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1989-05-23 Planning Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, May 23, 1989, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 Victoria Curve. Chairman Morson called the meeting to order at 7:30pm. The following member were present: Morson, Tilsen, Duggan, Krebsbach, Anderson, Dwyer and Koll. Also present were Public Works Director James Danielson, Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder and Planning Consultant Tim Malloy. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AYE: 7 NAY: 0 CASE NO. 89-18 ADRIAN, SUBDIVISION AYE: 7 NAY: 0 Commissioner Duggan made a motion to correct the minutes of the April 25 minutes, page 13. Commissioner Dwyer seconded the motion. Mr. Edward Adrian, 1549 Dodd Road, was present to explain a subdivision that he and Toni Smith have applied for. They would like to purchase the lot between their respective lots, and subdivide it which would make their lots larger. The lot which they would like to subdivide is a buildable lot, but not a "good" buildable lot; there is a creek running down the center of it. It has been on the market for many years, and has not been purchased. Commissioner Krebsbach moved that the public hearing be waived and to approve the lot subdivision as presented. Commissioner Duggan seconded the motion. CASE NO. 89-19 Ms. Diane Foley, 2359 Apache Street, had FOLEY, VARIANCE applied for a variance for a fence on her property. She had been notified of the Planning Commission meeting, but was not present. Public Works Director Jim Danielson explained that she desires to build a fence with approximately the same setback as the neighbor to the rear of the property. Since the City was not aware of any variance on Page 2 May 23, 1989 the neighbor's fence, and Ms. Foley's request is for exactly the same setback as the neighbor, the Commission was in agreement that it was a routine request, and in conformity with the neighborhood. Commissioner Anderson moved to waive the requirement for a CUP, and recommend to City Council to grant the 14' setback variance as requested. Commissioner Koll seconded the motion. AYE: 6 NAY: 0 ABSTAIN: 1 Krebsbach Commissioner Dwyer commented on the fact that Ms. Foley was not present at the meeting, and reiterated that Staff should make a diligent effort to inform the applicants that they should be in attendance when their respective cases are brought before the Commission, in case a question should arise. CASE NO. 89-20 Mr. Jeffrey Ward, 609 Hampshire Drive, was WARD, WETLANDS present for consideration of a wetlands permit to allow the construction of a 49" cedar fence (which was already under construction) within 100' of the wetlands. Chairman Morson asked if there was a covenant in the abstract in Hampshire Estates. Mr. Kevin Clark of Centex Homes (the developers of Hampshire Estates) said there are no covenants restricting fences. Public Works Director Jim Danielson explained that City Staff considers this a routine matter; Mr. Ward is entitled to a fence in his backyard if he so pleases. Commissioner Dwyer voiced concern that Centex is selling property without advising the buyers that there is a 100' wetlands requirement. Mr. Clark said that they (Centex) would include a disclaimer on the City ordinance in the literature on the development. Commissioner Duggan moved to waive the public hearing, recommend to City Council to grant a wetlands permit to allow construction of a fence within 20' of the CASE NO. 89-15 CENTEX REAL ESTATE CORP. - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR PUD, SKETCH PLAN APPROVAL, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT Page 3 May 23, 1989 wetlands; second by Commissioner Anderson. AYE: 7 NAY: 0 Mr. Dick Putnam, Tandam Corporation, was in attendance and presented a synopsis of the material presented at the April 25 Planning Committee Meeting. He proceeded to explain Plan C-2, which is what was decided upon at the last two Ballfields Committee meetings. Included in the complex would be tennis courts, parking lots, park building, telephone building, large soccer field, a football sized soccer field, picnic space and tot lot space. The playing fields have been turned around a bit differently to make three softball fields. This plan provides 130-135 parking spaces, hockey and free skating rink, and a park building. They also are looking at continuing the public trail system around the pond and back up so that approximately 2/3 of the pond would be public trail system. The park average is estimated at being approximately 27 acres, as opposed to 24 acres under Plan C. The unit difference is going from 544 total units to 568 units. The single family lots will be at 15,000+ sq. ft. There is an increase of 24 units, which is 5.5 units/acre as opposed to 5.26 in previous plan. The largest condominium building would be 16 units, which would be similar to the manor homes now under construction. Commissioner Duggan voiced his concern on the lack of ballfield space in Mendota Heights. The land that was available 3 1/2 years ago (7 sites) is now unavailable. He said that the City still has a chance to purchase land, regardless of cost, so that the City could have a more extensive ballfield system in keeping with the estimated population size. As it is now, the City is short on ballfield space, and there is no more developable, buildable