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09-27-99 PC Minutes e e Regular Meeting of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 27, 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, September 27, 1999. The meeting was called to order by Chair Pentel at7:00 p.m. Those present were Chair Pentel and Commissioners Eck, Groger, McAleese, Rasmussen and Shaffer. Commissioner Hoffman was absent. Also present were Mark Grimes, Director of Planning and Development, Beth Knoblauch, City Planner and Tammi Hall, Recording Secretary. Jeannine Clancy, Public Works Director was also present for a portion of the meeting. I. Approval of Minutes - September 13. 1999 Chair Pentel indicated there was a correction to the minutes on page four near the end of the first paragraph under the 1-394 Corridor discussion. She stated that the third to the last sentence in the paragraph should read: "Pentel stated that it would be helpful to have specific information on the properties as soon as possible." MOVED by McAleese, seconded by Eck and motion. carried unanimously to approve the September 13,1999 minutes as revised. II. Informal Public Hearing - Draft - Water Supplv Element of the Comprehensive Plan Public Works Director Jeannine Clancy presented an overview of the Water Supply Plan. She informed the Commission that the plan has been approved by the Metropolitan Council and forwarded to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for approval. She stated that this portion of the Comprehensive Plan differs from other segments of the plan in that state agencies review and comment on the plan prior to adoption of the plan by the City. Clancy stated that the Water Supply Plan consists of four sections: analysis of current status, emergency planning, a water conservation element and a section which itemizes plan elements as required by state statute. Clancy stated that Golden Valley is a member of the Joint Water Commission which was established in the early 1960s by the cities of Golden Valley, New Hope and Crystal for the purpose of purchasing water from the City of Minneapolis. She stated that the larger aspects of the system, including pipes larger than twelve inches and the reservoirs, are owned jointly by the Commission. She indicated that the water supply is drawn from the City of Minneapolis each evening and stored in two reservoirs, one in the City of Golden Valley and the other in the City of Crystal. Clancy stated that the Golden Valley reservoir is located behind Courage Center and holds 9 million gallons of water. She indicated that the Crystal reservoir holds 19 million gallons of water. Clancy Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 27, 1999 Page 2 stated that the Joint Water Commission consumes 7 million gallons of water per day. Of this amount, Golden Valley uses approximately 38%, New Hope 32% and Crystal 29%. Clancy stated that the Mississippi River is the water source for the City of Minneapolis. She indicated that Minneapolis softens the water. She stated that Minneapolis is also undertaking significant improvements to the Fridley and Columbia Heights facilities including installation of high filtration membranes to ensure the water supply remains free of contaminants. In regard to emergency issues, Clancy stated that if the City were unable to obtain water from the City of Minneapolis, the Joint Water Commission has a four day water supply. In response to questions raised by the Commission at their last meeting, Clancy stated that the City of Minneapolis has facilities to store a two-day water supply. She also indicated that they can lower or raise their intake valve as needed to deal with any type of substance that may be in the Mississippi River. Clancy added that there is an environmental group, "Friends of the Mississippi River", that carefully monitors the water quality of the river. She stated that in an emergency situation, residential users would have first priority, commercial and industrial users would be second priority. Clancy stated that the City plans to install a generator in the Golden Valley reservoir in case of a loss of power at both reservoirs. She stated that, in 36 years of operation, power has never been lost at both reservoirs at the same time. Clancy indicated that the City is also investigating possible alternative water sources in the case of an emergency, including wells located on the General Mills property and the City of St. Louis Park. She stated that both of these alternatives are complicated by the fact that they are ground water sources. Clancy stated that the City will be reviewing the water conservation aspect of the plan as they prepare to re-negotiate the contract with Minneapolis. In response to questions from the Commission regarding usage that is unaccounted for, Clancy stated that this includes flushing of fire hydrants, ice rink flooding, fires and city . construction. Clancy stated that the Commission had asked for a list of abbreviations which was compiled and added to the plan. She added that the map had also been revised to reflect changes as a result of the pavement management program and Hidden Lakes. Clancy indicated that if the Planning Commission recommends approval of the plan, the City Council will hold a public hearing on October 19th. She stated that the cities of Crystal and New Hope are also in the process of reviewing their plans. Commissioner McAleese asked about the reference to the insurance service office on page seven of the plan. Clancy stated that the Fire Chief works closely with this office e e - e Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 27, 1999 Page 3 which reviews the city's ability to provide water flow, condition of fire hydrants and location of fire hydrants for the purpose of setting insurance rates. Chair Pentel opened the informal public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Chair Pentel closed the