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Home My WebLink About1995 o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR JANUARY 10, 1995 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair Schlawin. Members Present: Gramentz, Harmelink, Schlawin, Strachan, Thelen. Members Absent: None. Also Present: City planner Tooker, City Administrator Thompson. 2. Chair Schlawin asked for comments on the minutes of December 13, 1994. Member Strachan said that in item 5, a quote attributed to him should be changed to reflect that site development ~ rather than (will) help the problem of vandalism. MOTION by Thelen, second by Harmelink to approve the minutes of December 13, 1995 as amended. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. City Planner Tooker presented the status of the Vermillion River Housing plat plus the PUD of Rosebrier Apartments and petitioned Zoning Ordinance amendment following reopening of the continued hearing by Chair Schlawin. Identified needs of the proposed project include, as follows: a. An amendment to the wetland setback requirements of the wetland ordinance which would reduce the existing requirements from 100 feet to approximately 20 feet. c b. Basement elevations which, if approved below the 100 year event, would need to be floodproofed to the satisfaction of the Federal Emergency Management Administration FEMA or lifted one foot above the regional flood. c. NURP ponding of a capacity to accommodate a 100 year rainfall event. The pond in the southeast corner of this site has been designed for this but in case the capacity is short, the central court grass panel could be redesigned to provide a first stage settling pond. d. The primary access road has been designed to keep from flooding, but access to the shopping center needs to be made more difficult to keep it from becoming a short cut to Elm Street. e. An easement will be required over the NURP pond and both the wetland and floodplain areas on the site must be dedicated to the City. f. The area of disagreement between the previous landowner and the City about 15 feet of land on the w~st side of the site will be settled by the developer dedicating this land area to the City. g. A landscape plan needs to be developed and approved by the Staff and engineering detail completed as specified by the City Engineer. [] The discussion was reasonably brief by Commission members. The developer was asked about the PCA involvement and he suggested that they believe that a soils clean up grant may be possible to attain. He also spoke about tax credits available from the State that will help finance the housing. Ninety- six units are proposed in the form of 90 apartments in 2 buildings and 6 townhouse units. It was decided that a series of motions were necessary to respond to the various questions that had been raised by the proposal. (~ MOTION by Strachan, second by Thelen to close the public hearings on zoning and platting. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Gramentz to recommend rezoning the area north of City Center, west of the railroad and south of the Vermillion River from B-3 to R-3 to the City Council. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Harmelink to forward to the City Council a recommendation for reduction of the building setback line in areas adjoining wetlands from 100 feet to a range between 16.5 feet and 25 feet, including an overall average of 20 feet. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Thelen to recommend approval of the Rosebrier Apartment PUD to the City Council subject to satisfaction of concerns identified above in items a through g. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Member Strachan was excused at 7:45 P.M.. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Harmelink to forward the preliminary plat of Vermillion River Housing to the City Council with a recommendation for its approval. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. City Planner Tooker introduced the continued discussion of the maximum size that would be acceptable for accessory buildings as presented in a draft amendment prepared by Member Harmelink. There was general discussion of a revised draft presented by Member Harmelink. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Harmelink to forward .the revised draft of the proposed amendment to the City Council with a recommendation for its approval. VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Har.melink. OPPOSED: Schlawin, Thelen. MOTION FAILED. Due to the time lapse between the Council referring the ordinance to the Commission and now, the members present agreed to forward the issue to the City Council without recommendation. C) S. City Planner Tooker outlined the changes in the sign ordinance that became necessary because of the current limits in the maximum size of area .devoted to signs in multiple tenant buildings. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Harmelink to forward the draft ordinance to the City Council with the recommendation that it should be approved. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. City Planner Tooker presented a request from Kwik Trip, Inc. to extend the conditional use approval for an automobile service station at the northwest corner of the intersection of Third and Elm Streets for one year provided that Kwik Trip produces a construction schedule for the proposed station that will be completed in 1995. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. There being no additional business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 8 :30 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved u o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR FEBRUARY 14, 1995 1. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Gramentz, Schlawin, Strachan, Thelen. Members Absent: Harmelink (arrived at 7:05 P.M.) Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. Chair Schlawin asked for comments on the minutes January 10th. MOTION by Thelen, second by Gramentz to approve the minutes of January 10, 1995 as distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. o 3. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:00 P.M. as requested by Susan Poi rot to rezone the lot immediately north of Budget Mart on the east side of Highway 3 approximately 700 feet north of Maple Street from R-3 to B-1 to accommodate an animal clinic. The request conforms with the Draft Comprehensive Plan of 1990 which indicated an expansion of Budget Mart. This is a different request in that there will be two different uses at this development node. However, it would be the objective of the staff to provide enough input on site planning to minimize traffic confusion and facilitate landscaping. (Member Harmelink arrived.) There were a series of questions from the Commission members regarding adjoining land use, hours of operation and the design of the proposed building. Ms. Poirot indicated that she has done little to narrow down the architectural options, however, she does believe that the long side of the proposed building should be perpendicular rather than parallel with Trunk Highway 3. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Thelen to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Harmelink to recommend to the City Council the approval of the rezoning of the vacant parcel immediately north of Budget Mart from R-3 to B-1. