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09-13-99 PC Agenda ~. . . I e It e Ln_n~_ AGENDA GOLDEN VAllEY PLANNING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Chambers Monday, September 13,1999 7:00 P.M. I. Approval of Minutes - August 9, 1999 II. Informal Public Hearing - Draft - Park Plan Element of the Comprehensive Plan - Short Recess - III. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council and Board of Zoning Appeals IV. Other Business A. Work Session - Draft Report on Water Supply Element of the Comprehensive Plan B. Discu'ssion - 1-394 Corridor land Use Study Design V. Adjournment I ~ I .1 ,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 e 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. , Spo~espersons 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 determin~ 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. e '" t e e . / Joint Meeting of the Golden Valley Planning Commission and Open Space & Recreation Commission DRAFT ONLY Has Not Been Approved August 9, 1999 A regular meeting of the Planning Commission, with attendance by the Open Space & Recreation Commission was held at the Golden Valley City Hall, Council Chambers, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Chair Pentel at 7:00 P.M. Those present were Chair Pentel and Commissioners Eck, Groger, Hoffman, McAleese, and Shaffer. Also present were Mark Grimes, Director of Planning and Development and Beth Knoblauch, City Planner. Those present from the Open Space & Recreation Commission were Members Jerry Sandler, Jim Johnson and Tom Zins. Also present were Rick Jacobson and Sharyl Thompson. The Chair and Members decided to address Item III (B) of the agenda regarding a workshop discussion on the Park Plan element of the Comprehensive Plan. III. Other Business B. Workshop - Draft Report on Park Plan Element of the Comprehensive Plan Mark Grimes gave a brief background on the process of revising the Comprehensive Plan. Rick Jacobson explained that the Open Space and Recreation Commission and staff have reviewed and revised the plan as shown on the draft copy distributed. The first question was on the Priority Items (Addendum B) regarding a major park at Sweeney Lake. Tom Zins explained that the Open Space and Recreation Commission was disappointed in the amount of park land that was allocated in the new Hidden Lakes development, and this item was listed to indicate that there is still interest on the part of the Commission to have more park land adjacent to Sweeney Lake. Rich Groger asked what "historically significant elements" were considered on page 6 under "Policies". There were no specific items in mind when this was written, but rather an awareness in the future for the City to consider. Rich Greger also requested that the Sidewalk Committee be re-activated and work toward getting sidewalks put in place where it has already been determined there is a need. One Commissioner asked how the 14.5 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents compare with other cities. Rick Jacobson replied that it is a favorable percentage. The following items were suggested as changes: 1. Paula Pentel suggested that on the map, red dots should be shown crossing Hwy. 55 at Rhode Island, Douglas Drive and Ottawa indicating future trail development and encouraging safe crossing over the highway. . i . e e j Minutes of a Joint Meeting of the Golden Valley Planning Commission and the Open Space & Recreation Commission DRAFT ON August 9, 1999 l Y Page 2 Has Not Been Approved 2. Lester Eck pointed out that under "Park Systems Classification" on page 1, it shows two classifications: active community/neighborhood parks, and passive open space/nature areas. However, the passive open space/nature areas should then be shown as an underlined heading on page 2 with a definition. 3. Lester Eck also suggested that under the heading of "Goals and Policies" starting on Page 6, that the wording in each policy was redundant and could be simplified. 4. Paula Pentel suggested that the last sentence in paragraph 3 on page 4 be deleted. 5. Kevin McAleese pointed out that on page 3 "mini-park" is listed, but it does not show anywhere else in the plan. It was decided to move St. Croix Park under the "Neighborhood Parks" heading and eliminate the Mini-Park heading. 6. Paula Pentel suggested adding "known as Western Avenue Marsh" into the 4th paragraph on page 4. 7. It was suggested that the first objective shown on page 7 be moved to Addendum A, "List of Priorities". 8. On page 9, it was agreed to remove the last three words (in development plans) of Item #2 under "Policies". 9. Paula Pentel suggested adding the following statement to the introduction: Park land and open space provide ecological function for wildlife habitat and native plant species which add to the quality of life in Golden Valley. This concluded the workshop discussion of the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission continued with its regular agenda as submitted for its meeting of August 9, 1999. I. Approval of Minutes - July 12, 1999 MOVED by Eck, seconded by Groger, and motion carried unanimously to approve the July 12, 1999 minutes as submitted. II. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council and Board of Zoning Appeals Reports were given on recent City Council and Housing and Redevelopment Authority meetings. Commissioner Shaffer reported on the latest Board of Zoning Appeals meeting and requested to meet with Mark Grimes, Director of Planning and Development, regarding certain issues relating to potential changes to the zoning code. III. Other Business A. Review of Attendance The Commission reviewed attendance over the past year. IV. Adjournment Chair Pentel adjourned the Planning Commission meeting at 9:15 P.M. Richard Groger, Secretary . MEMORANDUM DATE: TO: FROM: RE: September 8, 1999 Golden Valley Planning Commission Mary Dold, Planning Assistant HRA MINUTES Attached are the minutes from the Housing and Redevelopment Authority concerning the discussion of the 1-394 Corridor Land Use Study Design Charge. Attachment e . f e REGULAR MEETING OF THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY August 10, 1999 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Golden Valley, Hennepin County, Minnesota, was held at 7800 Golden Valley Road in said City on August 10, 1999, at 7:00 PM. The following members were present: Chair Gloria Johnson and Commissioners Mary Anderson, Larry Bakken, and Marti Micks. Commissioner Jan LeSuer was absent. Also present were HRA Director Bill Joynes, HRA Coordinator Jeanne Andre, HRA Attorney Allen Barnard, Director of Planning and Development Mark Grimes, Finance Director Don Taylor, and Administrative Secretary Pat Butler. Addition to Agenda Golden Valley Human Services Foundation golf tournament. Approval of the Minutes e MOVED by Micks, seconded by Anderson, and motion carried to approve the minutes of the July 13, 1999 regular HRA meeting as submitted. Approval of Bills MOVED by Anderson, seconded by Bakken, and motion carried to approve the bills as submitted. Receive and File the August 1999 Financial Reports MOVED by Bakken, seconded by Micks, and motion carried to receive and file the August Financial reports as submitted. North Wirth Redevelopment Area North Wirth Transfer Finance Director Don Taylor explained that interest earnings on tax increment moneys can legally be transferred to another fund. Therefore, he recommends that interest earnings on the North Wirth Tax Increment funds be transferred to the Capital Improvement Fund in order to provide financial flexibility to finance on-going public works' expenditures. e MOVED by Anderson, seconded by Bakken and motion carried to approve transfer of $1,500,000 of interest earnings from the North Wirth Tax Increment Funds to the City's Capital Improvement Fund. , Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting August 10, 1999 . Page 2 Golden Hills Redevelopment Area Authorization of Condemnation for Duke Development Agreement: Resolution 99-11 HRA Attorney Allen Barnard explained that in order to acquire the properties and "clean up" title in the area of the proposed Duke development, passage of the resolution was necessary to comply with the approved development agreement. Director Joynes explained that notification was first given to property owners in the late 1970s and early 1980s when the redevelopment district was approved and that additional public hearings have been held over the years related to amending the district. He explained that the City has been working with tenants in the area who may have a difficult time with relocating quickly because of the nature of their business. It is the HRA goal to negotiate the acquisitions with the property owners, but if that isn't possible, condemnation will proceed. Although this item was not a public hearing, Chair Johnson allowed comments from the audience. e Jay Hoffman, member of the Planning Commission and the Xenia Avenue Task Force, asked that the Attorney re-explain the title "clean up" procedure that would occur with passage of the resolution. Commissioner Anderson introduced the following and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION 99-11 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION BY PURCHASE ORCONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE GOLDEN HILLS CENTRAL AREA The motion for the foregoing resolution was seconded by Commissioner Bakken, and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Anderson, Bakken and Johnson; the following voted against the same: Micks; and the following was absent: LeSuer; whereupon said resolution was adopted, signed by the Chair and her signature attested by the Director. Ninth Amendment to Duke Development Agreement e Director Joynes explained that the City already has a development agreement with Duke-Weeks for the Golden Hills area. This ninth amendment calls for the construction of a much larger facility than the original agreement called for, although there would be only one tenant, Allianz Insurance Company. A single tenant would be best for such a large building, since the company already has flex time, job , Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting August 10, 1999 tit Page 3 Ninth Amendment to Duke Development Agreement (Continued) sharing, telecommuting and bus riders up and running, which could reduce traffic problems. A project this large requires an Environmental Assessment Worksheet as well as normal planning approvals. He said as part of the approvals, a traffic management plan would have to be prepared before the project could go ahead. Jim Gray, General Manager of Duke Weeks, and Ed Bonach, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Allianz, as well as their consultant Jim Vos, were present to provide an overview of the project and answer questions from the Commission. They said that Allianz