informal public hearing. MOVED by Eck, seconded by McAleese and motion carried unanimously to recommend approval of the Water Supply Element of the Comprehensive Plan to the City Council. III. Informal Public Hearing - Conditional Use Permit (No. 77) Applicant: Parents in Community Action Address: 4901 Olson Memorial Highway Request: To use the building as an "Early Childhood and Family Development Center" housing the Head Start Program Planning and Development Director Mark Grimes presented an overview of the proposal. He indicated that the building is located east of Highway 100 on the south side of Olson Memorial Highway. Grimes stated that Parents In Community Action, Inc. (PICA) operates all the Head Start centers in Hennepin County. They would like to utilize the building at 4901 Olson Memorial Highway to operate an early childhood family development center in which they will house a Head Start program and related early childhood programs for children and families in the western suburbs. Grimes stated that the building is guided on the Land Use Plan Map as Office. He stated that the zoning on the property is Business and Professional Office (B&PO). Grimes indicated that within the B&PO District, there are a number of uses that are permitted only by Conditional Use Permit (CUP). One of those uses is "other uses that, in the opinion of the Council, are compatible with the uses specifically described above." Grimes stated that PICA would like the Head Start use to be considered under this provision. He indicated that the Planning Commission must determine if the proposed Head Start use is a use that is compatible with other types of uses that are permitted by right or conditional use in the B&PO Zoning District. Grimes stated that staff believes that the type of facility that is proposed by PICA is similar to other conditional uses that are listed in the ordinance, such as daycare facilities, and, therefore, should be considered as a conditional use. Grimes stated that PICA has submitted a description of site usage. He indicated that PICA plans to remodel the existing building. They will not be adding to the footprint of Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 27, 1999 Page 4 the building. Grimes indicated that the only exterior changes to the building will be the addition of a service entrance along the east side and a new accessible ramp to the south side of the building where the children will enter. There will be a fenced in play area which is proposed to be approximately 9,300 square feet. Since the play area will not include any structures, it can be located along the west property line. The children will not have to cross the parking area to get to the play area. The parking lot will be changed to handle the buses that drop-off and pick-up the children. Grimes stated that staff has reviewed the site plan and believes that it will work well for the drop-off and pick-up of children. He stated that the small buses that are owned by Head Start will stay on site during the day and be parked in the six stalls at the south end of the site. He indicated that the buses will not be stored overnight on the site. Grimes stated that PICA will be using the building for five classrooms which will serve about 85 to 90 children. Grimes stated that the plan includes 39 parking spaces. He indicated that the school parking requirements are one space for every three seats. In the case of the proposed Head Start building, there will be capacity of approximately 85 requiring 28 parking spaces under the school requirement. Grimes stated that the 39 spaces should more than adequately handle the 20 employees and six spaces needed for daytime bus parking. e Grimes indicated that the properties to the east and west are both small office buildings. Breck School is across the railroad tracks. He indicated that staff did not anticipate that the Head Start use would have a negative effect on these properties. Grimes stated that a trash enclosure is proposed at the southeast corner of the site. in addition to the enclosure, it will be screened from Olson Memorial Highway by landscaping.e Grimes briefly reviewed the "factors for consideration" included in his September 23, 1999 memorandum to the Planning Commission. Grimes stated that staff recommends that the Planning Commission agree that the Head Start proposal may be considered a Conditional Use Permit in the Business and Professional Office Zoning District. He stated that staff believes that this use is compatible and similar to other uses that serve children and are permitted by conditional use permit in this zoning district. Grimes stated that staff also recommends the use of this site by PICA for the Head Start program. It appears that this use will fit well into this existing office building with only small changes required to the building and site. He stated that staff is recommending approval with the following conditions: 3. 4. 5. e 6. 7. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 27, 1999 Page 5 1. The attached site plan and floor plans prepared by SSV Architecture Inc. and dated September 21, 1999 shall become a part of this approval. 