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. o 4. The Chair opened the public hearing advertised for 7:15 P.M. as requested by the First National Bank for a variance to the parking requirements of the zoning ordinance. As the ordinance is currently written, the existing building and the proposed addition would need 25 off street parking spaces if it were located in any business district but the downtown. The downtown was exempted from parking requirements in anticipation of public parking facilities. The bank, in providing 19 spaces, is very close to the number that would be required elsewhere. The City staff has suggested a reorientation of two spaces on the west side of the lot to allow better maneuverability in a relatively tight area of the site and to eliminate 9' feet from a curbing designed to protect the drive up teller lanes but which contributes to an unnecessarily restricted access to the west end of the parking lot. Members were interested in knowing if the bank could accommodate the requested changes, including improved landscaping, in the site plan. City Planner Tooker indicated that these items have not been discussed but that he would negotiate the issue if the Commission agreed in general with the objectives outlined. MOTION by Harmelink, second by Thelen to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Harmelink to approve, in concept, the improvements to the bank and for the City Planner to work with the applicant on improved landscaping and a modified parking layout. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Planning Minutes - 2/14/95 - Page 2 5. City Planner Tooker described a request from Minnesota Pipe and Equipment, a Lakeville company which has purchased land in the Farmington Industrial Park, to bring an office trailer on site to be used by the company while their permanent building is being constructed. Currently the ordinance refers to construction trailers but is silent about the use of trailers as temporary office buildings. Commission members agreed that such a facility would not cause any problem for the City as long as it will be removed once the new structure is complete. MOTION by Harmelink, second by Thelen to allow Minnesota Pipe and Equipment the use of a temporary trailer office building for a six month period of time. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. The Chair then asked for a discussion on an amendment to the final plat of Dakota County Estates 9th Addition. City Planner Tooker said that the only change in the plat will be the division of Lot l, Block 2 into three lots. This is being accomplished by adding two lot lines to the plat. The reason for the request is that the lenders require all of the townhouse units to be presold before financing is available. The sales have been moving quickly, but a smaller number of units at a time will be more manageable. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Harmelink to forward a recommendation to the City Council to adopt a resolution approving an amendment to the Dakota County Estates 9th Addition plat which will add two lot lines to divide the large townhouse lot in Block 2. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing requested by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for a variance to the sign ordinance to allow a combination business, directional and public information sign on the south side .C..~.,). of Elm Street of 72 square feet. The sign ordinance limits business signs to_ 50 square feet on Elm Street since the maximum speed of traffic is 30 miles per hour. The reason for the variance is that several purposes will be served by the sign and that it will welcome people and direct them into the downtown. There was general agreement among members of the Commission that such a sign would be a good idea. MOTION by Thelen, second by Harmelink to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Harmel ink, second by Thelen to approve the requested variance for a 72 square foot free standing sign on HRA property which will advertise up to 4 businesses at a time plus identify the downtown and provide public service information as well, subject to the development and implementation of a landscape plan at this site. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 8. The City Planner reviewed the final PUD plan for Nelsen Hills Farm Addition. The main question involved the future improvement of 190th Street which is identified in the PUD as a half street and not at all where it is only partially improved on the south side of Phase I of Nelsen Hills Farm. City Planner Tooker said that the southern portion, at least the area adjoining 190th Street, could not be platted until TroyHill, the plat south of 190th Street, is also platted. There has also been some discussion by the staff of designating 190th Street a Municipal State Aid route which would allow its construction all of the way from Nelsen Hills Farm Phase I to Flagstaff Avenue. The citizens present for this discussion were limited to Emily and Russ Rahn who requested more effort by the City staff toward informing nearby property owners about the consequences of plat improvements. Both Mr.and Mrs. Rahn believe that the grading that was done on Nelsen Hills Farm 3rd Addition has lJ o o o Planning Minutes - 2/14/95 - Page 3 significantly devalued their property. They also believe that the adjoining ponding area, which they understood would be dry, but actually will be wet, will also have a deleterious effect on their property. Chair Schlawin asked if there is anything that can be done at this point to change the on site grading that affects the Rahn property. City Planner Tooker responded that the grading done on site was accomplished by following an approved plan and changes at this time likely would negatively affect the plat as it is now developed. The issues related to the plat are separate and more detailed than the issues involved with the PUD. MOTION by Strachan, second by Gramentz to recommend approval of the Nelsen Hills Farm PUD to the City Council subject to an understanding with the developer that the unbuilt portion of 190th Street in Phase I must be built as part of the phase adjoining the unimproved length of 190th Street by the Developer and that this will not happen until TroyHill area on the south side of 190th Street is also built. ~ MOTION CARRIED.~ 9. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:45 P.M. requested by Hansen Flavors to operate a wholesale/retail business at the Farmington Mall. City Planner Tooker said that Mr. Hansen did not supply an abstractor's list of property owners within 350 feet of the property and, therefore, the Commission could not take any action on the request. If the list is submitted this week, people could be notified for a continuation of this hearing during the regular meeting in March of 1995. In general, members present were in favor of granting a conditional use for this wholesale business but wanted to make sure that nearby property owners had an opportunity to comment. MOTION by Thelen, second by Strachan to continue the public hearing for Hansen Flavors to March 14, 1995 at 7:00 P.M.. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 10. Chair Schlawin opened a discussion of Planning Commission organization for this year. In essence, the organization is limited to an election of Chair and Vice Chair. Member Gramentz spoke about the potential for rotating the responsibility of officers. He then nominated Cheryl Thelen for Chair. There was not a second. Member Strachan indicated that he felt positively about the rotation of responsibility, but possibly not doing it every year. Member Strachan then nominated Craig Schlawin to serve as Chair for 1995. Member Harmelink provided a second. Those in favor: Gramentz, Harmelink, Strachan, Thelen. Abstain: Schlawin. Member Strachan then nominated Cheryl Thelen as Vice Chair for 1995. Member Harmelink provided a second. Those in favor: Gramentz, Harmelink, Schlawin, Strachan. Abstain: Thelen. 