04-26-82 PC Minutes ��
Minutes of the Golden Valley
Planning Commission
Apri1 26, tg82
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held in the Council Chambers
of the Civic Center, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Go1den Valley, MN. Chairman
Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:p.m.
Those present were Commissioners Forster, Leppik, Polachek, Rrazak, Singer
and Thompson. Commissioner Tubman was not present at the beginning of the
meeting.
Also present were Mike Miller, Planning and Redevelopment Coordinator, and
Alda Peikert, Assistant Planner.
I . Approval of Minutes - April 12, 1g82:
It was moved by Gommissioner Leppik, seconded by Commissioner Polachek and
carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the April 12, 1982 Planning
Commission meeting as recorded.
II . Set Date for Informal Public Hearing - Amendment to PUD #28:
APPLICANT: Pondwood Associates
LOCATION: 4959, 4g69 � 4979 Olson Memoria] Highway
(T.H. 55)
REQUEST: Approval of Modification of PUD #28,
Pondwood Office Park
Chairman Thompson introduced this agenda item and noted the staff recommendation
of a May 10, 1982 informal public hearing date.
It was moved by Commissioner Leppik, seconded by Cammissioner Singer and
carried unanimously to set the date of May 10, 1982 for an informal public
hearing to consider the proposed amendment to PUD #28, Pondwood Office Park.
Planning and Redevelopment Coordinator Mike Miller distributed ptans for the
proposed amendment to PUD #28.
Commissioner Tubman arrived at the meeting.
III . Set Date for Informal Public Hearing - West Suburban Surgical Center,
Inc.
APPLICANT: West Suburban Surgical Center, tnc.
LOCATION: 6681 Co�antry Club Drive
REQUEST: Approval to establish and operate a "same day"
surgical center in an I-3, Institutional
Zoning District
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Planning Commission Minutes - April 26, 1g82 Page 2
Chairman Thompson introduced this agenda item and noted the staff recom-
mendation of a May 10, 1982 informal public hearing date.
It was moved by Commissioner Singer, seconded by Commissioner Leppik and
carried unanimously to set the date of May 10, 1982 for an informal public
hearing to consider the application from West Suburban Surgical Center,
Inc. for location of a "same day" surgical center at 6681 Country C1ub Drive
in the Institutional ( I-3) Zoning District.
IV. Continuation of Consideration of General Plan of Development without
Concept Plan Approval - PUD #3 �
APPLICANT: Golden Valley Lutheran College
LOCATION: 6125 Olson tlemorial Highway
REQUEST: Approval of General Plan of Development -
PUD #34, Golden Valley Lutheran College
Chairman Thompson introduced this agenda item, and Assistant Planner Alda
Peikert reviewed the staff report. Chairman Thompson then asked for Commis-
sioner questions of staff or the proponent. Present to represent the proponent
were Dr. Bernt Opsal , President of Golden Valley Lutheran College, Mr. Curtis
Green, Architect with Hammel Green Abrahamson, Inc. , and Mr. Jim Goulet,
Engineer with Hammel Green Abrahamson, 1nc.
Commissioner Leppik asked whether the variety of evergreen tree used for '
screening purposes , Black Hills Spruce, is a type which retains fullness to
the ground. Mr. Jim Goulet replied that the Black Hi11s Spruce trees are
dense to the ground and will provide screening to the ground.
Commissioner Tubman expressed concern that neither the current College
development plans nor the plans for future development possibilities include
installation of tennis courts and ball fields for which the College has a
current need. Chairman Thompson noted that the action recommended by staff
includes a conditiofi concerning provision for student recreational needs in
future College expansion plans.
Commissioner Leppik asked what materials would be used on the exterior of
the new dormitory �nd how much of the dormitory would be visible from the
south. Mr. Curt Green said that the exterior finish would be grey stucco and
that the end of the building, 60 feet wide and two and one half stories in
height, would be visible from the south. P1r. Green added that the dormitory
cannot be relocated to the east due to inadequate subsoil conditions.
Commissioner Leppik asked whether the parking facility for the possible future
gymnasium, if eventually built, would provide enough additional parking to allow
elimination of the parking area on the west side of the campus. Mr. Green
replied that the parking requirements for the gymnasium, if built, would be
substantial and that the proposed parking facility adjacent to the gymnasium
would be designed to accommodate the gymnasium and the College probably would
retain the parking on the west side of the campus.