2. The interior improvements shall meet all requirements of the building and fire code~ PICA may store up to six small buses on the site during normal working hours. The enrollment of the site shall be limited to 100 children. There shall be no more than 25 employees on the site. All other applicable local, state and federal requirements shall be met. Failure to comply with one or more of the above conditions shall be grounds for revocation of the Conditional Use Permit. Pentel asked if the children would be using Schaper Park. She suggested that it would be helpful to have a pedestrian crossing on Olson Memorial Highway to make Schaper Park accessible for the children. Grimes responded that plans for a pedestrian crossing were included in the Transportation Plan. Commissioner Groger asked about the method for determining the required number of parking spaces for this facility. Grimes stated that he would suggest using the requirements used for schools. He indicated that if the building were converted to office space in the future, it would have to come back before the Planning Commission and e meet the parking requirements for office space. Alyce Dillon, Executive Director of PICA was present to discuss their proposal and answer questions from the Commission. She stated that PICA is a private, non-profit organization. She indicated that the Golden Valley facility would be their eighth Head Start facility in the metro area. Pentel asked if the proposed Head Start would be a year round program. Dillon responded that it would be a year round program but not all of the children attend all year. She indicated that she would anticipate that approximately 50% of the children would attend only during the regular school year. The remaining 50% would attend the program for the entire year. Pentel asked if food preparation is done at the facility. Dillon responded that food preparation will be done on site in a commercial kitchen. She stated that the food must meet requirements for child care facilities and the Head Start program. She indicated Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 27, 1999 Page 6 that they can maintain better quality control over the food and nutrition when they prepare it on site. Commissioner Eck asked how the Head Start program differs from a regular day care or pre-school facility. Dillon responded that the Head Start program is designed to serve families at or below the poverty line. She indicated that they also provide services to mainstream children with disabilities. Dillon stated that 10% of their clients can be above the income level restriction. She indicated that the Head Start program consists of several components including education, nutrition, health care, social services and assistance for parents to teach them to use limited resources economically and to help them obtain job training. She stated that Head Start also requires that parents become involved in policy making decisions. Eck asked if the program is intended to serve the Golden Valley area. Dillon responded that their intention was to find a location to serve children in the western suburbs. She stated e that children living in the western suburbs that are participating in the Head Start program are currently being transported to facilities in north and south Minneapolis. She stated that they would prefer to have a location in the community closer to the children's homes. Eck asked what ages the program serves. Dillon responded that the program serves children age six weeks to kindergarten. She stated the proposed facility would include one room for infants, one for toddlers and three pre-school rooms. She added that they can also provide services to pregnant mothers to ensure they receive proper pre-natal care. Commissioner Groger asked how many employees and volunteers are typically on site. Dillon stated that it depends upon the number of children enrolled in the different age groups. She stated that for infants the required ratio is one adult to four infants. For pre-school children the required ratio is one adult for 10 children. Dillon stated that ~ parents volunteer as part of a child development training program. She stated that they ~ also have a long standing relationship with Breck School which provides students an opportunity to volunteer in the program. She concluded that there would be an average of approximately five volunteers on site daily in addition to employees. Groger asked about parking for the buses. Dillon responded that the buses would not always be parked all day in the lot since they are also used for field trips and other transportation. In regard to the use of Schaper Park, she added that if the children were to use this park they would be transported by bus rather than walking. Dillon stated that each classroom has a staff person that works directly with the families of the children in the program, serving as a liaison between the family and the school. Eck asked if these individuals are included in the number of employees estimated for the site. Dillon responded that they are included in the employee count. She added that the bus drivers are very involved in the program and spend an hour each day in the classroom to build relationships with the children. She indicated that in addition to Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 27, 1999 Page 7 transporting the children between their homes and the center, they provide transportation for field trips and for parents as needed. e Groger stated that they expect to enroll 85 children and staff has recommended that enrollment be limited to 100. He asked if the enrollment could be limited to 85 children. Dillon responded that the Head Start program limits enrollment to seventeen children per room. Since they will have five rooms this will limit their enrollment to a total of 85 children. However, she stated that she would prefer to leave the limit at 100 since there may be some children who will be part time so the actual number of children enrolled would be greater than 85. She added that services provided to families over the income level restrictions are not subject to Head Start requirements. As a result, the center may choose to enroll 20 children in a room for this type of program, which would increase the number enrolled beyond 85. Dillon stated that they are sensitive to the City's concerns regarding parking. She added that their organization has a reputation for extremely well maintained facilities with adequate parking. Groger responded that since there is no space for on street parking in this location the Commission must be sure there are enough parking spaces in the lot. Dillon responded that she