11. There being,no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 8:30 P.M.. Submitted by, {l/Jl, 17 ~~ Charles Tooker City Planner ~w1-eV" Sc..h IC\ w i V\ 0\,\0 ~\'V\ed %0 i'V' ucAe.. ~A O~\r l'V'e~r5 uokd -k> D.f pro II e... . Approved -;. .3ft/lib o o o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MARCH 14, 1995 1. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Gramentz, Harmel ink, Schlawin, Strachan, Thelen. Members Absent: None. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. The Chair said that the minutes of February 14, 1995 required an amendment in discussion item 8. Chair Schlawin should be listed as abstaining from the vote on Nelsen Hills Farm PUD. MOTION by Thelen, second by Strachan to approve the minutes of February 14, 1995 subject to changing the recorded vote on discussion item 8. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin reopened the public hearing requested by Hanson Flavors for a conditional use to operate a wholesale packaging and distributing business involving spices. Steve Hanson was present to describe the equipment utilized in the business. The two items mentioned were a moderately sized mixing machine and a small bottling machine for plastic containers. Kathy Wills, 820 9th street, asked about dewatering of basements because of the surface water problem at the Center, but she also waS interested in potential odors that might be associated with cooking to create the spice mixes. The water problem was considered to be a concern of Paster Enterprises and not the tenants of the building. Mr. Hanson said that there will be no cooking done on the premises. Member Gramentz asked about hours of operation, trucking and the number of employees. The response from Mr. Hanson suggested that regular daily hours would be kept, all materials come to and leave from the building by station wagon or van. There will be only two employees of this business, namely Mr. Hanson and his wife. MOTION by Harmelink, second by Thelen to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Harmelink, second by Gramentz to approve the conditional use based upon information supplied by the applicant, Dick Hanson and his son, steve Hanson. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. City Planner Tooker presented a pre-schematic sketch plan of Deer Meadow, a 3S acre residential PUD located on the west side of County Road 31 at the Lakeville city boundary. The PUD has one major drawback which is access from County Road 31 only. Hill Dee subdivision was developed in Lakeville Township prior to its annexation to Farmington. Hill View was approved after annexation to Farmington and an outlot was set aside for street purposes in anticipation of future development to the south. The City Council, at that time, purchased a triangle of land from a property owner in Hill Dee Subdivision which separated the outlot from Upper 182nd street West. In 1986, when Terra Second Addition was platted, the developer improved Euclid Street to link with Upper 182nd street West. Essentially the same situation exists on the north side of Hill Dee except that, in order to provide internal traffic circulation for the neighborhood, this time a house and lot will need to be purchased by the City. Three alternatives present themselves. The most desirable from the point of view of the City would be Lot 15, Block 1, Hill Dee 2nd Addition. This would eliminate a cuI de sac, the entire lot would not be used for a street (either the existing house could be moved or a new one built), and access to the park from the new housing would be ideal. The second alternative would be to extend the "eye brow" at the north end of Facade Avenue through Lot 27, Block 1 into Deer Meadow. The primary disadvantage of this solution is that the lot does not line up directly with the north/south street. The third alternative would remove Lot 5, Block 1, Hill Dee First Addition. This proposal would allow a direct extension of Euclid Avenue north to 180th street and also provide convenient access to the park. It was explained that a PUD has been proposed because the developer is concerned about the market for higher priced homes on the lower level areas of the site. Home sites of 10,000 square feet are proposed on the border of Hill Dee which was platted with 15,000 square foot lots. Sites of 8400 square feet with 70 feet of frontage have been proposed in the low area. Parks and Recreation Director Bell has indicated that he is not interested in creating another small park in this neighborhood. However, City Engineer Kaldunski has suggested a preference for a two phase nurping system on site. Members of the Commission responded positively to the concept of a blended subdivision with respect to lot size. A minimum area of 8400 square feet with a 70 foot lot width were considered to be acceptable. Regarding the access problem, the members were apprehensive about opening a cuI de sac to through traffic, even if the traffic flow would be substantially better. They did agree upon the extension of Euclid Avenue as a way to provide a second access into Deer Meadow. Tim Giles, the owner/developer of the property, was asked about his response to suggestions from the staff. He reacted favorably, particularly if the Commission would approve of 8400 square foot lots on land which does not abut the Hill Dee plat. He said that he would like to proceed quickly and suggested that he would be returning to the next meeting with a schematic PUD. He also said that he would plan to erect a 6 foot fence along the south and west sides of the five acre exception to the PUD. 5. The Planning Commission was asked to review products that will be sold by c-) God's Country Nursery on County Road 50. The product list includes: trees, .._:~,' shrubs, flowers and perennials, potting soil and mulches, weed mat, fertilizer, vegetable plants, grass seed, cedar flower planters and bird houses, plus pesticides for common insect problems. He also said sod, landscape rock, keystone block and paver bricks will be used on projects but will be off site unless there are overruns on landscape jobs. The Commission agreed that the list was acceptable but would not like to see multiple pallets of block and brick at the nursery. 6. There being no further comments, the Commission adjourned at 8:05 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner u o o o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR APRIL 11, 1995 1. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members present: Schlawin, strachan, Thelen, Harmelink. Members Absent: Gramentz. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. Chair Schlawin asked if anyone had received minutes of the meeting held on March 14, 1995. Because no one had, action was deferred until the next regular meeting on May 9, 1995. 