land that Mendota Heights can afford. Mr. Duggan explained that Mr. C.G.Rein is asking $65- 75000/acre for his land near the fire department; a substantial increase in the value when the City rezoned it on the PUD Page 4 May 23, 1989 two years ago. Commissioner Duggan requested a joint meeting with the Parks Commission, Planning Commission and City Council in hopes of resolving this issue. Commissioner Anderson said that he's not sure whether there is a tremendous demand among the residents and taxpayers for a significant increase in ballfields sites. Mr. Putnam is already putting in more than twice into ballfields and parkland in his development than is required. Mr. Putnam explained that the City of Mendota Heights has already adopted a Comprehensive Plan for this area. The proposed plan is 50 units short of what is allowed by the City. Commissioner Duggan said that he is concerned about the high density, which will have tremendous effect on traffic problems. He feels that these issues are not being researched thoroughly. He went on to state that Mr. Putnam is an excellent developer; he has an excellent reputation in the developments that he's done; but is what he is proposing here good for the City of Mendota Heights? Mr. Kevin Clark responded by saying that Centex could come back to the City with Plan A which would require park fees and no parking. They have a park situation that they are trying to work with the City on. The dedication has almost doubled, and last year's referendum did not point to overwhelming support for the City to go out and purchase this property for park land. Mr. Jim Losleben, 815 Hazel Court, said that zoning is what prevails in this situation. Until the zoning is changed, single family residential is what is there. Regarding the bond issue and parks, he feels there is no organization as to what a good long term plan for Mendota Heights is all about. There has reaction to every given situation when a parcel of land has been brought up. Mr. Losleben said that the Commission should not rezone land, and then have the Council and Parks Board recommend buying a higher Page 5 May 23, 1989 zoned parcel of property at twice the price. The City is dealing with a Comprehensive Plan that was changed two years ago, and now there is discussion of changing it again. He questions how good the Comprehensive Plan is if it should change that often. Mr. Losleban added that he is concerned about the significant traffic problem already developing at 494 and 149 - before the project is even begun. He stated that traffic is a major issue. Mr. Losieben commented on the ballfield situation. He feels that at least 12 good ballfield sites are needed in the City. The ballfield situation is more difficult with the problems at Sibley. He doesn't think that a bond issue should be brought before the people at this time. he City should at least tie down the land in a comprehensive plan and start developing some long term plans as to what should be done with it. Lighting of the ballfields is a situation that must also be addressed. There is no policy on lighting of ballfields in a residential area. These are some of the loose ends that must be tied up before the City goes much further on this. Commissioner Anderson explained that it is being suggested that the whole Comprehensive Plan for the City be redone; but that is unrealistic. He said that is not the issue in front of the Commission at this point in time. Mr. Putnam said that the first phase is under construction. It's zoned, approved, graded, and the model is going up. The game is lost in terms of turning it into single family homes. Mr. Putnam reiterated that what they propose (the sports complexes, playgrounds, parking, etc.) is unlike anything in town right now. And this is what is being proposed for nothing. Commissioner Krebsbach said that the Ballfields Committee has very detailed minutes; grids and reportings of the cost of available land have been included. She then AYE: 7 NAY: 0 VERBAL REVIEW Page 6 May 23, 1989 asked Mr. Putnam where one could experience this level of density in a Centex development. Mr. Putnam said the Williamsburg development in Bloomington (on Old Shakopee and County Road 18) near Dred Scot Field would be a close comparison. Mrs. Celia Kennedy, 2567 Delaware Avenue, asked if there would be access for them (and their neighbors), should they wish to develop the 15 acres of land that they own between them. She, and the neighbors, and concerned about being landlocked. Mr. Putnam responded by saying that the owners of the land must decide what they want done. If the owners want access, street, water and sewer would be provided. Commissioner Dwyer moved to continue the public hearing until the special meeting on June 13 at 7:30pm. Commissioner Koll seconded. Mr. James Danielson, Public Works Director, gave a verbal review of cases that had been before the City Council since the previous meeting. - Bjorklund Wetlands Permit - granted Nides Rear Yard Variance - granted Posthumus Variance - will return to City Council on June 6 for public hearing - Blesener Builders: Alice Lane Subdivision - granted - Hanson Subdivision - applicant asked to be tabled Centex - hearing was continued tonight Ice Arena Commissioner Duggan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Krebsbach seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:25PM