Life Insurance of North America recently merged with LifeUSA, and they are looking to. consolidate their operations. Thus the need for a large facility which would house their 1,000 employees. They are proposing an initial facility of approximately 350,000 to 400,000 square feet, with a possible future facility of about 200,000 square feet. The original facility would be 10 to 12 stories, and the. proposed second phase building would be approximately 5-6 stories. A parking ramp would be built along with the first phase building. They then took questions from the Commissioners. e Chair Johnson opened the floor to comments from the audience. Jay Hoffman, Planning Commission member, and Xenia Avenue Task Force member, stated he agreed that the amendment should state that the proposed larger facility is specifically for one tenant, Allianz in order to avoid several tenants moving into the proposed building. He wondered is Xenia Avenue would be able to handle the increased traffic and wondered who makes the decision of how many cars are too many. Dick Kaitz of Palm Beach Beauty Products wondered about the timeframe for the acquisition of his building. He said he had a lot of planning which needed to be completed in order for him to pack up and move his company. Chair Johnson and Director Joynes explained the information that is obtained from both an EAWand a traffic overlay, and the HRA should be able to work with him in a timely manner. Director Joynes suggested that a line be added to the Ninth Amendment to the Development Agreement, to specify that the larger facility would be for Allianz as the only tenant. e MOVED by Bakken, seconded by Anderson, and motion carried to authorize execution of the Ninth Amendment to the Duke Realty Private Development Agreement, amended to specify the project as the Allianz headquarters. Commissioner Micks voted no. , Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting August 10, 1999 . Page 4 Golden Valley Human Services Foundation Golf Tournament Chair Johnson wanted to remind everyone of the Golf Tournament scheduled for September 25th, Proceeds from the tournament support various human services programs which aid Golden Valley residents. The tournament is still in need of corporate sponsors as well as golfers. She said anyone interested should contact Sue Virnig at 593-8010. Recess and Reconvene Chair Johnson recessed the meeting at 8:20 PM and it was reconvened at 8:36 PM in the Council Conference Room in order to meet jointly with the Golden Valley Planning Commission. Preliminary Planning Commission Report: 1-394 Corridor Land Use Study Design Charae e Planning Commission Chair Paula Pentel explained that the HRA had received a synopsis of their report on the Golden Hills study area. She said that during the Planning Commission's process of looking at the area, that they would need a budget to accomplish their charge of evaluating the area and making use recommendations as they want to involve stakeholders in the process. Discussion took place as to the study area boundaries, and exactly what the HRA wants from the Planning Commission, in order to help determine stakeholders and the study process. Commissioner Anderson stated that she would like the public participation process to include the question on whether the HRA should become actively involved in redevelopment west of Colorado before she makes a decision on this issue. Commissioner Bakken stated a preference for using the most recent 1-394 corridor study as a base for considering changes. Discussion took place on two related but separate studies that will occur: the EAW for the Allianz project, and a study of traffic issues at the west end of Laurel. The Planning Commission requested that they be apprised of the timetable for the Laurel Avenue study, and want to be informed of upcoming neighborhood meetings regarding the study. Commissioner Anderson asked Director Joynes to make sure that happens. . 1 Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting August 10, 1999 . Page 5 Preliminary Plannino Commission Report: 1-394 Corridor Land Use StudY Desion Charoe (Continued) Planning Commission Chair Pentel also stated that since the HRA had just approved the amendment to the Duke Development Agreement which involves the building ofa larger office building, it changed the original charge given to the Planning Commission. She then asked the HRA to explain exactly what they wanted the Planning Commission to accomplish based on the report they submitted to the H RA. . Commissioner Anderson requested that Director Joynes summarize the discussion and present staff recommendations on how the Planning Commission can move ahead with their study. Director Joynes said the Planning Commission's Option B, which was outlined in their report, is what the City needs the Planning Commission to undertake as it is a long-term measure. This would mean the study could take anywhere from six months to a year but would focus more on "general principles to follow and specific objectives to meet as land use changes are considered over time, similar to the range of development guidelines provided in a typical redevelopment area plan." A separate study of the redevelopment sites in the existing redevelopment area should be done more quickly and could serve as a model for the larger project. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 PM. ATTEST: Gloria Johnson, Chair Patricia J. Butler, Secretary .