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Planning Commission Minutes - April 26, 1982 Page 3
Commissioner Leppik asked Dr. Opsal whether parking in the west parking area
could be restricted by permit to reduce traffic. Dr. Opsal replied that the
ColTege already uses a sticker system to restrict parking in each campus
parking lot.
At the request of Chairman Thompson, Planning and Redevelopment Coordinator
Mike Milter explained that future additions to College facilities, including
those shown at this time as future development possibilities, will require
amendment of the PUD.
Commissioner Singer moved that the Planning Commission recommend approval
subject to conditions suggested in the staff report. Ms. Peikert informed
the Commission that the condition in the staff report requiring a Fire Depart-
ment siamese on the Commons building should be eliminated because standpipes
will not be required in the Commons Building. It was moved by Commissioner
Singer and seconded by Commissioner Polachek that the Planning Commission
recommend City Council approval of the General Plan of Development for PUD #34,
Golden Valley Lutheran College, subject to the nine conditions suggested in
the staff report.
Chairman Thompson asked for discussion on the motion. Commissioner Leppik
stated tf�at she would like to add another condition to the motion specifying
the planting of vines on the south side of the new dormitory. Following discus-
sion of whether specification of building exterior was appropriate to the
Planning Commission role, Commissioner Leppik stated that she would like to
make two suggestions rather than conditions to accompany the motion;
1) That vines be planted on the south side of the new dormitory:
2) That large signs reading "Parking by Permit Only" be posted at the entrance
to the west access road and in the west parking area.
Dr. Kenneth Valentas, 401 Edgewood Avenue North, addressed the Chairman and
asked whether neighboring residents present would have an opportunity to speak
to the motion. Chairman Thompson explained that the public hearing was closed
at the March 22, 1982 Planning Commission meeting and that although action was
deferred, the public hearing was not continued. After Planning Commissioners
expressed a willingness to hear any new testimony offered by residents on the
revised plans for PUD #34, Chairman Thompson opened the meeting to comments
from residents .
Mr. John Paulson, 320 Edgewood Avenue North, stated that he had not seen the
revised plans prior to the meeting and that he had received the impression
previously that the plans would be presented to neighboring residents prior to
Planning Commission consideration and action. It was verified that the plans
had been made available at the College as requested at the last Planning Com-
mission meeting.
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Planning Commission Minutes - April 2 6, 1982 Page Four
Mr. Jue1 Svenkerud, 6421 Westchester Circle, stated that the new parking con-
figuration along the �yest access road brings the parking area closer to his home
due to the curve in the road. Mr. Svenkerud expressed concern that access to
the new dormitory from the west would increase traffic on the west access road and
requested that the road be elosed at least in the summer. Mr. Svenkerud also
requested that the garbage dumpster behind the southwest dormitory be relocated
to the main building area due to noise generated by garbage collection in early
morning hours.
Mr. John Paulson, 320 Edgewood Avenue North, requested that the College vacate
the road connection to Edgewood Avenue which he feels is unneeded.
Commissioner Leppik asked whether it would be possible to relocate the northern
portion of the west access road to the east.` Mr. Curt Green replied that a
substantial bank in the area to the east would present difficulties in relocation
of the road. Mr. Jim Goulet pointed out that relocation of the northerly section
of the access road would necessitate addition of curves which present difficulties
for fire equipment access. Commissioner Leppik suggested that the existing section
of road could be retained for emergency vehicle use only.
Dr. Opsal expressed willingness to put chain across the v�est access road during
the summer.
Commissioner Leppik said she would like to make four additional suggestions to
accompany the motion:
1 ) That the west access road be chained during the summer.
2) That the City Council examine the possibility of relocating the northern
portion of the west access road to the east.
3) That the new parking area along the west access road be relocated to the south.
4) That the southwest access from Edgewood Avenue be abandoned if not required
for emergency vehicles.
Mr. Miller pointed out that fire equipment can be dispatched from two different
fire stations resulting in fire emergency vehicles appraaching from both the north
and the south and that other types of emergency vehicles may also approach the
College from the south. Mr. Miller suggested that the southwest access from
Edgewood Avenue, which is chained for emergency vehicle use only, should be retained.
