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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR JANUARY 9, 1996 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.py Chair Schlawin. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Strachan, Thelen. Members Absent: None. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. Chair Schlawin asked for comments on the minutes of December 12, 1995. MOTION by Larson, second by Strachan to approve the minutes of December 12, 1995 as distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. At 7:00 P.M., Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing continued from the meeting of December 12, 1995 to consider the request of Tim Giles to amend the PUD for Dakota County Estates by increasing the number of housing units from 12 to 16 on Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 3 of the 9th Addition. Planner Tooker explained that the Developer has settled upon two eight unit buildings with one level handicapped accessible units on . all four building ends. Bill Mower from Probe Engineering, the developer's engineer, responQedto the Commissions' questions about driveway width, drainage, compatibility with theWensmann Homes Townhouses, and lighting. Laura Adelmann from Empire Township asked about snow storage. The consensus of the Commission was that this is a stronger proposal than the one received one month earlier. MOTION by Thelen, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF,. MOTION CARRIED. The developer was asked if he had a problem with moving the building or the landscaping additions O requested by staff. The response was negative. Member Gramentz asked about visitor parking. ... Bill Mower responded that each unit had four parking spaces, with two garage spaces and two in front of the garage doors. MOTION by Strachan, second by Gramentz to approve the requested density increase by 4 housing units subject to moving the south building five feet closer to English Avenue and the addition of foundation plantings adjoining the two buildings, particularly on the grass panels adjoining the project driveway. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:15 P.M. as requested by Builders Development, Inc., to consider the TroyHill PUD, a 133 lot development to expand upon the neighborhood of the same name north of 195th Street. City Planner Tooker read from a letter written by Fritz Van Nest of Builders Development requesting that consideration of the PUD be continued until February 13, 1996 in order for the Developer and the City Engineer to agree upon key design elements. Chair Schlawin requested that City Engineer Kaldunski appear before the commission on February 13th if the interim discussion provides no agreement. Arthur Lindsley of 5731 193rd street was recognized for questions he had about the development After responding, Mr. Lindsley was informed that the hearing would be continued until next month. MOTION by Strachan, second by Thelen to continue consideration of the TroyHill PUD .until February 13, 1996. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. [] 5. Chair Schlawin opened a public hearing requested by Kristi Drdoff to discuss a conditional use involving a 68 child daycare center being proposed at the north end of the Farmington Mallon the east side of 8th Street. Ms. Drdoff indicated that there will be a 6 foot fence enclosing an outdoor area for children which will include a sizable play structure ona sand base. City Planner Tooker suggested a need for plantings that would help separate the children's play space from automobile parking, as well as driving lanes. Chair Schlawin suggested that curb, green area and a shrub border next to the fence to help insulate the play space. Ms. Ordoff said that curbing and plantings could become very expensive. Member Schlawin said that perhaps planting tubs or boxes could be considered as a less expensive way to achieve separation. The applicant said that this would be acceptable. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Thelen, second by Larson to approve the conditional use subject to the submittal of a sign plan by the shopping center owner and submittal of a planting plan featuring containers with plant materials to be approve by the City Planner. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. ~) \ . '\..'---_/ ' 6. City Planner Tooker presented the request from Sienna Corporation for a sign on Outlot J to advertise the sale of homesites in Park Place. While the sign will be situated within a public right of way, two such signs were approved during discussions of the PUD. Chair Schlawin indicated that he had difficulty accepting lighted signs in the right of way unless they are top mounted and controlled so as to direct no light into traffic lanes. Other comments suggested the need for assurance that such a sign will not interfere with views of traffic at the intersection. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Larson to approve the requested sign subject to: a) approval of the sign location by the Police Department to prevent unsafe obstruction of traffic views; and b) lighting designed to be mounted at the top of the sign without any illumination within traffic lanes. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. (~) 7. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner CJ o o o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR FEBRUARY 13, 1996 1. The meeting was called to order by Chair Schlawin at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Schwing, Strachan. Members Absent: None. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. Chair Schlawin asked for comments on the minutes of January 9, 1996. MOTION by Larson, second by Gramentz to approve the minutes as distributed. VOTING FOR: Schlawin, Strachan, Gramentz, Larson. ABSTAIN: Schwing. MOTION CARRIED. 3. City Planner Tooker administered the Oath of Office to Robert Schwing, the newly appointed member of the Commission. 4. Chair Schlawin reopened the continued hearing for TroyHill PUD which includes 133 lots on property immediately north of TroyHill Subdivision. The proposal required more engineering data than was supplied by the Developer for the original hearing. This information is now in place and the City Engineer is satisfied that the land can be developed as proposed. The only change which must be made is to increase the width of Outlot A at its extreme south end to 20 feet in order to make room for a trail connection to 193rd Street. Another consideration for the Developer to discuss with the City engineer would be a potential change of the designated well house lot. The City Engineer appears to be more comfortable with Lot SO for that purpose than Lot 74, which is designated in the plan. Chair Schlawin recognized Robert Donnelly who owns the farmland which adjoins the west side of the PUD. Mr. Donnelly brought pictures of a housing unit that involved grading on his land when the initial TroyHill plat was developed. He also believes that the entire south end of that plat encroaches 12 feet onto his property. Richard Sathre, project engineer, indicated that the fence line was improperly located. There followed a heated discussion about the possible encroachment of the first plat onto Donnelly land. Both Mr. Donnelly and Mr. VanNest, the developer, agreed to discuss this issue outside of the Council chambers. Members Strachan and Schlawin were concerned about grading for 190th Street and how it may impact Lots 16 and 17. Chair Schlawin asked about nurping requirements in Outlot A. Engineer Sathre indicated that rear yard drainage does not need to be treated before being allowed to flow into the wetland, Chair Schlawin was also concerned about the jog in the rear line of Lot 17. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Schwing to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Gramentz to approve the preliminary PUD subject to: . preparation of a final PUD plan; . providing a 20 foot width at the south end of Outlot A; . adjusting Lot 17 rear lot line to a straight line; . providing a well site opportunity satisfactory to the Water Board; . addressing the NURP pond question; and . providing both architectural character and school demographics in the final plan. VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Larson, Strachan, Schwing. ABSTAIN: Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. 5. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing requested by Donald and Cheryl Haan for a wetland alteration permit for their property on the west side of Flagstaff Avenue in Section 22. The issue involves filling both a floodplain and a wetland and, thereforc,~~, grading must be accomplished to replace the missing flood storage as well as to repla(~ ) the wetland on a 2 for 1 basis. The Haans have no problem accepting the recommendations of the City Engineer. MOTION by Strachan, second by Gramentz to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to approve the Wetland Alteration Permit subject to the following: . installation of a culvert on Flagstaff Avenue consistent with City standards; . replacement of disturbed wetlands at a ratio of 2 to 1; . excavation of a volume within the floodplain equal to the fill of the floodplain; . granting floodplain easements to the City over Parcels Band C; . installation of silt fences around disturbed soil on site; .. collection of all required fees. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. City Planner Tooker reviewed the revised site plan for the duplex units being placed within Nelsen Hills Farm POD. The revision was made necessary because during the review process it became apparent that Dakota County needed an additional 15 feet of right of way for the reconstruction of County Road 31. The major question raised by this revision is that one housing unit will be 40 feet from the new right of way rather than 50 as is required by ordinance. If the road were already in place, there would be justification for a variance since the house will be on a considerably higher level than the street. Chair Schlawin said that crowding of County Road 31 has been a problem in the pa~t and the Commission is likely to be questioned about its approval a ten foot variance. Member Strachan indicated that the difference in elevation and required screening suggest that a 40 foot setback is preferable to moving the duplex closer to the duplex facing Euclid Path. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to approve the revised site plan for the 8 duplex units in Nelsen Hills Farm Third Addition as submitted. VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Larson, Strachan, Schwing. AGAINST: Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. 0(' "" ." \ j 7. City Planner Tooker introduced a request from Jim and Betty Klose to rezone Lots 5 and 6, Block 21, Original Town of Farmington, from B-2 General Business to R-2 Medium Density Residential. The request is being initiated because the buyer of 404 Oak Street cannot get a mortgage for a residential unit that is zoned for business use. City Planner Tooker indicated that this property has been zoned for business since the original zoning ordinance was adopted in anticipation of the business district moving in that direction. Because it has not done so during the past 25 years, it may be appropriate to respond favorably to the request. The Commission members agreed and suggested that a petition for rezoning would be looked upon favorably. 8. City Planner Tooker presented a rough schematic plan for planters surrounding the daycare facility play space at the north end of Farmington Mall. There was general agreement that the planters belong outside of the fenced area and that the inside dimension of the planters should be a minimum of three feet. The materials used in making the planters also need to be a heavy material consistent with railroad ties. The plant materials need to be deciduous or evergreen and the planters must not be spaced a greater distance than four feet apart. The Planner was instructed to notify ~". Ms. Ordoff that the planting plan presented is inadequate to meet the conditions specified by the conditional use permit. . c 9. Chair Schlawin reported on the first meeting of the Empire/Farmington Joint Planning Group indicating his dissatisfaction that the discussion focused more on political issues than planning issues. He was, however, hopeful that this will change and some progress can be made. 10. City Planner Tooker reviewed some land use topics that may be discussed at the City Council workshop. Chair Schlawin said that he is concerned about the apparent moratorium the Council has placed on development and would like to discuss this during the workshop. 11. Nominations were opened for a person to serve as Chair during the coming year. steve Strachan nominated Craig Schlawin and this was seconded by Dennis Gramentz. All present voted in favor, with the nominee abstaining. Nominations were opened for Vice Chair. Dennis Gramentz nominated Todd Larson and this was seconded by Steve Strachan. All present voted in favor, except the nominee who abstained. It was generally accepted that the City Planner would continue to handle meeting minutes. 12. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 9:00 P.M.. Submitted by, o Charles Tooker City Planner Approved o o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MARCH 12, 1996 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair Schlawin. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Strachan, Schwing. Members Absent: None. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. r ..~ .. 2. Chair Schlawin asked for comments on the minutes of February 13, 1996. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to approve the minutes as distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:00 P.M. as requested by James and Betty Klose and Amy Deegan to rezone Lots 5 and 6, Block 21 from B-2 General Business to R-2 Medium Density Residential. City Planner Tooker presented a letter from Amy Deegan in which she withdrew her rezoning request. Chair Schlawin asked if spot zoning would occur if the Commission were to honor Ms. Deegan's request. The answer was no. By consensus, the Commission agreed that the demonstrated lack of demand for commercial space on this part of Oak Street makes a rezone to R-2 Medium Density Residential an appropriate change. MOTION by Larson, second by Strachan to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Schwing to recommend that the City Council rezone Lot 5, Block 21 from B-2 General Business to R-2 Medium Density. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:15 P.M. as requested by CUilder,s Development to discuss the preliminary plat of TroyHi~l 2nd Additi9n. Chair . chlawin turned the meeting over to Member Larson because of a personal interest in ~djoining land which may be impacted by future 190th Street. City Planner Tooker made a presentation outlining issues raised by the staff. Members Schlawin, Strachan and Larson were each opposed to the Park Director's request for an 8' x 12' culvert to be placed in the fill of 190th Street to eliminate an at grade crossing of that collector street. Member Strachan was interested in the value of housing that would be built. Chair Schlawin, speaking from the floor, inquired about 190th Street grading and the location of a NURP ponding area for the road. He also indicated to the Developer that an easement would need to be secured from him in order to bring the road to the proposed grade. The Developer was aware of the potential need for an easement and said that 190th Street NURPing would occur on the north side of 190th Street. MOTION by Strachan, second by Schwing to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Strachan to approve the preliminary plat of TroyHill 2nd Addition subject to Water Board and staff comments, with the exception of the recommended box culvert tunnel crossing of the 190th Street right of way. While its acceptance will be a Park Board decision, the Commission members believe that it may not be an ideal solution. All seated Members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED. Member Schlawin reassumed the Chair. 5. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:30 P.M. as requested by Heritage Development to discuss the preliminary plat of the Townhouses of Nelsen Hills Farm, a replat of Lots 1 and 2, Block 1 of Nelsen Hills Farm 3rd Addition. The site plan was reviewed by the Commission during the February meeting but the plan submitted by the Developer's engineer did not correspond with the general understanding of Commission members. It has since been revised to reflect all comments except for the setback along O~UClid Path. The staff recommends reducing the setback of Lots 1 and 2 from 25 feet to 20 eet to provide more space between these units and those immediately to the east. Chair chlawin asked if lot owners were aware of the townhouse concept on this lot. The builder who will purchase the lots indicated his ownership of several adjoining properties and assured the Commission that buyers of the adjoining properties were satisfied that these )' units will blend with the neighborhood. MOTION by Larson, second by Strachan to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to approve the preliminary plat of the Townhouses of Nelsen Hills Farm and forward a recommendatioll(' -_') to the City Council for approval subject to reducing the front yard setback of the . ,_j dwellings on Lots 1 and 2. VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Larson, Strachan, Schwing. OPPOSED: Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. 6. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing scheduled for 7:45 P.M. as requested by John Schmidt to move a house onto the west half of Lot 7, Block 2, Pine Knoll. City Planner Tooker said that the City Staff has, on record,' that the owner of Lot 7 indicated that the property is only one lot and, therefore, assessments for street and utility work last year were not based on a divided lot. If the lot is divided, all outstanding assessments must be paid for the lot being created. Also, the existing setbacks in this plat suggest that the house will need to be 27 feet from th~ front right of way of 203rd Street if the Commission authorizes a five foot deviation from existing setbacks. In addition, a neighbor brought up the question of wetland involvement. While reference material does not show wetlands on the lot, the staff recommends that the applicant secure a wetland delineation to assure that the house will be at least 16 feet from all wetland areas. Member Gramentz asked when the house is planned to be moved and how long it would take to complete the intended work. Mr. Schmidt indicated that the house would be move by the middle of June and work would be completed within 90 days. MOTION by Strachan, second by Schwing to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to approve the house moving permit subject to: a) Seller of the lot to pay assessments for street and utility improvements prior to approving a split; b) Buyer of the lot to secure a wetland delineation and submit it to City Staff; c) Buyer of the lot to post surety for completion of work associated with the move; (/--\ I r -,""/ d) House mover to provide the City with a certificate of insurance; e) Work, except for landscaping, shall be completed by September 30, 1996. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. City Planner Tooker presented the final PUD of TroyHill PUD indicating that the PUD plan has been filed, including all recommendations made during discussions of the preliminary plan. The Commission members were satisfied that the materials presented meet requirements of the City Code. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Schwing to approve the final PUD of TroyHill and to forward the material to the City Council with a recommendation for approval. VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Larson, Schwing, Strachan. ABSTAIN: Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. 8. City Planner Tooker presented the issue of outdoor sales within the Downtown Business District. He had secured information from Lakeville and determined that the process used in Farmington need not be changed, since both communities regulate the activity through the Conditional Use Process. Discussion of the specific use that brought this issue to the surface suggested that the requirement of a conditional use hearing should be delayed until May, since the owner is in the process of investigating t~e purchase of a property outside of Farmington. Commission Member Gramentz indicated that the delay should have <-1 ...". definite time limit since there are at least two uses in the Downtown that have been ~ allowed to slide. Chair Schlawin said chat this has happened because enforcement is based. upon complaint. He did agree, however, that letters should be sent to the business owners in question to determine their intent. The City Planner indicated that he would research the status of these issues and discuss it with the Development Committee and legal counsel. ~. City Planner Tooker presented a draft resolution in support of the attempt by the HRA ~o attract Excelsior Henderson Motorcycle Company to locate within Farmington. MOTION by Strachan, second by Schlawin to adopt RESOLUTION NO. Rl-96PC supporting the location of Excelsior Henderson Motorcycle Company in the City of Farmington. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 10. City Planner Tooker presented information prepared by the Metropolitan Council Staff on Household Forecasts for Farmington for the years 2000, 2010 a~d 2020. The totals were prepared for three growth options and were based upon the actual building permits that were issued between January, 1990 and December 1993. Because of this, the growth option that would duplicate the current trend shows a household estimate of 3200 units. If the permits that have been issued for the years 1994 and 1995 are added, Farmington would have only 100 additional housing units between January of 1996 and January of 2000. Fifty plus permits have already been issued by early March of this year. The Commission reviewed some conservative population estimates prepared by the Staff and agreed upon a general priority for infrastructure improvement by geographic area that could serve the City of Farmington through the year 2010. Because the Planning Commission will be meeting in special session on March 26th, Members agreed that it would be a good idea to ask the City Council to meet again in joint session at 7:30 P.M. on that evening to discuss the concept before formally involving the Metropolitan Council. The Commission agreed to ask the City Council if they would be available to meet on that date. 11. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 9:00 P.M.. ~ubmitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner I o RESOLUTION NO. Rl-96PC SUPPORTING THE LOCATION OF EXCELSIOR-HENDERSON MOTORCYCLE COMPANY WITHIN THE CITY OF FARMINGTON Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Farmington, Minnesota, was held in the Civic Center of said City on the 12th day of March, 1996 at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Members Absent: Schlawin, Strachan, Larson, Gramentz, Schwing. None. Member Strachan introduced and Member Schlawin seconded the following: WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development has issued a Prospect Profile for the Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Company search for a company headquarters and manufacturing facility; and WHEREAS, such a facility would complement the industrial operations already located within this community; and WHEREAS, the Farmington Housing and Redevelopment Authority has selected two sites within the planned industrial district which are both within MUSA boundaries; and WHEREAS, the City of Farmington is a growing community close to but separate from the metropolitan area which has the potential to grow with Excelsior-Henderson; and WHEREAS, the City has a wide variety of growing neighborhoods that can accommodate the employment pool of Excelsior-Henderson. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Planning Commission supports the effort of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority to attract Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Company to locate its headquarters and manufacturing operations within Farmington. This resolution adopted by recorded vote of the Farmington Planning Commission in open session on the 12th day of March, 1996. Attested to the 12th day of March, 1996. tl",krf.l~ ~_ City Planner o o o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MARCH 26, 1996 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair Schlawin. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin. Members Absent: Strachan, Schwing. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:00 P.M. to discuss the preliminary plat of Prairie Creek Fourth Addition. The issues raised by the plat were focused on engineering standards required by current City policy that would be compromised if the plat were to be approved as submitted. After a lengthy discussion, the Commission members present decided to continue the public hearing to give the Developer time to re-engineer the proposal. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Larson to continue the public hearing until April 9, 1996 at 7:20 P.M. to allow the Developer time to resubmit engineering data that responds to questions raised by the City Engineer. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. City Planner Tooker presented the memorandum from City Administrator Erar advising the Commission of Section 10-8-8 in the City Code which requires Conditional Uses not acted upon within one year to be declared null and void. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to declare two conditional uses granted to property being purchased under contract by David Finnegan (Lots 1, 2, 3, Block 25, Town of Farmington) null and void. One conditional use was to move an existing structure from Lots 8, 9 and 10, Block 25, Town of Farmington; the second was to convert the structure to an apartment building. The City planner is instructed to notify Mr. Finnegan that the structure shall be removed from the site by May 31, 1996 and that said notice shall be sent by certified mail. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. City Planner Tooker presented a revised priority for the expansion of MUSA to be discussed with the Metropolitan Council staff on Thursday, March 28, 1996. The major shift recommended was to move property now owned by Genstar, Israelson and Malinski to the top of the list because of the potential construction of a new trunk sewer that will access the Apple Valley/Lakeville Interceptor directly in order for prairie Creek Fourth Addition to be developed as outlined within the PUD. Commission Members present were satisfied that the change did not substantially alter the concept reviewed earlier. 5. There being no further business, the Planning Commission agreed to adjourn at 8:00 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved o o o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR APRIL 9, 1996 1. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Schwing, Strachan. Members Absent: None. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. Chair Schlawin asked for comments on the meeting minutes of March 12 and March 26, 1996. MOTION by Larson, second by Gramentz to approve the minutes of March 12th as distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Larson, second by Schlawin to approve the minutes of March 26th as distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:00 P.m. as requested by Colin Garvey for a variance to expand the driveway width on Lot 2, Block 1, Farmington Industrial Park. The ordinance limits curb breaks to 32 feet and a 6 foot variance has been requested. City Planner Tooker indicated that other industries in the Industrial Park had been granted similar easements in the past. There was no public comment. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Schwing to approve a 6 foot variance to allow a 38 foot wide entrance onto Eaton Avenue for this applicant. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Chair Schlawin introduced a discussion of the final plat of East Farmington 2nd Addition. The plat was approved last year in preliminary form and this review is presented to the Commission primarily for information, since all basic decisions were made during discussion of the PUD and preliminary plat. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Schwing to forward the final plat of East Farmington 2nd Addition to the City Council with a recommendation to approve it as submitted. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing requested by Tim VanEps at 504 willow Street for a variance to add living space to his home, which is a legal non- conforming use. The applicant included sketches of the changes that will occur with the dwelling if the variance is requested. Members asked if the addition will provide rental space. Mr. VanEps responded that the space will be incorporated into his living space. Consensus was that the addition will improve the building. There was no public testimony given. MOTION by Larson, second by Gramentz to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to approve a variance that will increase the size of the non conforming use without adding to the ground floor area. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. Chair Schlawin opened the continued hearing for prairie Creek Fourth Addition. City Planner Tooker said that the engineering concept for both sanitary sewers and storm water runoff had been changed by the Developer with the consent of the City Engineer, however, the engineering drawings had not been completed. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to continue the hearing until April 16, 1996. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. Chair Schlawin adjourned the Commission meeting to enter a City Council/Planning Commission Workshop. JOINT WORKSHOP CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION 1. Mayor Kuchera called a joint session of the City Council and Planning Commission to order at 7:30 P.M.. Councilmembers Present: Kuchera, Gamer, Ristow. Councilmembers Absent: Galler, Fitch. Planning Commission Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Schwing, Strachan. Planning Commission Members Absent: None. Also Present: City Administrator Erar, City Planner Tooker, City Engineer Kaldunski, Police Chief Siebenaler, Finance Director Henneke, Economic Development Director Henricks. 2. Mayor Kuchera asked for a synopsis of where the City is in regard to negotiations with the Metropolitan Council on MUSA expansion. Administrator Erar provided specific comments from Met Council staff regarding Farmington's contribution to the Empire Waste Water Treatment Plant, indicating that the 1993 rate of 164 gallons per capita has been reduced substantially. He also indicated that the 3 million gallon per day volume increase in the plant capacity will be on line in the winter of 1999. Planner Tooker reviewed the potential 1000 acre increase in MUSA land that City staff presented to Met Council staff, together with priorities the Planning Commission had discussed prior to the meeting. They were as follows: A. Genstar, Israelson, Malinski B. Ristow, Adelmann, Sprutejseverson C. Genstar, Murphy, Wenzel D. Genstar, Huber, Devney E. Nordseth, Rother, Murphy F. Neilan, Adelmann 190 acres east of prairie Creek 95 acres between hospital and CR 66 480 acres between Ind. Park & 195th St. 110 acres NW of Relocated CR 31 & 210th St. 160 acres North and East of Riverside 90 acres NW of existing Cr 31 and Ash St. C~) The discussion focused upon Met Council staff's assertion that the Council would not grant MUSA to areas within the adjoining Townships and would require that the total acreage being requested should be divided into five year increments. The discussion identified anticipated improvements to County Road 31 and a long term goal to connect the two separated MUSA lands. It was the consensus of City council and Planning Commission members present that Area C should be the highest priority area to be included within MUSA and that Area A would be second. This would add approximately 670 acres and the potential for 2000 dwelling units if development densities averaged approximately 3 units per acre. There was no attempt to rank the other areas discussed until Met Council staff provides better information on an acreage that might be favorably considered through the year 2010. 3. Mayor Kuchera closed the special meeting at 8:45 P.M.. Submitted by, {Jf~ tf! ~~ Charles Tooker City Planner o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL APRIL 16, 1996 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair Schlawin. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Strachan. Members Absent: Schwing. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. o 2. Chair Schlawin opened the continued hearing for prairie Creek Fourth Addition. City Planner Tooker indicated that all of the engineering changes made in the plan had been approved by the City Engineer except for a storm water pond that had been built during the construction of Prairie Creek Third Addition. This pond is designed as a permanent water body and it will take storm water runoff from adjoining lots. The City Engineer has expressed some concern about the hydraulic calculations used in its design and has asked to review them before he can endorse the proposal. The Developer indicated that he is confident that there is no danger of flooding adjoining property. The Developer also described a need for the plat to be reviewed by the MPCA, MWCC as well as the State Health Department. There was also some discussion of the adjoining land to the east which is also owned by the Developer of prairie Creek. In view of the potential for a golf course, Mr. Israelson indicated that the adjoining development would attract housing in the $140,000 range. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Strachan to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to approve the preliminary plat of Prairie Creek Fourth Addition subject to the ability of the City Engineer to agree that the ponding area adjoining the Third Addition will work as designed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for Dakota Meadows, a 16 unit townhouse development to be built within the 9th Addition of Dakota County Estates. City Planner Tooker described the plat indicating that it followed the design previously approved by the Commission when the density of the PUD was increased to accommodate the development. Mr. and Mrs. George Bovee of 18595 Egret Way said that because of conflicting topographic information between Dakota Estates and prairie Creek developments, there is standing water on their property immediately to the south of the plat. The Commission made it very clear to the Developer that this drainage problem needed to be addressed when the storm water pond in Dakota Meadows is created. MOTION by Larson, second by Strachan to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Gramentz to approve the preliminary plat of Dakota Meadows, subject to the ability of the City Engineer to develop a solution to the problem ponding area on the lots immediately to the south. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. There being no further business, the Commissioners agreed to adjourn at 7 :45 P.M.. Submitted by, ocr~s ~k~~ City Planner o c o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MAY 14, 1996 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair Schlawin. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, schwing, Strachan. Members Absent: None. Also Present: City planner Tooker. 2. Chair Schlawin asked for comments on the regular meeting minutes of April 9, 1996. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to approve the minutes of April 9, 1996 as distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. The minutes of the Joint City Council/Planning Workshop also held on April 9, 1996 were discussed. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to approve the Joint City Council/Planning Commission workshop minutes. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. The last set of minutes to be discussed were for the special meeting of April 16, 1996. MOTION by Larson, second by Gramentz to approve the minutes of April 16, 1996 as distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED . 3. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:00 P.M. as requested by the Farmington School District for a conditional use permit to expand the Farmington Elementary School and for two variances associated with the project. The first variance requires a six foot encroachment into the front yard adjoining Fourth Street for food storage space in the food service department and a ten foot encroachment also in the front yard adjoining Fourth Street for a parking lot to accommodate 40 vehicles off street. Staff requested shrubbery to separate the parking lot from the street surface. Mike Schwanke, representing the School District, indicated the request for shrubbery was not a problem, however, Zack Johnson indicated that the parking lot may not be constructed since it was not included in the bond referendum. On the other hand, if bids are favorable, it would be added by the School Board. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to approve the addition to Farmington Elementary School including the variances subject to the addition of shrubbery to separate the proposed parking lot from the public street. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:00 P.M. as requested by the Farmington HRAto rezone Lots 8 and 9, Block 17 of the Town of Farmington from B-2 General Business to R-2 Medium Density Residential. The request represents final recognition that the HRA is no longer interested in these lots as part of a proposal to introduce senior housing west of the railroad. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by schwing to recommend City Council approval of the request to rezone Lots 8 and 9, Block 17, Town of Farmington from B-2 to R-2. VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Larson, Strachan, Schwing. OPPOSED: Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. 5. The Planning Commission discussed Cash Back Recycling which opened three weeks earlier without any permits on Second Street at the south edge of the business district in a building owned by P.H. Feely and Sons. Donn Johnson made a presentation in which he outlined the hours of business activity and the mode of operation, including a trailer which stays on site to receive aluminum cans that are blown from the building during periods of noise at the time that trains are passing through the community. Tom Ryan, a nearby resident, complained about noise and the potential of adding items other than aluminum later. Member Strachan indicated that recycling usually occurs within industrial districts. The questions raised by this current activity include: Are we willing to accept recycling in the City? If so, where and under what conditions? In the meantime, the Commission agreed that this business must be closed as ordered by staff. () 6. City Planner Tooker presented the final plat of Deer Meadow 2nd Addition which was given preliminary approval one year earlier. The plat has a revised grading plan which was approved by the City Engineer, otherwise, it is the same plan that was approved in preliminary form. The Commission members discussed the unfortunate lack of direct access to Hill Dee Park since there is no other available open space and the access to the plat which is by way of County Road 31. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Strachan to recommend approval of the final plat of Deer Meadow 2nd Addition to the City Council. VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Strachan. OPPOSED: Schwing. MOTION CARRIED. 7. Chair Schlawin said that he needed a volunteer to attend the Joint Planning Board meetings in the event he is unable to be at the meetings. Todd Larson volunteered to be his substitute for these meetings. 8. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 8:30 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner () -,/ Approved C,J o c o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MAY 28, 1996 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 P.M. by Chair Schlawin. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin. Members Absent: Strachan, Schwing. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:00 P.M. to discuss the preliminary plat of Nelsen Hills Farm 5th Addition. city Planner Tooker outlined 12 points from the agenda report which indicated unresolved issues that need to be addressed by the Developer. Questions from the Commission focused on these issues and Developer John Dobbs responded that he believed none of the items would be difficult to overcome. There were no questions from the audience. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to recommend City Council approval of Nelsen Hills Farm 5th Addition subject to the comments from staff in the Agenda Report. VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Larson. ABSTAIN: Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. 3. City Planner Tooker presented a site plan prepared for Ashland Oil Company which currently meets City code requirements, however, once Dakota County acquires additional right of way for County Road 31 improvements, the site will be smaller than necessary to handle all of the rigorous setback requirements from public rights of way. The City Attorney has advised that variance requests are not needed because the site currently is adequate but, staff should make every effort to reorganize the plan enough to minimize the amount of setback encroachment along County Road 31. The Planning Commission members present agreed with this approach. 4. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:30 P.M. as requested by Builders Development, Inc. to discuss the preliminary plat of TroyHill 3rd Addition. The plat contains 32 sites for single family dwellings on approximately 12 acres and has been reviewed thoroughly during discussion of the 2nd Addition. Neither Commission members nor residents in attendance had questions. MOTION by Larson, second by Gramentz to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Larson, second by Gramentz to recommend City Council approval of the preliminary plat of TroyHill 3rd Addition. VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Larson. ABSTAIN: Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. 5. City Planner Tooker presented a request from Wallace Berglund to divide 4.2 acres from his property in the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 36 through the waiver of platting section of the subdivision ordinance. The issue revolved around easements for a sanitary sewer and a water main loop which will need engineering data not available in the waiver process. The platting of this site would also establish a mechanism for collecting fees as part of the development process. Mark Peltier was present to discuss the possibility of using the subdivision waiver process. Commission members present agreed with staff that the lot should be separated from the rest of this site through the platting process. Mr. Peltier agreed to meet with the Planner to initiate the platting process. 6. Chair Schlawin opened two public hearings advertised for 7:45 P.M.. The first hearing was requested by Cindy Godfrey and Randy Mehrkins for a variance to retain a driveway entrance onto Ellington Trail that is 3 1/2 feet wider than allowed by ordinance. The property is situated on a cuI de sac and was designed to provide off street parking in front of the garage as well as a walk from the house to the street. The discussion directed attention to the cuI de sac and the lack of available on street parking space. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to approve a 3 1/2 foot variance for the driveway width at 19446 Ellington Trail based~~~ upon the parking problems associated with cul de sacs and the need to store vehicle~ ) off street as well as to provide pedestrian access to housing. APIF, MOTION --- /' CARRIED. '''",. 7. The second hearing advertised for 7:45 P.M. was requested by Steven and Sharolyn Kepler of 19414 Euclid Path for a variance to retain a 6 foot high fence in their front yard. The issued centered upon a problem with neighbors and the only unique situation with respect to the property is that it is situated on a half cuI de sac at a corner. This means that the fence in question does not block views up and down the street for any property owner other than the applicant. Mrs. Kepler submitted copies of letters concerning the background to the neighborhood problem for members to read. MOTION by Larson, second by Gramentz to approve the six foot fence height variance because of the location of this lot in the half cul de sac and that the fence does not deprive neighbors of views up and down the street. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 8. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 8:00 P.M. for a conditional use permit for Ames Construction, Inc. to open a borrow pit adjoining the north side of County Road 31 immediately east of God's Country Nursery to extract gravel fill and replace it with compacted clay in conjunction with County Road 50 upgrading. Five members of the Huber family appeared before the Commission to question why the City would open a temporary excavation site when two long term facilities, one operated by the Hubers and one by Lew Wurdemann, are operational within 1/4 mile of the requested site and both pay an annual fee to stay in business. The discussion was extended into safety considerations since the proposed site adjoins a favored snowmobile route between Lakeville and Farmington. MOTION by~\ Larson, second by Schlawin to deny the request for a conditional use by Ames~___) Construction to create a road construction borrow pit adjoining County Road 50. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 9. City Planner Tooker reviewed a schematic plan proposed by Tim Giles for the western half of the Cameron property on the west side of County Road 31 adjoining the City water tower. The tower is a problem for this site since the second floor level of houses should not extend above the 1005 contour line and approximately one third of the site exceeds that level already. To accomplish the objectives of Mr. Giles, 25 to 30 feet :will need to be excavated from the hilltop. This will create an artificial notch in the horizon line when looking west from pilot Knob Road. It will also create a massive erosion control problem until the hillside is revegetated. Mr. Giles indicated that the Park board has said they do not want any additional parkland in this area and he objected to statements from the Planner that parkland is illustrated in the Comprehensive Plan at this site. Commission members present were not in favor of a complete regrading of the hilltop. Mr. Giles suggested they consider lots less than 10,000 square feet on a portion of the site in order to achieve a more natural grading plan. There was consensus that Mr. Giles prepare an alternate plan dropping the lot size on a portion of the lots in this proposed neighborhood. 10. The Chair opened a discussion on recycling and where it might occur as a permitted use if it is added to the zoning ordinance. Following a period of give and take, the consensus of members present was that while the City remains under contract with the existing trash hauling service which handles City recycling, the City should not be responsible for a competing service that offers cash payments. ( ) The Commission indicated that this policy could be re-evaluated if the present ~~ recycling contract were to be terminated. o c o 11. The partial block east of the railroad tracks and south of Walnut Street contains three single family dwellings and two vacant lots. Jerry Ristow is interested in purchasing the vacant lot at the south end of the block for the purpose of building a duplex. The current zoning, R-3 High Density Residential, requires that a duplex lot must total 15,000 square feet, whereas R-2 Medium Density Residential requires a total of 11,000 square feet. The reason for this difference is to encour~ge multiple family dwellings, which require only 10,000 square feet, in the R-3 District. As it happens, the three existing housing units relate more closely to the densities of the R-2 District than those found in the R-3 District. The Planning Commission agreed that the block does have more in common with R-2 than R-3, but will wait for a specific rezoning request from property owners in the block before initiating public hearings on a change in the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. 12. Paul Henry, 612 3rd Street, brought a request to build a 936 square foot garage on a vacant lot that he purchased from the railroad. suggestions were made by the Commission that, since an accessory use needs a principal use, he could create one parcel out of his existing lot with house and the former railroad property. He has a problem with that. since he already has a 360 foot square garage. The Chairman indicated that the 1000 square foot maximum accessory structure requirement has been litigated and is an issue that has not been compromised. Jerry Ristow indicated that this will be one topic of a City Council workshop on June 10, 1996. 13. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 10:00 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner o c o MI:NUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR JUNE 11, 1996 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair Schlawin. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, schlawin, Schwing, Strachan. Members Absent: None. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. Chair Schlawin asked for comments on the minutes of May 14 and May 28, 1996. MOTI:ON by Larson, second by Schwing to approve the May 14 minutes as distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Larson, second by Gramentz to approve the minutes of May 28. APIF, MOTI:ON CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing on Farmington Industrial Park 2nd and 3rd Additions advertised for 7:00 P.M.. City Planner Tooker indicated that staff has recommended continuance of the hearing until the City Engineer has presented a storm water management system that does not consume quite so much buildable space within the plat. Dick Hansen, President of Lexington Standard, indicated that the company is.on a tight construction time line and would like to see the plat proceed as quickly as possible. They anticipate moving their entire operation to the Farmington Industrial Park once the plat is approved and the building addition is complete. Mr. Schlawin opened the public hearing scheduled for 7:15 P.M. regarding the Budget Oil conditional use permit. The hearing was continued until later in the meeting. MOTION by Schwing, second by Gramentz to continue the Industrial Park hearing until June 25 at 7:00 P.M. if the ponding areas can be redesigned by then, or to July 9, 1996 if it can't. APIF, MOTZON CARRIED. 4. City Planner Tooker presented the request from Budget Oil for a conditional use to build a car wash at Larch Street and the east frontage road of Trunk Highway 3. The proposed building measures 24' x 50' and will be 10 feet from the east property line and 50 feet from Larch street. The site plan indicates space for a sign within the Highway 3 right of way between the four lane portion and the east frontage road. It also indicates a second ufueling center" to be located south the main building. The proposal includes no landscaping. Chair Schlawin indicated that the plan needs screening between the buildings and the adjoining residential property to the east. Member Strachan suggested the need for an illumination plan to assure that lighting will not bother adjoining property owners. Member Gramentz asked about ice and snow build up. Mike Wheelock from Budget Oil indicated that the car wash will be installed with a heated pad where automobiles leave the building. He also noted that the building will be constructed with a noise reduction system which will maintain a moderate noise level range. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTZON by Strachan, second by Gramentz to approve the carwash conditional use request, including a new fueling system south of the building, from Budget Mart subject to: . moving the sign closer to the frontage road; . providing an illumination plan for the lot; . submission of a landscape plan with emphasis on the south and east side of the property; and . a fence on the east side before the housing units are occupied on the east side of the site. API:F, MOTION CARRIED. 5. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:30 P.M. as requested by the Farmington HRA to rezone Lots 8 and 9, Block 27, Town of Farmington from B-2 to R-2. The City rezoned the property from residential to business to accommodate a multi family apartment building which was never implemented by the developer. The return to the former zoning category will allow the owners to sell residential property for residential use. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Schwing to close the public hearing. APiF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Strachan to forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the requested B-2 to R-2 zoning change. VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Larson, Schwing, Strachan. OPPOSED: Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. 6. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:40 P.M. based upon a request from Maryann and Gary Zvanovec to obtain a residential building permit on property west of Flagstaff Avenue which has no direct access to a public street. The site, in addition to having no direct access to a public street, uses a driveway which is not within the easement that the Zvanovecs received with this property. One further problem is that both Flagstaff Avenue and the access drive currently being used will be under water during a 200 year storm. Chair Schlawin opened a public hearing advertised for 7:50 P.M. as requested by JIT for a driveway width variance in the Industrial Park. The hearing was continued until later in the evening. The Commissioners were concerned about an access road outside of the easement described for that purpose and asked about the potential to come to terms with the property owner on whose land the access drive was developed. Mr. Zvanovec indicated that he would ask Mr. Murphy about his ability to continue using the existing driveway. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to continue the hearing until July 9, 1996 at 7:00 P.M.. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. (~ ",) 7. City Planner Tooker presented the JIT Powder Coatings request for a variance to expand an existing 40 foot wide driveway opening to 60 feet. The original width is too narrow to be negotiated by truckers and is leading to a break up of the curb as well as a "mudhole" behind the curb. The loading docks were built too close to the street to offer any room within the loading area to keep trucks within its perimeter. It was the consensus of the Commission that the street opening needed to be wider. MOTION by Schwing, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Gramentz to approve the requested variance fqr a 60 foot wide opening to Eaton Avenue to accommodate an existing four stall loading area. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 8. City Planner Tooker introduced a request for informal discussion of a potential driveway variance from Jeffrey Fuller on 18805 Essence Trail. The driveway was installed without any taper between the garage and curb, resulting in the need for a 3 foot wide variance. The Commission appeared to have a majority of members who favored the variance, but Mr. Fuller decided against moving forward with the request since only a small triangle of the driveway between the front property line and the curb would be removed. Member Gramentz was excused at 8:30 P.M.. 9. City Planner Tooker presented a staff memo prepared for the City Council regarding detached accessory buildings. Storage sheds were recommended to be increased from a 9 foot height to a 12 foot height limit. By consensus the \. ) "--../ o o o Commission agreed with the increase. The discussion of garage size, however, was not received favorably. The Commission is concerned that several recent discussions .of garage size have resulted in litigation. The group believes that a change to increase garage sizes to 1000 square feet without any need to follow the conditional use process is inconsistent with past actions of both the Commission and City Council. Since none of the five nearby communities allow accessory uses on lots without a principal use, the Commission agreed with staff that the ordinance should continue to prevent accessing uses without a principal use. 10. Mr. Tooker reviewed the proposed Farmington Action Plan attachment to Dakota County Cluster of the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act. It offered a density bonus to investors willing to include rental opportunities within developing neighborhoods. Commission members agreed with this concept and strongly recommended it to the Council for consideration. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Larson to recommend that the Council support the proposed Farmington Action plan and Dakota County Cluster approach to the Livable Communities Act. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 11. Planner Tooker discussed the billboard issue raised by reconstruction of County Road 50. Three of the four billboards are within the taking area of the reconstructed road. Since replacements must comply with the current ordinance, only one of the three signs will be permitted. Staff decided that two companies each own 2 signs. The company that owns the two which will be eliminated will then be given a permit for a single replacement. The Members endorsed this approach. 12. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 9:00 P.M.. Submitted by Charles Tooker City Planner Approved o c o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL JUNE 25, 1996 1. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Larson. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Strachan, Schwing. Members Absent: Schlawin. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. Vice Chair Larson opened the public hearing advertised for 7:00 P.M. to discuss the preliminary plats of Farmington Industrial Park 2nd and 3rd Additions. The plats were held over for two weeks to enable the Engineering Department to redesign the NURP ponds that will be required by the development. Member Strachan asked if the ponding areas would be dedicated to the City and Vice Chair Larson asked about access to the ponding areas. Planner Tooker said that the access would be a minimum of 20 feet in width and the ponding areas would include the NURP ponds, wetlands, and the tributary to the Vermillion River. The ponds are designed as three phase detention facilities, but will be built initially as two phases if the Devney portion or the 3rd Addition is removed from the proposal. MOTION by strachan, second by Schwing to recommend approval of the preliminary plats of Farmington Industrial Park 2nd and 3rd Additions subject to the addition of outlots which include the ponding areas and wetlands to be deeded to the City. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. There being no additional business, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved [) o o - MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR JULY 9, 1996 l. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Strachan, Schwing. Members Absent: None. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. The Chair asked for comments on MOTION by Schwing, second by Larson distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. approve the minutes of June 25, 1996 Larson, Strachan, Schwing. ABSTAIN: the minutes of June llth and June 25th. to approve the minutes of June 11, 1996 MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to as distributed. VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. as 3. Chair Schlawin opened the continued hearing on the variance requested by Gary and MaryAnn Zvanovec to build a house on land that they own in Section 34 off of Flagstaff Avenue. The City planner reviewed the request indicating that because the lot has no frontage on a public street, a building permit for a residential structure cannot be granted without a variance from the zoning ordinance. He further said that there are no grounds to justify a variance. Mr. Zvanovec said that the property had been in his wife's family for three generations and the reason that it doesn't have direct access to a public street is that her grandmother divided the farm between two sons, giving one road access and the other none. Mrs. Zvanovec's father has the portion without access and he has given it to her. The Zvanovecs believe that a variance is justified since they cannot build on the property without one and they were not involved in the original property division. Mr. Zvanovec indicated that since the last meeting they have solved a concern of the Commission which was to secure an access easement over the only driveway to the property. Chair Schlawin asked about the durability of the driveway. He suggested that the Building Official and/or Fire Marshal should be satisfied that the road access can handle emergency vehicles. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Strachan to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Strachan to approve a variance to allow construction of a house on the Zvanovec property which has no frontage on Flagstaff Avenue. The variance is justified on the basis that the property was created prior to zoning by someone who no longer has an interest in it and the property is not buildable without one. However, the applicant will need to have the grading and construction of the access drive approved for emergency vehicle use by the Building Official prior to issuance of a permit. The Commission took time to discuss and understand the unique circumstances relating to the property division by family members years earlier and the desire of the applicant to live on the land. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Mr. Tooker reviewed the July 1, 1996 Information Only memo to the City Council regarding Tim Giles' request for a refund of $27,500 held in escrow by the City for a future traffic signal at pilot Knob Road and l80th Street. The request is based upon a letter from Dakota County Traffic Engineer Peter Sorenson, which indicates .that the County Capital Improvement Program does not list a need at this location through the year 2000. The planner indicated that the City Engineer plans to ask the Council to extend the time period, now limit,~d to January l, 1999, when the development agreement for Deer Meadow 2nd Addition is prepared. After a brief discussion, it was generally agreed that the need for a traffic signal at that intersection could materialize quickly based upon the pace of development in the area. MOTION by Schwing, second by Larson to recommend that the City Council refuse Tim Giles' request for a return of the $27,500 escrow. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. Planner Tooker reviewed a schematic plan for a proposed revision to pine Ridge Forest as proposed by Tim Giles for the west half of the former Cameron property on the west side of Pilot Knob Road. The proposal includes a variable lot size and retention of a hill top park between the existing City water tower and Hillview plat. The Commission members agreed that excessive grading should be avoided at the top of this hill and expressed an interest in working with the Developer to complete this neighborhood plan. 6. Mr. Tooker introduced Brian Hansen from 5685 182nd Street West who is seeking Planning Commission input on his request to add 10 feet to the front of his home in order to increase the size of an entrance hall. The Planner indicated that the Commission is authorized to grant front yard variances of up to 5 feet. Mr. Hansen indicated that 5 feet would not work, but Mrs. Hansen began to ask questions about the possibility of seeking a five foot variance. The consensus of the Commission was that a five foot variance would be favorably considered. 7. David Butt, 19128 Euclid Path, was recognized by the Chair. He proposed to the Commission, in its future planning, to set aside some residential areas that include slightly larger lots with wider minimum lot widths than are currently the standard. He would like to build a larger home in Farmington-but his dream house would not fit within most of the developments currently under construction. Commission members suggested there could be some neighborhoods in the MUSA expansion area that would satisfy this particular need, but that it also would require some revision in the Comprehensive Plan and zoning ordinance. The Chair thanked Mr. Butt for his comments. 