3. The Chairman called upon Jim Bell, Parks and Recreation Director, to explain the request from Farmington School District for a variance to place two 10 foot high storage sheds at the baseball fields which were developed at the Middle School. He said that the building design was based upon the dimensions of an 8 foot sheet of plywood. Once the plywood was nailed in place and a roof pitch was designed, the shed became 10 feet rather than the required 9 feet high. He understands tpat this is a preliminary discussion and that the actual hearing will take place in May. Chair schlawin indicated that he had a problem with the sequence of the request which comes after the structures have been built rather than the shed height itself. It represents a continuing pattern of the School District in proceeding with projects without first checking on acceptable limits. Other members commented that they did not have a problem granting a 1 foot height variance for the two sheds which will be voted upon during the May meeting. 4. City Planner Tooker explained the proposed ordinance dealing with acceptable improvements in boulevard areas of City street rights of way. The main purpose of the ordinance is to prevent unequal enforcement in the future. Member Strachan asked if the ordinance would affect the central boulevards that will become part of the two collector stre~ts in East Farmington. City planner Tooker said that the definition deals only with the area between street pavement and private property to be controlled by individual homeowners. Member Strachan also questioned the purpose of limiting split ra.il fences to 90 degree angles or less. The city planner said that he didn't have an answer to that question. MOTION by Strachan, second by Thelen to forward the proposed ordinance on boulevard treatment to the City Council with the recommendation that it shall be approved subject to some further refinement of Subsection (E). APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. city Planner Tooker reviewed the request from JIT powder Coating Company for an B foot variance to the City Code requirement limiting openings onto public rights of way to 32 feet. The original site plan showed a need for a 32 foot variance for an opening of 64 feet. The City Planner said that the revised site plan includes some unauthorized evergreen plantings in the street right of way which also will need a variance. The purpose of these trees is to help screen the loading dock of this facility. Member Strachan asked about the efficiency of the 40 foot opening, wondering if the proposed curb extensions into the loading area would be damaged by trucking over time. The City planner indicated that the operations man for JIT Powder Coatings indicating how the opening will prevent that type of damage. Chair Schlawin asked about the ordinance requirement limiting access to 32 feet since many industries will need very wide loading docks. The Planner responded that these industries will be required to design the entire loading area on site with access only by driveway. The purpose of industrial parks is to provide a green space setting for each industry. It was the consensus of the group that the proposed site plan is acceptable provided the plant species are detailed and that the variances will be requested for the evergreens in the street right of way and an additional 8 feet for the loading area opening onto the site. 6. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 7:35 P.M. . Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved (---.\ ,-) .U o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MAY 9, 1995 1. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Gramentz, Harmel ink, Schlawin, Thelen. Members Absent: Strachan. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. The Chair asked for comments on the minutes of March 14, 1995. MOTION by Thelen, second by Gramentz to approve the minutes as presented. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. The Chair asked for consideration of the minutes of April 11, 1995. MOTION by Harmelink, second by Thelen to approve the minutes of April 11, 1995. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing scheduled at 7:00 P.M. to discuss the preliminary plat of prairie Creek Third Addition, a 68 single family lot subdivision which is a continuation of the prairie Creek PUD. The Developer has made changes in the landscaping plan as recommended by the City Forester and the comments with respect to grading and erosion control made by the Soil and Water Conservation District have been forwarded to the developer, except the one dealing with pre engineered offset block as a recommended retaining wall system. The specifications in the plat deal with rock or fieldstone walls which will be grouted, a system that has been successfully implemented elsewhere and provides a better appearance than the manufactured system. o The recommendation to increase the width of Lots 10 and 12, Block 1 by the City Engineer do not appear to be justified since they are the same width as the other lots on that side of the street. The developer has raised a question about the City Engineer's comment regarding an 18" rise between the top of the curb and garage floors on Lots 3 thru 7 in Block 2. His plan is to drain those lots along side lot lines and has provided extra width on the lots to accomplish this. The Engineer also raised a question about the long temporary cul de sac along Embers Avenue and the need to sacrifice Lot 31, Block 2 to create a full turn around and to remove the southeast corner of Lot 7, Block 2 until the area to the south is developed. The outlot could then be used to add to the next lot fronting on Embers Avenue. Chair Schlawin opened discussion to the public by asking if a grading permit had already been issued: Warren Israelson: (Developer) Yes. Member Gramentz: Will sidewalks continue on Embers Avenue? Warren Israelson: Yes. Mary Hunter: Will trees stay in the slope area behind Lot 4 in Akin Park Estates? Warren Israelson: Yes. Robyn Hanson: May I get a copy of the plat? provided.) (A copy of the plat was o Planning Minutes 5/9/95 Page 2 MOTION by Thelen, second by Harmelink to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Harmel ink, second by Gramentz to forward the plat of prairie Creek Third Addition to the City Council with a recommendation to approve subject to: a. following the Soil and Water Conservation District recommendations on grading and erosion control except that which specifies manufactured block retaining walls; () b. the Developer working with the City Engineer to resolve questions on the need to raise the elevation of Lots 3 thru 7 in Block 2; (if raised, it will be acceptable for the Developer to decrease lot widths.) c. leaving Lot 31, Block 2 and a portion of Lot 7, Block 5 as outlots to be platted later when the property to the south is developed and to create a temporary turn around on the front portion of the outlot to be created on Lot 31; d. the Developer completing the engineering detail requested by the City Engineer. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing scheduled for 7:30 P.M. to discuss the Planned Unit Development of Deer Meadow, an 89 lot single family residential neighborhood situated immediately north of Hill Dee Subdivision. The major issue raised earlier with the neighborhood was only one access point to County Road 31. The Commission recommended a second access at Euclid Avenue which the Developer included in the most recent proposal. The lot sizes vary in size between 8500 square feet and 21,600 square feet, with an overall density of 2.56 units per acre. The property contains one wetland in Outlot B and will include storm water ponding in Outlots A and B. The City Engineer has,recommended a design speed of 35 mph for the. (~-_'). "S" curve that is required to link Eucl1d Avenue in Hill Dee with the same right of - way in Deer Meadow. He also recommended a second access from Hill Dee at the western edge of the plat and a storm sewer along County Road 31. Chair Schlawin opened discussion to the public. Dennis Walter: Currently Euclid Avenue is a quiet street. The opening into Deer Meadow will increase traffic substantially right at the park. Larry McCormick: Why not extend 179th Street to Pilot Knob Road if a second.access is needed? Chair Schlawin: The County will not authorize a second access that close together on a county road. Rosalie Besse: the park. residents. We moved here 18 years ago and like the peace and quiet of the neighborhood as it is. Many people already use The added automobile traffic will not be good for the park or the Mark Langer: What about grading on the site? Will the entire area have extensive grading? '/'.~-~" U Planning Minutes 5/9/95 - Page 3 Bob Wiegert: (Project Engineer) Grading will change the eastern portion of the PUD by transferring drainage to the Outlot A. Major regarding will also occur in the western are two cul de sacs. c north and into the pond in end of the PUD where there Greg Hudak: There is already a traffic problem at the park, particularly during ballgames. Dennis Kies: We are located west of the house to be removed and are concerned about backyard privacy. will there be a fence along Euclid as extended? planner Tooker: A fence is possible, but only at the front yard setback line of 20 feet. Anything closer to the street right of way line would not be high enough to provide for privacy. John Bakke: The fence line on the south side of the property has been a problem in the past. The farmer who owned the property said that it was in one location, whereas our plat indicated that it was in another. The farmer brought suit against the neighbors and the neighbors counter sued. The verdict favored the neighborhood. Do you have an idea where the boundary is at this point? Dan Westergren: (Project Surveyor) section corner and location of this south property line. The County Surveyor has moved a there is still a question as to the o Ginny Bakke: I question a 35 mile per hour road next to a park. Chair SchJ.awin: That is a recommended design speed, not a speed limit. Bev Olson: Has the Developer purchased the property? Tim GiJ.es: I have a pending purchase agreement with Mrs. Halstead. MOTION by Gamentz, second by Thelen to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Member Gramentz: What is the time table for development? Tim GiJ.es: I would like to plat the first phase this summer and the second phase in the Spring of 1996. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Harmelink to forward a recommendation to the City Council approving the schematic plan of Deer Meadow PUD with two access roads, including 180th Street to Pilot Knob and Euclid Avenue extending to Lower 182nd Street West with the responsibility for acquisition of Lot 5, Block 1 of Hill Dee and development of the connection to Lower 182nd Street West placed upon the Developer, subject to: a. following the drainage proposals outlined by the city Engineer; 0 b. resolving the issue of the south property line of the PUD which is common with the north line of Hill Dee; Planning Minutes - 5/9/95 - Page 4 c. providing a 35 mile per hour US" curve in the transition between the two Euclid Avenues. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 8:00 P.M. requested by Leroy Foley, 20340 Eaves Way, to build a storage building 12 feet high in his rear yard. He asked if the City Planner had been able to research other nearby communities to get some understanding of how they deal with this continuing problem. City Planner Tooker indicated that this was not done but would be a discussion item at the next meeting. Leroy Foley said that he was unaware of the height limit until his project was stopped by the Building Official. MOTION by Thelen, second by Gramentz to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Harmelink, second by Gramentz to approve the requested 3 foot variance based upon the anticipated rewording of the zoning code to help eliminate the large number of variances being requested. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 8:10 P.M. as requested by the Farmington School District to erect two storage sheds 10 feet in height. The issue had been discussed at a previous meeting and needs no further deliberation. MOTION by Harmelink, second by Schlawin to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Harmelink, second by Gramentz to approve the requested 1 foot variance based upon the expected review of current height limits for storage sheds. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 8:15 P.M. as requested by JIT Powder Coatings Company to construct a 40 foot opening on Eaton Avenue in the Industrial Park. This issue has also been discussed at a previous meeting and needs no further consideration. MOTION by Thelen, second by Harmelink to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Thelen, second by Harmelink to approve the requested variance for a 40, foot opening onto Eaton Avenue and to plant evergreen trees within the public right of way to screen the company loading dock. The width of opening variance is based upon a similar approval of an 8 foot variance for another property in the Industrial Park. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. () 8. City Planner Tooker outlined changes in the site plan for vermillion River Housing which is situated immediately north of City Center. In essence the plan has been improved by turning the townhouse units so that the living area faces the storm water settling pond rather than the railroad right of way. The site density has dropped while the number of units increased to 100 from 96. The major concern of staff is that the access between the apartments and More 4 is a "straight shot" to Elm Street. The recommendation is to move this access eastward in order to make it more difficult for people who would wish to travel through the More 4 lot rather than use the First Street access. Member Harmelink asked if the Developer still plans to fence the railroad right of way. City Planner Tooker said that currently there is not a site plan with landscape treatment, but he understands that a fence is still part of the development concept. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Thelen to forward the revised Development Plan for Vermillion River Housing to the City Council with a recommendation to approve. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. /-- U Planning Minutes - 5/9/95 - Page 5 09. There being no further business, the Commission adjourned at 9;15 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved o o o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR JUNE 13, 1995 1. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Gramentz, Schlawin, Thelen. Members Absent: Harmelink, Strachan. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. The Chair asked for comments on the minutes of May 9, 1995. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Thelen 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 Heritage Development for the preliminary plat of Nelsen Hills Farm 4th Addition, the second phase of Nelsen Hills Farm PUD. City Planner Tooker made a presentation outlining general comments from City staff and the City Engineer, plus those from the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District. * ~ ~ ~ 7/, t Iri-s-- ~ QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Emily Rahn: I am concerned about unstable soils on site and the springs that developed in the area of the Third Addition, plus an area where the site grading removed soil from our property. Member Schlawin: Have there been erosion problems on the your property due to excavation in the Third Addition? o Emily Rabn, John Dobbs: No. water in concentrated how to deal with this The major problem are that the site areas. We are working problem. with springs appearing on the hillside grading exposed sand lenses which shed with a consultant who will advise us on Member Schlawin: What about the stone retaining wall that was included in the original grading proposal? John Dobbs: control, it became the walls. The site grading plan was based upon elevations that exaggerated the slopes on site. With adequate ground apparent that a 3 to 1 grade could be developed without the use of Member Schlawin: Could the Planner indicate the extent of work that needs to be done on the First through Third additions? Planner Tooker: (Outlined the amount of surety in place for each plat but had no breakdown of the actual tasks that need to be completed. ) Member Thelen: I would like some indication of other potential soil erosion problems. o John Dobbs, None that I am aware of. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Thelen to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Thelen to recommend approval of Nelsen Hills Fourth Addition to the City Council, subject to the addition of a trunk water line between the water tower and the north/south collector street west of the gas line, plus the dedication of drainage easements across the later phases of Nelsen Hills Farm PUD and additional comments from the City Engineer and Soil and Water Conservation District with respect to construction. VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Thelen. ABSTAIN: Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. () \ . 4. City Planner Tooker outlined a duplication in the City Zoning Ordinance with respect to relocated structures. In essence, structures moved into Farmington are handled by the Planning Commission either through the conditional use process or by special exception. It is the recommendation of staff to eliminate the section which follows the conditional use process to reduce costs for the applicant and as a way to save time in dealing with these buildings. In addition, the section dealing with special exceptions should be relabled "Relocated Structures". MOTION by Schlawin, second by Gramentz to recommend that the City Council repeal Section 10-6-16 and to change the heading for Section 10-8-7 from Special Exceptions to Relocated Structures. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. Chair Schlawin recognized Roger Randall who has requested approval to move the Hed house from the Spruce Street entrance to Lot 2, Block 1 of East Farmington. Since the previous action recommends elimination of the conditional use process, staff recommends taking action on the request on its own merit. MOTION by Thelen, second by Gramentz to authorize relocation of the former Red house subject to a surety of $5,000 being provided by Mr. Randall and a certificate of insurance provided by the actual movers. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. City Planner Tooker brought a request from Steve Rader, purchaser of 19366 Ellington Trail in Limerock Ridge for the Commission to consider the elimination of one tree from his lot in the approved landscape plan for this plat. As described, appears that there will be ample room for two trees, a street light, and the Rader driveway. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Gramentz to recommend against a variance request should it be submitted based upon a lack of justification. ( ',""-.....--/ \ J it 7. City Planner Tooker outlined a request from Dave Finnegan to approve a sign permit for Heating Innovations which will be located in the former Farmington Ford building at Third and Elm Streets. In essence, the code requires a sign plan for all multiple tenant buildings. It was the consensus of those present that without a sign plan that has been approved by the Commission, there can be no further sign permits issued at this address. 8. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 8:00 P.M.. Submitted by, cY~ tf!fl,~ Charles Tooker City Planner Approved o o c o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR JULY J.J., J.995 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair Schlawin. Members Present: Larson, Schlawin, Strachan, Thelen. Members Absent: Gramentz. (Arrived at 7:05 P.M.) Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. Chair Schlawin requested that an Oath of Office be repeated by the City planner for new member Larson. The Oath having been administered, Mr. Larson was welcomed by the members present. 3. Chair Schlawin asked for comments on the minutes of June 13, 1995. None being offered, the Chair asked for the section dealing with Nelsen Hills Farm 4th Addition to be amended to reflect that boulevard sod has not yet been installed in the 1st and 2nd Additions of Nelsen Hills Farm. MOTION by Thelen, second by Gramentz to approve the minutes as amended by the specific reference to Nelsen Hills Farm 4th Addition discussion. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. City Planner Tooker introduced the subject of signage for individual businesses located in multiple tenant buildings. The question was raised by Dave Finnegan concerning his building located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Third and Elm Streets. One business has an approved sign, but two businesses have signs without permits. A fourth would like its own freestanding sign. The Commission agreed that all business operations in this building that need signs should follow the design and materials used by Giff's Detailing which did secure a sign permit. City Planner Tooker read a letter from Dave Finnegan which states as follows: "Starr Automotive and Trevis Transmission will display their business names in the same manner as Giff's Detailing. FEI will display their business sign free-standing directly in frqnt of their business.n MOTION by Strachan, second by Schlawin to require that all business signs on the former Farmington Ford building conform with the lettering size style, color and material of the existing Giff's Detailing sign mounted on the wood soffit above their doors except for FEr, which will have a freestanding two sided sign mounted in the planter in front of the building. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. City planner Tooker reviewed the request from the Farmington Chamber of Commerce to introduce "sandwich boardn signs into the City Sign Ordinance by replacing existing wording in Section 4-3-3(B}5 - Portable Signs with the following: "Established local businesses shall be allowed to display on the sidewalk adjacent to their business, a portable two sided sign, up to two feet wide and three feet high, during regular business hours. Such signs shall be placed in frqnt of the business they promote and shall not restrict pedestrian traffic flow.n The Commission reviewed the request, considered reducing the size of the signs, but decided against that action. Member Strachan asked if the City Attorney should be invited to comment on potential City liability problems. It was decided that the Attorney would be present during the City Council discussion of this request and could make the Council aware of any potential liability issuesatithat time. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to forward the wording quoted above to the City Council with a recommendation for it to be approved. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. . <~'w<. '_.~ _.:-~.,._",,:.,,_,......~__~" 6. City Planner Tooker then described the request from Budget Mart to erect a second pylon sign at their convenience center on pilot Knob Road. Chair Schlawin indicated that there isn't a need for two signs, but that Budget Mart could create a dual purpose pylon advertising both the bank and the motor fuel/convenience store 01: to vacate the existing Budget Mart sign. Other members agreed. The consensus of those present was that each of the lots in this business strip could have one pylon sign and there is not justification to introduce the possibility of two pylon signs per lot. 7. City Planner Tooker outlined the complaint against God's Country Nursery signs which involve more than one two sided 30 square foot sign. The consensus of those present was that the owner, Dave Olson, should receive a letter indicating that all illegal signs need to be removed within 30 days or by August 11, 1995. 8. City Planner Tooker introduced the subject of a Comprehensive plan Amendment to update the 1982 plan. While a draft plan was prepared in 1990, it was never adopted and the City, instead, focused attention on an annexation study which emphasized the concept of community by the year 2020. Since annexation failed and the Council has not made a decision on whether or not to appeal the decision of the Municipal Board, it is time for the Planning Commission to draw from the work that has been done and to develop a plan that will be a useful guide for development through the year 2020, when Farmington will more than double in population size. The plan will need to focus on economic development, with emphasis on expansion of the Industrial Park and Downtown. The Industrial Park has ample opportunity to expand given its location, whereas the Downtown will need to leap the Vermillion River in order to provide commercial space that will adequately serve a community of 16,000 to 20,000 inhabitants. As the City matures, there will be more need for multiple family housing and, to encourage this, more emphasis will be placed upon the Planned Unit Development process. Land adjoining the existing downtown will be explored to identify areas of low density development that may be potential sites for townhouses and apartments without destroying the "front porch" feeling of the oldest neighborhoods. Another emphasis will be to provide a definitive study of the Highway 3 corridor which will attempt to protect existing investment by identifying business development nodes without falling into the trap of a "Lake Street" environment. Members of the Commission were enthusiastic about beginning the planning process and anxious to get started. A departure from earlier comprehensive planning efforts will involve land use recommendations for property outside the City, including recommendations for the timing of MUSA expansion. Chair Schlawin indicated that he expects the Commission to be more actively involved in developing planning recommendations and suggested that the Commission should invite the City Council and both the Park Board and School Board to separate meetings as the planning process evolves. Member strachan suggested that a portion of each meeting be set aside to discuss an aspect of the Comprehensive Plan. There was general agreement of the members that the Comprehensive Plan update should become Priority One of the Commission. 9. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 8:45 P.M.. Submitted by, &~ If! ~~ -C) Charles Tooker City Planner Approved c MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR AUGUST 8, 1995 ~. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, strachan, Thelen. Members Absent: None. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. The Chair asked for comments on the minutes of July 11, 1995. MOTION by Strachan, second by Gramentz to approve the minutes of July 11, 1995 as printed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. o 3. Chair schlawin opened the public hearing scheduled for 7:00 P.M. to discuss the preliminary plat of Deer Meadow, a 90 lot subdivision situated on the west side of pilot Knob Road immediately south of the Lakeville city line. A request from the Parks and Recreation Commission to include a sidewalk trail the entire length of 180th Street was brought up during the discussion, as well as a proposal for the City to acquire Lot 10, Block 5 for space to place a recreational climbing structure adjoining the wetland storm water drainage basin in Outlot B. Comments from the City of Lakeville indicate no need for a sanitary sewer stub into the City of Lakeville as shown on the plans. The Soil and Water Conservation District mentioned the need to investigate dumps on site for buried toxins and offered its usual comments on appropriate seed mixtures around wetlands and disturbed upland areas, plus the need for erosion control blankets on 3:1 and greater slopes. The City Planner outlined the necessity to build a "Tn intersection at the transition between Eventide Way and Euclid Avenue and suggested more variety in the street tree species. In addition, the City Engineer requested consideration of the following: a) The need for a wetland alteration permit and hydraulics study for the NURP pond proposed on Outlot B. b) The dedication of Outlots A and B to the City for stormwater management or NURP ponds. c) The need for a 20 foot separation between private property and the 3:1 slope for ponding plus a 10:1 bench at the natural water level which shall include wetland plantings. d) Inspection of the site to confirm or deny the presence of dumps and the proper disposal of found material. e) A right turn lane on County Road 31. f) The City share of the cost of the traffic light at 180th street and County Road 31 is recommended to be borne by the developer. g) A trunk water main to serve an area beyond this plat shall be installed and credited within the development contract. [] h) A utility service and access to the 5 acre exception must be provided. Planning conun~SS~OIl lVl.LUUl.Ci:> VI -, -- i) Additional street trees are needed in the right of way of Euclid Avenue and 180th Street adjoining Outlot A and the..s acre exception to the plat. j) A storm sewer outlet shall be routed along CSAH 31 to the large diameter storm sewer near 182n~ Street. (J k) The developer will be required to loop the water main system. l) Additional comments on the PUD proposal are also recommended to be incorporated into any approval of this plat. The Engineer also suggested that Lot 10, Block 15 is not a buildable site since the lot doesn't provide a 16 1/2 foot buffer area separating it from the existing wetland. Chair schlawin opened discussion to the public. Ginny Bakke: I am interested in which line will be recognized as the south property line of Deer Meadow. Dan Westergren: This plat will recognize existing platting of Hill Dee and agree with its north boundary. Tim Giles: I do not agree that I should pay for cost of the signal at lSOth Street. leg of the light or the portion which enters the Deer Meadow plat. the entire city I will pay for one Member Gramentz I am curious why the POD was approved with only one access. Chris Galler: Hill Dee was developed without an access. It seemed wrong to require this developer to correct a past mistake. The City council did not wish to burden the developer with the cost of a house and providing a street connection to Hill Dee. Member Gramentz: Access to parks is a concern. This development will not have good access to a city park. Member Schlawin: What about on-site dumping? Tim Giles: The dumping area actually is in Lakeville and not included within the area of this plat. Robert Gallivan: Downhill from the dump site there appears to be a shed with old building materials scattered about and that does appear to be on the site. Diana Keyes: What about the sewer line and a park for children? planner Tooker: There will be no park other than a climbing structure adjoining the wetland as recommended by the parks and Recreation Commission. C) -:...'