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03-15-99 PC Agenda This is a rescheduled meeting from March 8, 1999 due to weather conditions AGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Chambers Monday, March 15, 1999 7pm I. Approval of Minutes - February 8, 1999 II. Election of Officers (see memo) III. Informal Public Hearing -- Review of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) ~. I I I I I I I -- SHORT RECESS - IV. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council and Board of Zoning Appeals V. Other Business 1. Review of Attendance (see memo) , 2. Discussion of Rescheduling 2nd Planning Commission Meeting in April 3. Discussion of Planning Representative to National APA Conference - April 24-28 4. Workshop - Storm Water Management Plan 5. Handout of Land Use Plan Map VI. Adjournment . I I I~__- ----~.~""-"_._-_.- -------_..__..__._---_._---~~~- ....~,..(- Planning Commission Guidelines for Public Input The Planning Commission is an advisory body, created to advise the City Council on land use. The Commission will recommend Council approval or denial of a land use proposal based upon ~ the Commission's determination of whether the proposed use is permitted under the Zoning .., Code and the Comprehensive Plan, and whether the proposed use will, or will not, adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood. The Commission holds informal public hearings on land use proposals to enable you to learn, first-hand, what such proposals are, and to permit you to ask questions and offer comments. Your questions and comments become part of the record and will be used by the Council, along with the Commission's recommendation, in reaching its decision. With the completion of the informal public hearing(s) there will be a short recess before the commission continues with the remainder of the agenda. To aid in your understanding and to facilitate your comments and questions, the Commission will utilize the following procedure: 1. The Commission Chair will introduce the proposal and the recommendation from staff. Commission members may ask questions of staff. 2. The proponent will describe the proposal and answer any questions from the Commission. 3. The Chair will open the public hearing, asking first for those who wish to speak to so indicate by raising their hands. The Chair may set a time limit for individual questions/comments if a large number of persons have indicated a desire to speak. Spokespersons for groups will have a longer period of time for questions/comments. .- 4. Please give your full name and address clearly when recognized by the Chair. Remember, your questions/comments are for the record. 5. Direct your questions/comments to the Chair. The Chair will determine who will answer your questions. 6. No one will be given the opportunity to speak a second time until everyone has had the opportunity to speak initially. Please limit your second presentation to new information, not rebuttal. 7. At the close of the public hearing, the Commission will discuss the proposal and take appropriate action. . .- . . . Regular Meeting of the Golden Valley Planning Commission February 8, 1999 A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held at the Golden Valley City Hall, Council Chambers, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota, on Monday, February 8, 1999. The meeting was called to order by Chair Pentel at 7:00pm. Those present were Chair Pentel and Commissioners Groger, Johnson, Kapsner, Martens, McAleese and Shaffer. Also present were Beth Knoblauch, City Planner and Tammi Hall, Recording Secretary. I. Approval of Minutes - January 11. 1999 MOVED by Groger, seconded by Kapsner and motion carried unanimously to approve the January 11, 1999 minutes as submitted. II. Informal Public Hearing - Minor Subdivision fLat Consolidation) Applicant: Christianson & Torgerson and City of Golden Valley Address: 8020 Wayzata Blvd. (Holiday Inn Express) and the City-owned pond north of the Holiday Inn Express Request: Consolidate Lot 1 (Holiday Inn Express), Lot 2 (City-owned pond), a portion of railroad property abutting Lot 2 on the east and the adjacent frontage road abutting the Holiday Inn Express on the south. Subdivide the consolidated pieces into two lots with the pond on one lot and the Holiday Inn Express on another lot having access to Golden Hills Drive. City Planner, Beth Knoblauch, reviewed the details of the proposed minor subdivision. She stated that at the time the City approved the extension of Golden Hills Drive and the partial vacation of the old 1-394 frontage road, the Commission had noted that these and future platting activities in the Golden Hills Central Area would ultimately leave the Holiday Inn Express property with no direct land connection to any public street. She stated that since the City has for many years worked to eliminate such situations where they have been created in the past, the Commission felt every effort should be made to prevent a new occurrence. She said that the proposed minor subdivision would create the desired land connection along the east