felt the proposed parking would be adequate. She stated that the current parking area has 67 parking spaces but that they had decided it would be better to include a turnaround in the parking lot rather than on the frontage road which eliminated some parking spaces. She stated that, if necessary, the turnaround could be eliminated and the number of parking spaces increased. Grimes stated that if parking becomes a problem the Commission could review the situation and require additional parking space on the site. e Grimes asked if the lower level would ever be used for classrooms resulting in increased enrollment. Dillon responded that for safety reasons classrooms are located on ground level and the basement space could not be used for classrooms. Commissioner Rasmussen asked Dillon if she had any concerns that the parking would be inadequate. Dillon responded that she felt the parking space was adequate. She added that if more parking was needed the turnaround could be eliminated. She also indicated that the outdoor play area could be eliminated and used as parking if needed, since the center has transportation to take the children to a park and also has a large indoor play area. Chair Pentel opened the informal public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Dillon stated that she had provided copies of several letters of support from businesses within Golden Valley, Breck School and residents. Grimes stated that Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 27 I 1999 Page 8 Planning Commission members had received copies of these letters. Chair Pentel closed the informal public hearing. Shaffer stated that he would be in favor of the proposed plan. He stated that he was impressed with the PICA program and that their other facilities are well-maintained. Groger stated that he had concerns regarding the parking, but concluded that it would be adequate. He indicated that he felt this was a good location for this program. Rasmussen stated that she felt this use would be compatible with the zoning and an excellent addition to the community. McAleese stated that he felt this was pushing the edge of compatibility in the zoning district. However, he stated that the center is a good addition to the community and e that this is the most appropriate zoning area and site for the center. MOVED by Eck, seconded by Shaffer and motion carried unanimously to recommend the City Council approve the Conditional Use Permit with the conditions recommended by staff. Pentel asked about the timetable for the project. Dillon stated that they have the majority of funds needed to purchase and renovate the building. She indicated that they will close on the property as soon as possible and hope to be in operation early in 2000. In regard to parking concerns, she added that they could also park on the turnaround/circle drive if needed. IV. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. City Council and Board of Zoning Appeals - Pentel reported that she had attended the August 24th meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals. She stated that Breck School is planning a future addition to their facility that will be coming before the Planning Commission. It was suggested that the minutes of the Board of Zoning Appeals be sent to Chair Pentel and she can inform the Commission of any information that is relevant to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Eck reported he had attended the City Council meeting on September 21st where the Park Plan was reviewed. Grimes suggested that the Commission meet at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 4 at City Hall to go on a tour of the 1-394 corridor area. It was planned to return to City Hall following the tour for box lunches and discussion in the Council Conference Room. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 27, 1999 Page 9 Shaffer reported that the Board of Zoning Appeals has recently received many requests for variances from the front yard setback to construct porch additions. Pentel stated that St. Louis Park has made a change in their City code so that a variance is not necessary for a front porch. Shaffer also stated that the Board reviews many variance requests to accommodate construction of second and third car garages. Shaffer suggested that the Planning Commission should discuss these issues to determine if changes should be made to City ordinance. McAleese suggested the Commission should also address issues regarding accessory structures. It was decided that Chair Pentel should add discussion of these items to a future Planning Commission meeting agenda. e Chair Pentel stated that several Commission members had attended the LaurellWinnetka open house. Knoblauch stated that she has prepared a rough draft of the process for addressing the Olympic Printing site. She indicated that the draft would be ready for distribution when the Commission meets to tour the 1-394 area. Pentel asked if it might be useful to use the Olympic Printing site for a transit hub. Grimes indicated that the City has discussed involvement in a circulator system with Minnetonka, St. Louis Park and Hopkins. He indicated that the park and ride lots located at Louisiana Avenue and Hopkins Crossroads are also transfer hubs. He stated that the metropolitan transit works with businesses along 1-394 regarding bus transportation. He added that bus stops are being incorporated into the new buildings located in the area. V. Other Business e A. Discussion to start the October 25, 1999 Planning Commission Meeting at 7:30 p.m. Grimes stated that staff is recommending the starting time of the October 25th meeting be changed to 7:30 p.m. so that Commission members can attend the Open House at the Perpich Center For Arts Education. It was agreed that the October 25th meeting would begin at 7:30 p.m. VI. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. ;gtkJ('~ Richar Groge,: See ta. · .