8. City Planner Tooker reviewed a request from Jerry Ristow to build two zero lot line duplex buildings totaling four residential living units on the west side of Second Street. The purpose is to create individually owned units. A public hearing has been scheduled for July 23rd. The Planner explained that, while zero lot line development is permitted within the ordinance on Planned Unit Development, it is not recognized in other developments. As a matter of equity, the Commission previously granted permission for a zero lot line duplex on Spruce Street. The intent of this discussion was to introduce the concept prior to the public hearing. 9. The City Planner reported that the City Attorney is reviewing a draft of an ordinance revision which would deal with wireless telecommunication antennas. The draft will be available for future discussion by the Commission. 10. Planner Tooker said that a letter was being sent to the attorney for Tri State regarding future discussion of a variance to the Code regarding billboards. In it, the company was encouraged to request a variance, but staff's recommendation would be to deny such a request. u o o [] MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL JULY 23, 1996 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair Schlawin. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Strachan. Members Absent: Schwing. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. The Chair opened the public hearing scheduled for 7:00 P.M. as requested by the Dakota County Highway Department which is seeking a wetland alteration permit in order to relocate pilot Knob Road between 190th Street and County Road 50. Chair Schlawin asked why the mitigation site, northeast of the northeast corner of Dakota County Estates, is so far away from the wetland being altered. The City Planner indicated that the site selected for mitigation is designed to handle all of the wetlands altered by the pilot Knob Road improvement. The Chair then suggested that he would like more information on why particular mitigation sites have been selected. Planner Tooker said that 3 1/4 acres in Farmington are being impacted by the road improvement and that a 2 to 1 replacement is being required. The City Engineer recommended approval of the wetland alteration permit subject to 13 points that were outlined in a memo to the Planner. MOTION by Larson, second by Gramentz to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to approve the wetland alteration permit subject to the conditions listed in the City Engineer'S memo. VOTING FOR: Gramentz. Larson, Strachan. OPPOSED: Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing requested by Jerry Ristow to rezone Lot 9, Block 5 and the adjoining north one-half of the vacated Locust Street from R-3 to R-2. The property adjoins an R-2 District and most housing in the neighborhood fits within an R-2 Density. The applicant wishes to build a duplex and the property is not large enough for a duplex within the R-3 District, but is large enough for a duplex within the R-2 District. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Strachan to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to forward the request to the City Council with a recommendation to approve. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing requested by Jerry Ristow for a variance to the zoning ordinance which will allow him to build two duplex structures on the west side of Second Street at vacated Locust Street with the object of selling all four units. The zoning Ordinance allows the creation of zero lot line setbacks within planned unit developments, but not in other subdivisions. The ordinance needs to be changed to allow this. MOTION by Strachan, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Strachan to approve the request for four zero lot line duplex lots on Second Street at vacated Locust Street. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. The Chair opened the public hearing advertised for 7:30 P.M. to discuss rezoning the south one-half of the southernmost building in the P.H. Feely cluster of structures from R-3 to B-2. The building was mistakenly divided between the B-2 and R-3 Districts at some time in the past. The purpose of this request is to make sure that all of the property owned by the Elevator is zoned B-2. MOTION by Larson, second by Gramentz to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Gramentz to forward this request to the City Council with a recommendation to approve. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. () 6. Chair Schlawin called upon Dan Westergren for his presentation of a revised schematic plan for Pine Ridge Forest, a Planned Unit Development proposed by Tim Giles on the western one-half of the Cameron property. Mr. Westergren presented a model of the site to indicate how little sight lines would be changed by the proposal. The model included a removable hilltop which included new grades for the proposed cul-de-sac that would be cut into the hill. Chair Schlawin restated that the lot blending concept will work if the hilltop is saved. He also said the Commission is only talking about a six lot reduction in the concept plan to save the hilltop. Mr. Westergren thanked the Commission for its input. 7. Chair Schlawin called upon Jack Benedict for a discussion of his schematic plan for the east one-half of the Cameron property. His plan is to link the road in Terra 2nd with one in Nelsen Hills Farm 3rd and place 62 townhouse units, to be built by Wensmann Homes, Inc., on the reasonably level land on the east side of the property and to leave the hillside as is with the existing tree cover. Chair Schlawin said that he did not have a problem with the concept, but indicated that the Park Board doesn't have money to buy parkland. Mr. Benedict indicated that he would work with staff on the best approach to preserve the hillside. The Commission indicated that it was comfortable with Mr. Benedict's approach. 8. City Planner Tooker reviewed the Comprehensive Plan Amendment that is required to allow prairie Creek Fourth Addition to build a trunk sanitary sewer to the east connecting with the Lakeville/Apple Valley interceptor. The concept ~) can be approved by the Metropolitan Council as long as land outside of existing ~~/ MUSA limits is not assessed for this project. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Strachan to notify the City Council that the Planning Commission agrees with the concept and has asked Chair Schlawin to discuss this action with the Empire/Farmington Joint Planning board. APIF. MOTION CARRIED. 9. City Planner Tooker presented a request for comment from the County Planning commission on a conditional use application located north of County Road 66 on the east side of Trunk Highway 3. The request was to fill the flood plain to create more upland area around a proposed dwelling. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Strachan to recommend that the Dakota County Planning Commission vote to deny the request to fill the flood plain to create an artificially large lot which already appears to have adequate useable land outside of the flood plain. Experience from recent flooding disasters should suggest that everyone has a responsibility to manage stormwater runoff in a manner that will minimize expensive flooding downstream. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 10. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 9:30 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved .LJ .~f . .' / o o o 11. Member Schwing suggested that staff look at requirements from other communities regarding UDirect TV" antennas. He has noticed several and wondered if they might need to be regulated. Staff was directed to investigate. 12. There being no further business, the Commission adjourned at 8:30 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved .:-; [] o o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR AUGUST 13, 1996 1. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Strachan, schwing. Members Absent: None. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. The Chair asked for comments on the minutes of July 9th and July 23rd. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to approve the minutes of June 9, 1996 as distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Larson, second by Strachan to approve the minutes of July 23, 1996 as distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin opened the continued hearing requested by Todd and Lena Larson to create an accessory apartment in the basement of their home at 819 7th Street. Mr. Larson vacated his chair at the Commission table. The Chair asked the Planner for a review of the criteria for granting such a request. City Planner Tooker read from Section 10-6-3 of the City Code indicating that the only criteria not met by the applicant was a plan of the site including off street parking and suitable landscaping to buffer the parking from adjoining properties. Following a brief discussion, the Commission suggested holding over a decision until the september meeting to give the applicant time to submit a site plan. Mr. Larson indicated that this would be acceptable. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Schwing to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Schwing to table action on this Special Exception until the next regular meeting to allow enough time for preparation of a site plan. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Larson returned to the Commission table. 4. Chair Schlawin opened discussion of potential recycling activity in Farmington by asking the City Planner for background. Planner Tooker spoke about City Council reaction to the Planning commission decision to avoid conflict with the City's trash hauling contract by not recommending recycling as a permitted or conditional use. In effect, Council would favor recycling in a specific district provided that it did not interfere with adjoining land use. The Commission was interested n both the Elk River and Prior Lake approaches to recycling. Donn Johnson participated in the discussion and said that if recycling were to be limited to the Light Industrial District, he would need to expand his business beyond the collection of aluminum cans. The Commission members indicated that they would have no problem with that approach. They also suggested that a draft ordinance would be appropriate for discussion at the next regular meeting. 5. City Planner Tooker discussed a question raised by FEI about the future rental of their assembly building. The question had to do with the types of use that would be acceptable within the Industrial District. FEI suggested that an automobile wholesaler who sold automobiles from this site would be similar to their own operation which occasionally sold farm equipment. The Commission agreed that such a comparison was not possible since the equipment sold by FEI was actually assembled on site, making the primary use industrial whereas a used automobile distribution system is a used car lot without benefit of manufacturing activity. 6. City Planner Tooker reviewed the MUSA expansion study done by staff to J'uS~f.y a substantial acreage request from the Metropolitan Council. He noted that Met~' (-'J Council staff had increased the household estimate from 3200 to 4000 by the year 2000. He also indicated that additional work will be done to verify the acreages being discussed as the next urban service areas in Farmington. This information will be made available on September 10, 1996. 7. There being no further business, the Commission adjourned at 8:30 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved o u o o o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR SEPTEMBER 10, 1996 1. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M.. Members Present: Larson, Schlawin, Strachan, Schwing. Members Absent: Gramentz. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. The Chair asked for comments on the minutes of August 13th. MOTION by Larson, second by schwing to approve the minutes as distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin opened the hearing requested by Frontier Communications for a conditional use to build a switching station at the intersection of 190th street and Euclid Path. City Planner Tooker pointed out that the plan had been approved earlier by the Commission subject to some changes in landscaping. The conditional use was allowed to lapse and, therefore, another approval is required. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Larson to approve the conditional use for construction of a telephone switching building at the NE corner of the intersection of Euclid Path and 190th Street, subject to the implementation of the submitted site plan. VOTING FOR: Larson, Strachan, Schwing. ABSTAIN: Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. 4. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing regarding the rezoning of Lots 7 and 8, Block 5, plus the vacant parcel situated immediately to the north, from R3 High Density Residential to R2 Medium Density Residential. The shift in zoning will respond to the way the neighborhood has developed in either one or two family dwellings. MOTXON by Larson, second by Schwing to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Schwing to recommend the City Council rezone Lots 7 and 8, Block 5 plus the vacant parcel situated immediately to the north from R3 High Density Residential to R2 Medium Density Residential. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. The Chair opened the hearing to discuss the rezoning of a 60 x 310 foot lot on the west side of Second Street, immediately south of Feely Elevator from R3 High Density Residential to B2 General Business. The property, with only a 60 foot depth, has little value as a residential construction site, whereas it has in the past been the site of active business uses. MOTXON by Schwing, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Larson to recommend approval of the rezoning of the former railroad right of way measuring 60 x 310 feet on the west side of Second Street immediately south of Feely Elevator from R3 High Density Residential to B2 General Business. APIF, MOTXON CARRXED. 6. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing requested for discussion of the preliminary plat of Farmington Industrial Park Third Addition. The plat, consisting of one four acre lot and a 24 acre outlot, was submitted by Mark Peltier for the purpose of creating a mini storage business on the platted lot which is situated between FEI and Duo Plastics buildings. The development process has been complicated by the fact that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority decided against expanding its portion of the Industrial Park into the Devney Farm. The issue that appeared to stop this project was the City staff requirement for a drainage easement connecting the storm water pond with the Vermillion River Tributary within the Devney farm. The Developer asked for a"return of his check to cover the cost of the preplat surety and preplat administrative fees. No additional engineering work was submitted. MOTION by Strachan, second by schwing to deny approval of the preliminary plat of Farmington Industrial Park Third Addition because the application did not include required fees and engineering plans requested by the City Engineer. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. (~ '---.-/ 7. Chair Schlawin opened discussion of a request from Brent Peterson who is considering the submittal of a variance request for a fence that he had built in a front yard. The Commission began looking at the neighborhood design and were struck by the impression that the property immediately to the north would not front on Everest Path. The Commission asked staff to check this out and bring it back to the special meeting in two weeks for further discussion. They also focused attention on the miscommunication that resulted in a fence being built in the wrong place. Several suggestions were made, including a hand out that would show where fences on corner lots would be allowed. 8. Chair Schlawin introduced the topic of recycling and explained to Donn Johnson that the Commission would be recommending recycling centers within the I-1 Industrial District as a conditional use. Mr. Johnson asked the Commission to remove the language which would exclude the salvage of automobile and machine parts from a recycling facility. The Commission agreed but made specific references to junked vehicles later in the ordinance. Commission members agreed to discuss the ordinance again during the special meeting on September 24, 1996. 9. The City Planner presented a request from the Farmington Ba.kery to dLocc:.l.ss the possibility of introducing sidewalk cafes in the downtown. The members present agreed that such an introduction could be beneficial as a downtown attraction, however, a number of questions came to the surface including the appropriate location for this type of cafe. It was agreed that the sidewalks are currently (~~\ too narrow. The need is for large space either on a vacant lot or by converting___ parking spots in front of the place of business. The Commission suggested that the Chamber of Commerce should be involved in the decision making process. Satisfying basic safety needs in areas of the street blocked off for the cafes should be addressed by the promoters. Also, if $~,OOO,OOO of personal liability insurance is required for portable signs in the downtown, what should the requirement be for sidewalk cafes? 10. Chair Schlawin brought to the Commission, discussion of a special exception for Todd and Lena Larson to construct an accessory apartment at 819 Seventh Street. Commission members agreed that screen planting around the off street parking area was not justified at this site. MOTION by Strachan, second by Schwing to approve the special exception to construct an accessory apartment within 8~9 Seventh Street. VOTING FOR: Schlawin, Strachan, Schwing. ABSTAIN: Larson. MOTION CARRIED. 1~. City Planner Tooker suggested that since the City Attorney's comments on the proposed antenna ordinance were extensive, it might be better to incorporate them into the proposal before discussing it. The Commission agreed that the special meeting on September 24th would be a good opportunity for this review. 12. City Planner Tooker reviewed the request from Builders Development to amend TroyHill 3rd Addition by adding a 4 foot wide outlot along the west edge of the plat. This is presented as a solution to a boundary dispute with the adjoining property owner. All of the lots in this area will exceed 10,000 square feet in size. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to approve a minor change in the plat U of TroyHill 3rd Addition by adjusting the rear lot line of the lots to create an -. outlot along the west edge measuring 4 feet by 590 feet. AP~F, MOTION CARRIED. .~; . o c o 13. City Planner Tooker informed the Commission of a public hearing advertised by Empire TownShip to rezone three properties along Trunk Highway 3 between two parts of Farmington from Urban Residential to Commercial Business. The Commission Chair suggested that this action should be preceded by a TH 3 land use study to identify where business clusters may be appropriate. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Larson to recommend that the Empire Township Board refer the rezoning request to the Joint Planning Board for study before taking formal action. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 14. City Planner Tooker reviewed some changes in the MUSA Land Area study and suggested that the Commission will need to refine a recommendation to the City Council during the September 24, 1996 special meeting. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved .:f. o o o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 1996 1. Chair Schlawin opened the meeting at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Gramentz, Schlawin, Strachan, Schwing. Members Absent: Larson. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. The Commission agreed to discuss informal variance requests for fences at 5893 193rd Street and 19279 Encore Court. The request from Brent Peterson on 193rd Street was generated because he was given incomplete information when he called City Hall. This led to a misunderstanding about the definition of front yards on corner lots and a six foot fence was built in a front yard. The second request was initiated when the City Building Official noticed a five and one half foot high fence in a front yard on a corner lot at the end of Encore Court. Member Strachan suggested that the City look at the requirements of other nearby cities regarding fence permits. The problem for both lot owners was a lack of information. Member schwing indicated that a variance under these conditions would be difficult because of all others that have been turned down in the past. Chair Schlawin said that his problem with both requests is the consistency issue. Perhaps the City should establish a nominal charge for fence permits. Brent Peterson followed by saying that he received a packet of information from the City which says that permits for fences are not required; "I put up a fence in good faith after checking with City Hall." Member Strachan suggested that City staff research the permitting issue. Chair Schlawin said that he believes better communication is necessary, but he would have difficulty granting a variance. Member Gramentz indicated that he could not see any grounds for a variance. Member Schwing said that he would not vote yes for either request. Chair Schlawin addressed both potential applicants and said that based upon this discussion, he could not see any support for variances. 3. The Commission reviewed the proposed recycling ordinance and suggested some revisions to the draft as revised by City staff. Members agreed that the ordinance is ready for a public hearing which can take place on October 8, 1996. 4. The Commission reviewed the proposed amendment regarding electromagnetic antennas and towers. There was minor commentary on this amendment and general agreement that it should be scheduled for a public hearing. s. City Planner Tooker presented the most recent information on recommended acres available for MUSA expansion. Priority A and B remain as established in the City Council/Planning Commission workshop. The area involving a large portion of Empire Township land was divided between the area served by the East Farmington Trunk Sewer and that which has no investment in infrastructure. The former contains 93 acres in three separate sites. This was designated priority C by the Commission. Priority D was assigned to the 80 acres in two separate ownerships south and west of the fire station. Area E is situated on land which is currently being mined for gravel immediately west of the realigned Pilot Knob Road containing approximately.90 acres. Priority F was assi~ed to the 180 acres north of Riverside which is split between Farmington and Empire Township. The total area under cmsideration includes 1188 acres. 6. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner ,:>~ . (-') "~ r~ (-~, LJ o o [] MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR OCTOBER 8, 1996 1. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Larson, Schlawin, Gramentz, Schwing. Members Absent: Strachan (arrived at 7:10 P.M.) Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. The Chair asked for comments on the minutes of the regular meeting of September 10th. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to approve the minutes as submitted. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by schwing, second by Schlawin to approve the minutes of September 24, 1996 as distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin opened the hearing advertised for 7:00 P.M. requested by Independent School District 192 for a conditional use permit to construct a swimming pool addition at Farmington Middle School. Mike Schwanke represented the School District and was able to answer questions from Commission members. MOTION by Schwing, second by Gramentz to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION Larson, second by Schwing to approve the conditional use for construction of a swimming pool as requested by ISD 192. VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Schwing. ABSTAIN: Strachan. MOTION CARRIED. 4. City Planner Tooker introduced language which may be added to the zoning Ordinance regarding a credit given to lots developed with common open space, other than dedicated parks, for a portion of that open space when calculating building coverage. Another proposal would exclude decks from the calculation of building coverage. By consensus the Commission agreed and asked for a draft ordinance to be presented during the November meeting. 5. The Chair opened the hearing advertised for 7:15 P.M. to discuss the proposed recycling ordinance which will add recycling as a conditional use in the Industrial District. The only change in the proposed draft is an exclusion for a special recycling activity which is proposed to be handled by special permit. MOTION by Schwing, second by Gramentz to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Strachan to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance by the City Council. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. City Planner Tooker presented a request from Ames Construction for a permit to reopen a mineral extraction site on property owned by Bernard Murphy east of County Road 31 and north of county Road 50. The site was previously utilized as a borrow pit for the construction of Farmington Middle School. The work will involve removal of a knob and the final grade will become a gradual slope suitable for residential construction in the future. Todd Goderstad, representing Ames Construction, responded to questions from the Commission. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Schwing to forward a recommendation for approval of the mineral extraction permit to the City Council. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:30 P.M. to discuss the proposed ordinance related to wireless telecommunication services. City Planner Tooker reviewed the ordinance briefly and suggested that the Commission listen to comments from representatives from American Portable Telecom (APT) and SBA, both of which are looking for antenna sites in Farmington. John Barstow from APT had questions about structure lighting, the engineering costs associated with proving to the Commission that existing towers would not work, and concern about the City's involvement with "Interference with Public Safety" in Section L. The tenor of this discussion was that the ordinance was going to be overly restrictive. Deb Garros from :(-) SBA, on the other hand, indicated that the ordinance looked reasonable but \_/ suggested that the City of Oakdale provided some wording that would accomplish the objective of co-location without some of the restrictive language mentioned by APT. In general, the ordinance looked okay. The Commission decided to continue the hearing until the next regular meeting to be held November 12, 1996 to allow some time for staff to evaluate comments and incorporate any changes. MOTION by Schwing, second by Larson to continue the public hearing until November 12, 1996. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 8. City Planner Tooker reviewed maps that would be available for review by the Metropolitan Council staff regarding the MUSA expansion request. The Commission agreed with the presentation of development priority established during the special meeting held in September. 9. There being no additional business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 8 :30 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved (=) u o o o MINUTES PLANNING COHM7SSION REGULAR NOVEMBER 12, 1996 1. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Larson, Schlawin, Strachan, Schwing. Members Absent: Gramentz. Also Present: City planner Tooker. 2. The Chair asked for comments on the minutes of the regular meeting of October 8th. MOTION by Schwing, second by Strachan to approve the minutes as submitted. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin opened the hearing advertised for 7:00 P.M. to discuss the PUD of Cameron Woods, a 62 unit townhouse cluster proposed on the west side of County Road 31 between Terra Addition to the north and Nelsen Hills Farm 3rd Addition to the south. City Planner Tooker indicated that the access from County Road 31 to Cameron Woods will be through these adjoining subdivisions. The presentation included a description of the Developer's original proposal and current one which provides a 50 foot wide buffer designed to retain tree cover both to the north and south. The PUD approach has been introduced to allow a density transfer on site which will keep development away from the steep slope area thereby saveing tree cover on the slope. The developer, Jack Benedict, made a brief presentation and answered Commission questions on the width of the proposed buffer, the value of units, whether the units will be owner occupied, whether there will be a homeowners association, and who will be the owner of the steep slope. Only the last question appeared to be difficult for the Developer to answer directly. Michael Kemp: The traffic light at 182nd Street will encourage people to travel through Terra Addition since county Road 3~ is difficult to enter during heavy traffic. I would prefer that the land develop with single family homes. School district overcrowding can be expected by the addition of 62 housing units. commissioner Strachan: It is my impression that townhomes produce fewer children for the School District than single family dwellings. Nancy Stein: Concerned about the driveways serving the townhouses. Would prefer lower density in the development. Judy Bryant: Children in the neighborhood will be troubled by increased traffic and we will be looking at 3 story townhouses. Sue Bachelor: We have 26 children in the block and the increased traffic suggests a need for speed bumps. Darren Matson: With 32 children on the block, can there be a speed control sign on 183rd Street? Jeff Pilla: Housing value anticipated at below $110,000 is likely to be a burden to the City. Greg Skoviak: At first I was opposed to the development, but the 50 foot buffer changes my opinion. I do need guarantees that the buffer will remain. We also need a resolution to the traffic problem. (rj Laurie Skoviak: I would prefer to see executive homes on this property. Traffic on Euclid Street will become concentrated because of the light at 182nd Street. Mary Dahlke: I am concerned about increased traffic in the neighborhood. MOTZON by Schwing, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Schwing, second by Strachan to recommend approval of Cameron Woods PUD to the City Council subject to: A. inclusion of the 50 foot buffer adjoining the north and south property lines; B. dedication of the hillside land west of Euclid Street to the City; C. City staff to explore traffic control options raised during the hearing; D. drainage pattern changes resulting from construction to be handled on site; and E. grading designed to preserve as much tree canopy as possible, APIP', MOTZON CARRIED. 4. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7: 30 P. M., but deferred discussion until later in the meeting since there was no one present for the discussion. 5. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 8:00 P.M. concerning the variance for a driveway access to Lexington Standard's expansion. City Planner Tooker informed the Commission that the original variance request for a 45 foot variance had been expanded to 60 feet because the building contractor misplaced the concrete panel which contained the loading dock opening. He noted that the Commission had already granted a variance for a 60 foot driveway opening for JIT Powder Coatings Company. There was no public comment. MOTION by Strachan, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTZON CARRIED. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to approve the variance request for a 60 foot wide driveway opening onto Edmonton Street. APIF, MOTION CARRZED. Staff was directed to prepare an analysis of driveway openings to industrial property prior to the next regular Planning Commission meeting. 6. Chair Schlawin opened the continued hearing regarding the proposed wireless telecommunication services ordinance. City Planner Tooker presented wording changes that were suggested by SBA, Inc., the consultant working for Sprint regarding co-location requirements and lighting on towers. Chair Schlawin indicated that a radio frequency registered professional engineer would be hard to find. He stated further that the wording should be shortened to a qualified U- - licensed professional engineer. Other Members were satisfied with the proposed ordinance changes. There was no public comment. MOTION by Schwing, second by Larson to close the public hearing. API:F, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by o o o Schlawin, second by Larson to forward the proposed wireless telecommunication services ordinance to the City Council with the recommendation that it be approved. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. Chair Schlawin recognized Leonard Lee regarding his informal request for variance consideration for a front yard fence on a corner lot that is six feet tall. Mr. Lee wondered why the ordinance is in effect since 13 lots in Dakota County Estates have front yard fences. He believes that corner lots are penalized by this ordinance. The Commission explained that the ordinance, in effect, protects the view from adjoining lots up and down the street and attempts to avoid the "tunnel" effect that could be created within street rights of way if six foot high front yard fences were permitted. They indicated to Mr. Lee that they have no latitude in the administration of the ordinance and that he should discuss the issue with the City Council. 8. Chair Schlawin reopened the public hearing advertised for 7:30 P.M. requested by Tim Giles regarding the planned Unit Development of Pine Ridge Forest, a single family neighborhood to the west of Cameron Woods and situated between Hillview Third Addition and Nelsen Hills Farm Fifth Addition. City Planner Tooker indicated that the proposed PUD did not include a complete submission and, therefore, should be continued until the regular meeting in December. MOTION by Strachan, second by Schwing to continue discussion of pine Ridge Forest PUD until the regular December meeting. APIF, MOTION CARR~ED. 9. City Planner Tooker presented the draft Comprehensive Plan Amendment involving MUSA expansion. The draft document includes information discussed during several earlier meetings. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Larson to forward the draft of the comprehensive Plan Amendment to the City Council with a recommendation that it be approved. APIF, MOT~ON CARRIED. 10. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 9:50 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved o c [) MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR DECEMBER 17, 1996 1. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Strachan, Schwing. Members Absent: None. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. Chair Schlawin asked for comments on the minutes of the meeting of November 12, 1996. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to approve the minutes as submitted. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin opened the hearing to discuss a proposed zoning ordinance amendment that will alter the way in which properties associated with open space will be evaluated when building coverage is calculated. The proposal would allow common open space within each block to be divided between all lots in that block. This would increase the lot area to allow a larger structure than is currently possible when limited to actual lot dimensions. Member Stracbjn suggested that the ordinance should specify that the credit would only be available for open space that is under the control of a neighborhood association. In other words, City parks would not be available for a similar division and credit. The ordinance was revised and the comment made that such a credit would help to increase property value in neighborhoods with association open space. MOTION by Schwing, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APJ:F, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to approve the ordinance as revised and forward it to the City Council with a recommendation to approve. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Chair Schlawin opened the continued hearing on pine Ridge Forest POD. City planner Tooker indicated that the hearing could not be held because the Developer had not provided an abstractor's list in time for property owners within 350 feet to be notified. MOTION by Larson, second by Schwing to continue the hearing until January 14, 1997 at 7:00 P.M.. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. City Planner Tooker presented an architectural concept plan that would convert the Stegmaier homestead into eight individual offices. The change would require an amendment to the POD of prairie Creek. It was the consensus of the Commission to advertise a hearing to discuss the proposed PUD amendment. 6. City Planner Tooker reviewed information submitted by American Portable Telecom (APT) requesting a conditional use permit to extend the existing Dakota Electric tower by 10 feet and reinforce both the cross members and uprights. Chair Schlawin said that a foundation report, which has not been submitted, is important since there is no way of knowing if the additional weight of the tower can be supported by the existing foundation. It was the consensus of the Commission to advertise a hearing to discuss the proposed conditional use of American Portable Telecom. 7. City Planner Tooker presented information about the existing billboards on the south side of CSAH 50 immediately west of CSAH 31 for which the County and billboard owners have agreed on a buyout. The only problem revolves around the fact that one billboard blew down after its foundation had been disturbed by the contractor working on the upgrade of CSAH 50. The owner of the downed sign has requested allowing the sign to be re-erected on a flatbed trailer until the County removes all signs on April 1, 1997. Chair Schlawin indicated reservations about allowing the temporary structure. City Planner Tooker indicated that the road project has been good for the City since the County needed three of the signs and agreed to purchase the fourth. This provides the City an opportunity to eliminate four nonconforming signs and grant permits for only two replacements within that road frontage. By consensus, the Commission agreed to the trailer mounted sign as long as the two sign companies are up to date on sign permit fees. 8. Planner Tooker reviewed draft language which would amend the zoning ordinance to allow extra wide driveway entrances to loading areas and parking lots on local streets within industrial districts. There have been a number of variances granted in the past which establish a precedent for future industrial site plans. The proposal would add language to the ordinance that would allow up to 60 foot wide driveways along local streets. The Commission ,~''.Oquested a rezoning hearing at which public input would be collected. 9. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjoul:' 9:00 P.M.. 3.t Submitted by, (-') '-,,-~/-' Charles Tooker City Planner Approved (, ) '--....--