Dr. Opsal requested that Planning Gommissioners consider the beauty of the College
campus and the negative aesthetic impact of cutting the campus green areas with
additional roads.
Chairman Thompson reviewed the motion that the Planning Commission recommend City
Council approval of the Genera] Plan of Development for PUD #34, Golden Valley
Lutheran Col<lege, subject to nine conditions and accompanied by five suggestions.
The recommended conditions of approval are:
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Planning Commission Minutes - April 26, 1982 ' Page Five
l . �nstallation of wet type standpipes in the new dormitory bu'i:lding.
2. fnsta] }ation of sprinkler system in all trash chutes and trash collection areas.
3. Approval of fire alarm systems by the City Fire Marshal prior to installation.
4. Addition of a second new fire hydrant to the northeast of the new commons
building adjacent to the new walkway/emergency roed.
5• Installation of a Fire Department siamese, a connection accommodating two
fire hoses, on the west .side of the new dormitory as near as possible to the
new f i re hydrant.
6. Design of all radiuses on the new walkway/emergency road to accommodate
City fire equipment without wheels going off the pavement on curves.
7. Vacetion of. existing watermain easement and dedication of new watermain
easements prior to issuance of building permits for the new dormitory and
commons buildings.
8. Addition of signage at the west access road to reduce unwarranted traffic.
9. Provision for student recreational needs in any future expansion of Golden
Valley Lutheran College facilities.
The suggestions accompanying the motion are:
1 . That vines be planted on the south side of the new dormitory.
2. That large signs. reading "Parking by Permit Only" be posted at the entrance
to the west access road and in the west parking area.
3. That the west access road be chained during the summer.
4. That the City Council examine the possibility of rela.cating the .northern
portion of the< west access road to the east.
5• That the new parking area along the west access road be relocated to the south.
The motion carried unanimously.
U. Informal Public Hearing - PUD #35, Busch Site Office Warehouse:
APPLICANT: Kraus-Anderson Realty Co.
LOCATION: Northeast Quadrant of the Intersection of lOth
Avenue North and Boone Avenue North
REQUEST: Approval of General Plan of Development without
Concept Plan Approva1 for PUD #35
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Planning Commission Minutes - April 26, 1982 Page Six
Chairman Thompson introduced this agenda item and asked whether there were any
questions of staff.
Commissioner Leppik asked whether the ten percent land donation for park and open
space purposes required by the Platting Ordinance had been waived. Planning and
Redevelopment Coordinator Mike Miller replied that the requirement can be waived
only by the City Council , but that in the case of a PUD there is usually adequate
ponding area and open space provided to fulfill this requirement.
Commi.ssioner Singer asked Mr. Miller about the question of underutilization of
the site mentioned in the staff report. Mr. Miller replied that the question
of highest and best use of land should be considered in the case of a redevelopment
project such as this proposed PUD, that the subject site is a choice piece of
property and that the City should take advantage of the opportunity to better
develop the property.
Chairman Thompson recognized Mr. Vince Coughlin, Kraus-Anderson Realty Company,
who was present to represent the proponent. Mr. Coughlin introduced Mr. Ray Reese,
Coldwell Banker, and Mr. John Pope, Architect, who were also present on behal:f
of the proponent. Mr. Pope presented the plans for PUD #35, Busch Site Office
Wa rehouse.
Commissioner Singer asked whether the building design would allow opening of
windows as an energy conservation consideration. Mr. Reese informed the Com-
mission that this question had been a matter of interest to a number of potential
tennants and had been explored, but thaf regulation of heating and cooling
systems becomes a problem when windows are opened at random locations throughout
the building.
Commissioner Forster asked what type of tenants were expected in the building.
Mr. Reese explained that it would be an office warehouse building with intensive
landscaping and premium finishing materials which would attract high technology
type tenants in fields such as electronics and computers. The typical tenant
space would include office, show�raom, ar��i possibly some assembly or service area.
The auerage tenant would occupy 5,000 to c3,000 square feet of spa�ce, although
the proponent is working with one potential tenant requiring 35,000 square feet
of space in the southerly building., At this point, the proponent envisions having
approximately four tenants in the southerly building and ten in the northerly
building.
Commissioner Leppik asked whether the warehouse space could be used as a showroom
on the order of a merchandise mart. Mr. Reese replied that a tenant might have a
demonstration room equivalent to a large conference room but that the proponent
would not be able to provide the parking required for a merchandise mart.