side of the City's pond lot - where a new driveway is already in place with easement permission from the City - up to Golden Hills Drive. She indicated that in addition to the Holiday Inn Express lot and the pond lot, the subdivision would also incorporate some residual land in the vacated right- of-way corridor and along the railroad corridor that abuts the pond lot on its east side. Knoblauch referred to the considerations for approving or denying minor subdivisions included in the staff memorandum. She reviewed her comments in regard to Items D, E and F. Item D states the applicant must grant all necessary easements for public purposes per City Engineer. She stated that, in addition to standard easements along property lines, at least two others would be needed in this case. She said the City must retain an access and maintenance . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission February 8, 1999 Page 2 . easement for the pond embankment, which lies partly in the new access corridor. Secondly, she stated that while the old frontage road is being vacated, there are substantial utility lines running beneath most of its 60-foot width which must be protected by an easement. She added that the Holiday Inn Express owner wants to expand his building slightly into this latter easement area. She stated the City engineering staff has indicated that if the affected utilities can be satisfactorily relocated at the owner's expense, the easement area can be reduced. Commissioner Martens asked if there is any concern with the close proximity of the railroad line. Knoblauch responded that the City worked with the railroad company when constructing Golden Hills Drive across the railroad line. She added there would be only one railroad crossing. Chair Pentel asked how much train traffic there is on the railroad line. Knoblauch responded she was not aware of the traffic level. In regard to Item E, Knoblauch stated that since the proposed minor subdivision abuts 1-394, MnDOT has been contacted for review and comment. She indicated that the response has not yet been received from MnDOT, but no substantial comments are expected since the land has already been platted in the recent past. She added that the applicant is also still working out the exact location of the southerly lot limit. She stated that MnDOT owns the land under the south half of the old frontage road, and needs to retain a few feet for fence access and maintenance purposes. She stated that this issue should be resolved before the City Council grants final plat approval. In regard to Item F, Knoblauch stated there does not appear to be any issues as far as the easements to be obtained by the City. She stated that, as a condition of getting the vacated right-of-way from MnDOT, the applicant has agreed to do a title registration to clear any historical issues affecting that stretch of road. She said that the title registration requirement could be added as a . condition of this approval, if the City Attorney so advises. Knoblauch concluded her summary by saying that staff recommends approval of the proposed minor subdivision subject to the four conditions sited in the staff memorandum, which she reviewed for the Commission. Commissioner Shaffer commented that no easement is shown in the upper right hand comer of the Holiday Inn lot. Knoblauch responded that the City has done a blanket vacation of the easements on the old plat and they will be added back on the new plat. Commissioner Groger asked about the jog in the property line where it moves closer to the railroad track. Knoblauch responded this was a result of the way the underlying property had been acquired. The City had requested additional land along a portion of the railroad tracks to make sure there was ample room for the driveway. Groger asked why the Holiday Inn building is located within six feet of the lot line. Knoblauch responded that variances were approved by the 8ZA. Tom Torgerson of Christianson & Torgerson was in attendance. Knoblauch asked about the status of the process with MnDOT. Torgerson responded that he thought the legal description had been received by the City Engineer. He will follow-up on this item. Torgerson stated that the driveway would be ready for use by the time the street opens. Groger asked if it is difficult for customers to find the hotel. Torgerson responded that their location on 1-394 gives them good exposure. He added that, although it has not been a problem, they feel the new Golden Hills Drive will make it easier and more straightforward to get to the -hotel. He indicated that improvements in the area have not hampered their business at all and that they are excited to be a part of the re-clevelopment. Pentel commented that construction of other hotels in the . . . . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission February 8, 1999 Page 3 area has been discussed as part of the re-development and asked if the area could support additional hotels. Torgerson responded that once the office buildings proposed for the area are complete, he felt the area could support additional hotels. Chair Pentel opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Pentel closed the public hearing. MOVED by Groger, seconded by Johnson and motion carried unanimously to recommend to the City Council approval of the proposed lot consolidation and minor subdivision as requested above with the following conditions: 1. The final plat shall reflect an easement for pond access and maintenance along the new street access corridor as directed by the City Engineer, a utility easement over all of the former frontage road right-of-way except as otherwise approved by the City Engineer, standard drainage and utility easements along all other sides of the Holiday Inn Express lot, and such additional easements as the City Engineer may find desirable for public purposes. 2. Final plat approval shall be withheld until receipt of comments from MnDOT and compliance with any applicable conditions listed therein. 3. Final plat approval shall be withheld until the applicant and MnDOT agree on the exact location of the southerly lot limits and any associated easements to be retained by MnDOT. 4. If the City Attorney so advises, final plat approval shall be conditioned on the applicant's commitment to undertake the title registration of the former right-of-way area. III. Presentation of the City's "Draft Water Resources Manaaement Plan" Jeannine Clancy, City Public Works Director, AI Lundstrom, City Environmental Technician, and Dave E. Nyberg of H.R. Green Company were in attendance to present the City's Draft Water Resources Management Plan. Pentel asked how the recommendations of the Surface Water Management Plan (SWAMP) Committee were incorporated into the draft. Nyberg responded that the recommendations of the SWAMP Committee were reviewed by staff. He indicated that much of the work of the Committee is incorporated in Chapter Three of the draft plan. He added that the original draft recommended by the SWAMP Committee is included as an appendix in the draft plan. Nyberg said the plan consists of two sections. The first section is policy, objectives and goals, and the second section includes much of the technical and engineering data. Nyberg began by reviewing the first section, which he indicated would be the section where the Commission will have the most input. He said the first chapter contains a brief introduction and executive summary with background on the components of the plan. He stated that Minnesota Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission February 8, 1999 Page 4 . State Statutes require all municipalities to do water shed planning. He indicated that Golden Valley is in the Bassett Creek Watershed District. . Nyberg told the commission that the second chapter reviews existing programs, water resource groups and agencies that have a part in regulating water resources in Golden Valley. Pentel asked about the relationship between the City policies and the policies of the Watershed District. Nyberg responded that the City plan goes to the Watershed District for approval. He added that the Watershed District expects that many of their policies will be adopted in the City plan. Pentel asked how the plan would be updated as new development occurs. Nyberg responded that after the plan is adopted, one of the implementation goals is to have it updated on an annual or bi-annual basis by City staff. Commissioner Kapsner asked about the City's process for maintaining storm water ponds. Nyberg responded that one of the objectives of this plan is to review the system for maintaining City storm water ponds. He referred to an exhibit showing City ponds that are currently maintained. He added that the City hopes to expand the system for maintenance in the future. He stated the report contains data that would enable the City to better prioritize the system for maintaining ponds. There was brief discussion regarding current City ordinances impacting development along . shoreline and wetland boundaries. Nyberg stated that the third chapter is the heart of the plan. He indicated it has been substantially modified based on the recC?mmendations of the SWAMP Committee and roundtable discussions with City staff. He stated that further revisions were done following a January meeting with the SWAMP Committee. There was brief discussion regarding implementation of the plan's objectives and whether this can best be accomplished with regulation or education. Lundstrom stated that one of the major areas addressed by the SWAMP Committee was increased public education to accomplish the objectives of the plan. Pentel asked if the plan includes a flood plain map. Nyberg responded that a flood plain map is included in the Watershed District plan. Martens asked if the plan lays out the process for dealing with water quality issues. Nyberg responded that the plan does not outline a detailed process for implementation of policy. However, he said it does provide the information necessary to develop the process to obtain plan objectives. He added that some of the policies outlined in chapter three could possibly be combined into current city code. Pentel referred to the shoreline management ordinance included in Appendix 7 and asked how this relates to the City ordinance. Knoblauch responded that the City ordinance is adopted from the DNR. Pentel suggested that this type of ordinance should be carefully reviewed to ensure it is the best for the City's future. Nyberg responded that the City can adopt an ordinance that is . more restrictive than that of the DNR. . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission February 8, 1999 Page 5 Kansa asked if the plan deals with the amount of pollution in the water. Nyberg responded that the Watershed District conducted water sampling in the creek. The plan includes information that shows watersheds and storm water ponds and how effective they are at treating the water. Pentel asked if the plan identifies active springs located within the City. Nyberg responded that the plan does not include any ground water analysis, since it is a surface water management plan. There was brief discussion regarding tradeoffs that may be necessary to protect the environment as a whole. Knoblauch indicated that the City staff attempted to keep the broader picture in mind and noted some tradeoffs when reviewing the recommendations of the SWAMP Committee. Nyberg continued his overview of the plan, indicating that chapter four contains the management plan, including an overview of the various ordinances such as shoreline, wetland and erosion sediment control. . Pentel indicated she would be interested in finding out how many businesses within the City are permitted to release output into storm water ponds. Nyberg referred to Appendix 5 which is a list, provided by the PCA, of all businesses within Golden Valley that have permits outstanding as of April 1996. Nyberg stated that the PCA does not have sufficient manpower to ensure these businesses comply with regulations. Nyberg stated that chapter five shows implementation priorities. He added that this list was refined by the City staff according to the recommendations of the SWAMP Committee. Groger noted that one of the items mentioned in chapter three was minimizing areas of impervious pavement with changes to the city ordinance. He noted this item is not included in the management plan or the implementation priorities and questioned how it would be addressed. Nyberg responded that reduction in impervious pavement would fall under the shoreline ordinance. City Public Works Director Clancy responded that AI Lundstrom's role, as Environmental Technician, will be to coordinate implementation of this plan and ensure that all items are addressed by the appropriate City body. She indicated that the City staff sees the plan as a working document for the Public Works Department. Nyberg stated that chapter six is the capital improvements plan and deals with funding for the programs that have been discussed. It includes information on some proposed projects with costs that will be helpful in determining if it is necessary to adjust the storm water utility fee to accomplish the objectives of the plan. Martens asked if the plan addresses how these projects would be funded. Nyberg responded that page 6.1 outlines financial sources. He added that the table at the end shows the total capital improvement plan. . Nyberg reviewed the maintenance plan which is covered in chapter seven. Pentel asked where the city puts street sweepings. Clancy responded that generally cities have locations where they place this material or they are recycled and used in construction projects. She added that there are ongoing. conversations about recycling street sweepings, but, at this point, it is still Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission February 8, 1999 Page 6 . prohibitively expensive. Kapsner asked if the salt is removed from the street sweepings. Clancy responded that many communities have run tests on street sweepings and it has never been classified as a waste that needs to be treated. Nyberg concluded his review of the first section, indicating that chapter eight addresses the storm water utility fee and chapter nine covers the amendment process providing a brief description of how changes to this plan would occur. Nyberg then provided a brief overview of the second section. He stated that this section is divided into three areas. The first area (chapters ten, eleven and twelve) covers storm drainage issues, water quality analysis, and wetland evaluation. The second area (chapters thirteen, fourteen, fifteen and sixteen) includes hard technical data such as soil characteristics, land use, water quality, rainfall data, run off data, peak discharges and high water elevations for storm water ponds. Nyberg indicated the final area in the second section is the Appendix items, such as wetland ordinance, sample shoreline management ordinance, erosion and sediment control ordinance, and the actual report from the SWAMP Committee. Lundstrom distributed the proposed schedule for reviewing the plan. He indicated that the City staff would like to send copies of the draft plan to the various agencies for review immediately rather than waiting until June 1999. They will note that the plan has not yet been approved by the Planning Commission. IV. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. City Council and Board of Zoning Appeals . Shaffer reported that the recommendations of the Xenia Avenue Task Force were approved by the City Council. V. Other Business A. Report on City Council retreat Pentel requested that the Planning Commission receive an official report of the City Council retreat meeting. She stated this would be helpfUl in preparing Commission members for future items that may be coming before the Commission. B. Miscellaneous Code Issues Chair Pentel asked staff to investigate potential code issues on two properties. In Golden Valley Commons, MGM Liquors continues to cover its windows with sales advertising. More recently, all curbside parking spaces in front of the store were posted for exclusive use by MGM customers. Over at the new Crisis Nursery site on Glenwood Avenue, the circumstances of the dumpster area could cause significant off-site odor problems as the weather gets warmer. C. Design Review Concerns/United Properties and Other Developments As an extension of a report on the City Council's formal United Properties . . . Minutes of the Golden Vailey Planning Commission February 8, 1999 Page 7 preliminary plan hearing, Commissioners discussed incorporating a design review into the consideration of redevelopment projects in Golden Valley. When public money is going into a project, there should perhaps be greater control over aesthetic issues. Design of the United Properties building was of great concern to some Commissioners, and the matter was taken up again by some of the Council members during and after the formal hearing. Commissioner Shaffer stated that there are some fairly simple ways to add design review to the HRA's standard negotiation process. At both hearings for United Properties, he was on record as saying the developer could have done better with the building design if the City had so required. Shaffer also asked to have the record note, however, that he did not recall saying the United Properties proposal was "mediocre," as stated in the earlier-approved Planning Commission minutes for January 11, 1998; he would have requested a correction if he had noticed that particular wording prior to approving the minutes. . D. land Use Plan Citywide mapping of existing land uses has been completed. To begin the process of updating the long range land use plan map, staff are identifying sites for which individual plan map amendments have been approved, sites known to have erroneous designations on the plan map, sites that have been shifted into new land use categories, and sites for which the Planning Commission may want to discuss altering the plan designation for various reasons. In the near future, a map of all identified sites will be sent out to Commissioners along with the map of existing land uses. A work session will be set up for the Commission to go over all necessary and potential changes to the plan map, including any that may be suggested by individual Commissioners. E. Remodeling Planbook Golden Valley is one of several communities sponsoring a book of ideas to help homeowners who want to renovate a variety of typical post-World-War-II housing styles. Planning Commissioners will soon receive mailed invitations to a "kick-ofF event promoting the recently completed planbook. F. Highway 100 Update Staff passed along information about an upcoming MnDOT-hosted open house providing an update on the Highway 100 reconstruction project. A MnDOT Highway 100 bulletin with contact names and numbers was also circulated. VI. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 9: 15pm Emilie Johnson, Secretary . . MEMORANDUM DATE: TO: FROM: RE: March 3, 1999 Golden Valley Planning Commission Mary Dold, Planning Assistant ELECTION OF OFFICERS . According to the Planning Commission By-Laws, Section 1, the annual meeting of the Planning Commission should take place at its first meeting in March. The City Council usually appoints members at its first meeting in March, before the Planning Commission meets, so all new members are aboard. This year new members will not be aboard until the first meeting in May. Staff is suggesting that the Planning Commission table its election until its meets during the month of May, 1999. . . MEMORANDUM DATE: TO: FROM: RE: March 3, 1999 Golden Valley Planning Commission Mary Dold, Planning Assistant REVIEW OF ATTENDANCE According to the Planning Commission By-Laws, the Chair is to review the attendance of the commissioners in February and August. Because the second meeting of the Planning Commission was cancelled at the last moment, the attendance should now be reviewed this first meeting in March. Below you will find the attendance record for meetings of September, 1998 through February, 1999. . PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS ATTENDANCE FOR 1998 September through December 4 Mtgs. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS ATTENDANCE FOR 1999 January through February 2 Mtgs. .