF TO FIND OUT MORE
INFORMATION BUT WOULD NOT AGREE TO DOING SOMETHING WITHOUT
KNOWING WHAT THAT MAY BE.
MR. KUPERUS COMMENTED THAT HE WOULD BE PLEASED TO WORK WITH STAFF
TO ENSURE THE REQUIREMENTS ARE MET BUT WOULD NOT AGREE TO THINGS
ABOVE AND BEYOND.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TIM BENETTI STATED THAT WHEN
SWEENY ADDITION PLAT 2ND WAS FILED THERE WAS A CONDITION FOR A
DETAILED LANDSCAPING PLAN TO BE SUBMITTED WITH THE BUILDING PERMIT.
HE STATED THAT ADDITIONAL DETAILS ARE PROVIDED AT THAT STAGE, BUT AT
THIS STAGE IT IS ONLY REQUIRED THAT THE MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS BE MET.
HE COMMENTED THAT HE IS CONFIDENT THAT LDK WILL BE PROVIDING
ADDITIONAL PLANTINGS ON THE SITE AND THAT INFORMATION WILL BE
PROVIDED AT A LATER DATE. HE STATED THAT A RECOMMENDATION COULD BE
MADE THAT THE APPLICANT WILL WORK WITH THE NATURAL RESOURCES
COORDINATOR ON ANY FUTURE PLANTINGS.
COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL ASKED THE ORDINANCE THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE
APPLICANT TO DO SO.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TIM BENETTI REPLIED THAT IS NOT
REQUIRED UNDER ORDINANCE.
COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL NOTED THAT IS WHERE HIS CONCERN WOULD BE,
THAT THE GROUP WOULD BE INVENTING REQUIREMENTS. HE STATED THAT THIS
IS A RECORD THAT IS POTENTIALLY SOMETHING THAT COULD BE FOUGHT IN
COURT, IF APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL, AND THINGS CANNOT BE PUT IN BECAUSE
THAT IS HOW SOMEONE WOULD WANT IT TO BE.
April 26, 2022 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 12 of 12
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON NOTED A DETAILED LANDSCAPING PLAN IS REQUIRED.
COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL COMMENTED THAT WAS PROVIDED.
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON REFERENCED THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL NOTED THAT IS NOT CODE.
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON STATED HER AMENDMENT WAS FOR THE APPLICANT
TO WORK WITH THE NATURAL RESOURCES COORDINATOR, NOT TO REQUIRE
ANYTHING SPECIFIC BUT SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE AMENABLE TO BOTH
PARTIES.
CHAIR FIELD STATED THAT HE AGREES WITH COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL AND NOT
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON. HE STATED THAT PUTTING A WILL OR SHALL WOULD
EXCEED THE AUTHORITY OF THE CITY. IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT RECOMMEND
COULD BE USED. HE STATED THAT EVERYONE APPEARS TO BE ON THE SAME
PAGE, INCLUDING THE APPLICANT, BUT THE WORDS ARE NOT AGREED UPON.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TIM BENETTI SUGGESTED THAT AN
ADDITIONAL SENTENCE COULD BE ADDED TO CONDITION FOUR; “A
RECOMMENDATION FOR THE APPLICANT TO WORK WITH THE NATURAL
RESOURCES COORDINATOR ON ANY FUTURE PLANTINGS PLAN.”
COMMISSIONERS LORBERBAUM AND KATZ ACCEPTED THE LANGUAGE
SUGGESTED BY STAFF.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this application at its May 3, 2022 meeting.
New/Unfinished Business
Community Development Director Tim Benetti gave a verbal review on recent actions of the City
Council relating to cases previously considered by the Commission. He expressed appreciation to
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek for filling in during his absence. He stated that there is a joint
workshop between the Planning Commission and City Council scheduled for May 12th.
Adjournment
COMMISSIONER KATZ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LORBERBAUM, TO
ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:22 P.M.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0