Chairman Thompson opened the informal public hearing for public input. There was
no one present who wished to speak on this agenda item, and Chairman Thompson
closed the informal public hearing.
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Planning Commission Minutes - Apri1 26, 1983 Page Seven
Planning and Redevelopment Coordinator Mike Miller recommended the following
fourth condition of approval in addition to the three provided in the staff report:
Proposed signage for this project must be approved by the City Building lnspector
and Building Board of Review.
Commissioner Forster asked what zoning restrict+ons would apply to PUD #35 as an
office/warehous� complex, considering the mention of assembly or light manufacturing
by potentiat tenants. Mr. Miller replied that the approval wou]d be for an office
warehouse and that the PUD Permit may restrict uses to office/warehouse or may
require that uses conform to parking provisions . Parking requirements for assembly
are the same as for warehouse, but addition of inezzanine area is possible considering
ceiling height and could result in parking deficiencies .
Mr. Reese offered an example of the type of essembly anticiapted as coordinatiqn
and modification of computer components to customer specifications.
It was moved by Commissioner Forster, seconded by Commissioner Polachek and carried
unanimously to recommend City Council approval of the Genera} Plan of Development
for PUD #35, Busch Site Office Warehouse subject to the following conditions:
l . The proponent be required to com�ily with the recommendations of the City
Fire Marshal .
2. That all necessary engineering requirements be met as determined by the City
Engineer
3- The proponent shall comply with the City Landscape standards currently in
effect.
4. Proposed signage for this project must be approved by the City Building
Inspector and Building Board of Review.
VI . Request for Waiver of Platting Ordinance:
APPLICANT: Holiday Motor Motel
LOCATION: 812 Lilac Drive North
REQUEST: Divide one (1) commercial parcel of land into
two (2) commercial parcels
Chairman Thompson informed the Commission .that the proponent, Mr. Richard Williams,
was present at the beginning of the meeting and notified staff that he wished
to withdraw hi5 application for waiver of the City Platting Ordinance.
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Planning Commission Minutes - April 26, 1983 Page Eight
VJI . Consideration of Revisions to the Commercial Zoning District:
Chairman Thompson introduced this agenda item and referred Commissioners to the
study provided by staff on parking ratios in existing Golden Va11ey shopping
centers. Chai:rman Thompson noted the staff recommendation that the parking
requirement for retail use be revised from the current requirement of one parking
space for each 75 square feet of retail floor space to one parking space for
each 150 square feet of retail floor space, instead of one for, each 100 square feet
as previously under consideration.
It was rioved by Commissioner Leppik, seconded by Commissioner Singer and carried
unanimously to amend Section 5.05 Item 1 . of the proposed revised Corrxnercial
Zoning District section of the Zoning Ordinance to require one parking space for
each 150 square feet of retail floor space rather than one for each 100 square
feet of retail floor space.
lt was moved by Commissioner Forster, seconded by Commissioner Prazak and carried
unanirr�usly to recommend that the City Council approve the revised Commercial
Zoning District section of the Zoning Ordinance.
VIII . Report on BZA Meeting - April 13', 1982:
Commissioner Polachek provided a report on the April 13, 1982 Board of Zoning
Appeals (BZA) meeting.
IX. Report on HRA Meeting - April 13, 1982:
Commissioner Prazak provided a report on the April 13, 1982 HRA Meeting.
X. Report on City Council Meeting - April 20, 1982:
Chairman Thompson provided a report on the April 20, 1982 City Council meeting.
XI . Review of City Capital {mprovements Program:
Chairman Thompson informed Planning Commissioners that the City Council requested
Planning Commission recommendations on revision of the City Capital Improvements
Program. Chairman Thompson reported that City Engineer Lowell Odland has agreed
to meet with the Planning Commission the second meeting in May to provide a
briefing on two projects of interest to the Planning Commission: Completion of
Laurel Avenue and the storm sewer system.
XII . Consideration of Implementation of the Housing Policy:
Chairman Thompson requested that Planning Commissioners revie�� the adopted City
Housing Policy in preparation for discussion in June of recommendations for imple-
mentation of the Housing Policy, as requested by the City Council .
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p•m•
Respectfully sUbmitted,
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David Thompson, Chairman Marg t Leppik,� cretary