...~""7",~:.~T:i.~'"'.T.~~:r:7?Ir.{.';<>~~..;. ~.->" . .'. .:..' ,.,' Planning Minutes - 8/8/95 - Page 3 Member Gramentz: Is it correct that the County is now requiring 150 feet in right of way for county roads? This will mean a Also, there should be a stub out designed to meet the temporary turnaround at the west end of 180th Street. o dedication of 75 feet. Halstead property and a Tim Giles: We would like to be able to improve 180th Street to the west property line but barricade the entrance since no lot will have access from this short stub. Member Schlawin: When were the Engineer's comments on this plat available? I feel that there are a number of topics raised in this material that are difficult to respond to on short notice. Planner Tooker: The memorandum is dated today. Member Schlawin: Are there additional comments. If not, I will entertain a motion to close the hearing. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Thelen to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to recommend approval of the preliminary plat of Deer Meadow subject to comments of the Planner, city Engineer, the Soil and Water Conservation District and the City of Lakeville. VOTING IN FAVOR: Gramentz, Larson, Strachan, Thelen. OPPOSED: Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. c 4. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing scheduled for 7:30 P.M. to discuss the relocation of the Red house from the east frontage road of Highway 3 to Lot 2 in Block 1 of East Farmington First Addition. City Planner Tooker explained that the hearing was scheduled in anticipation of the City Council action on August 7, 1995 which amended the City Code with respect to moving structures. The Planning Commission action taken during the July meeting followed a section of the City Code that required no public hearing. The Council, on the other hand, determined that a public hearing which notifies adjoining property owners is valuable in the decision making process. This hearing will satisfy the requirements of the amended code: Corporation Farmington. My wife and I plan to take the existing house and move it to a parcel in the new development. sienna requires that the moved house shall meet the covenants of East Roger Randall: Tim Giles: An 8:12 pitch on all roofs is required in East Farmington. Does this house meet the requirements of the Architectural Control Committee? Roger Randall: The Committee is currently made up of principals in Sienna Corporation and Sienna has sold me the lot. The quickly as I can put together all of the required Committee will take.action as documentation. Pat Akin: I am opposed to the process thin house moving request has followed. The developer mentioned no house moving when the plat was approved. The house is out of place. I cannot believe the ~. . Commission would approve it. I am also concerned that once the house is moved and ~ fixed up, it will be sold. It will cheapen the development. Planning Minutes - 8/8/95 - Page 4 Member Schlawin: This could happen in any development. Pat Akin: The planning process has been bad and I hold you {City Planner} responsible for it. Chris Galler: There are only six issues that the Planning Commission needs to evaluate in considering the relocation of this structure. Tax Increment Financing as it relates to this property has been raised as an issue, but TI~ criteria is being met. In addition, there are a number of new developments that include adjoining older homes. The stegmaier homestead and the Akin House are but two examples. The six criteria have to do with the age of structure, its value and the architecture in relationship to the adjoining neighborhood. In addition, the property has up to 90 days to be completed on the outside. Henry Iwerks: It takes money to make improvements. I hope Mr. Randall has done his homework. Pat Akin: The Randall lot has been raised and will dam up water on my property unless drainage has been properly planned. I would like this entered into the minutes. Henry Iwerks: The Planning Commission has lots of power in dealing with house moving. Member Schlawin: Unless there are additional comments, I will entertain a motion to close the public hearing. MOTION by Strachan, second by Thelen to close the hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Member strachan was excused at 8:30 P.M.. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Thelen to approve the requested relocation of the former Hed house subject to approval by the Architectural Control Committee with the stipulation that all exterior work shall be complete within 90 days and that $5,000.00 surety shall be placed with the City Finance Director prior to moving the building. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. Chair Schlawin opened discussion of a requested waiver of platting from Marlene Halstead to divide a five acre parcel adjoining Deer Meadow into two lots. City Planner Tooker suggested that the north line of the south parcel should be in line with the south line of Eventide Way so that the larger portion of this split can be efficiently subdivided later. In addition, the plat of Deer Meadow will need an additional 70 foot stub street into the exception to assure that the smaller lot has frontage on a City street. Tim Giles: I can provide the stub but do not wish to pave it at the present time. Member Schlawin: I would not have a problem with the lack of paving, but do. believe that the dedication is necessary. u o c o - _._~----- - - -- Planning Minutes - 8/8/95------page5- MOTION by Thelen, second by Gramentz to approve the split provided that the south lot is 130 feet wide and that a 60 foot wide by 70 foot deep stub shall be dedicated to the City of Farmington for street purposes from the north lot. The south lot shall include no direct access to County Road 31. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. City Planner Tooker presented an informal request from Gordon and Twylla Chant from 621 Oak Street to consider a rear and front yard variance to extend steps and a deck into each one. The rear yard variance is for 3 feet 10 inches and the front is for approximately 13 feet based upon existing front yard setbacks in this block. The front yard setbacks in the original Town of Farmington plat vary greatly since there are so few housing units per block, particularly along the north/south streets. The setback for housing across Oak Street facing 7th Street appears to be 10 feet in contrast with the 33 feet established by the housing in this block. Because the deck is proposed at 13 feet in width, it will conform with setbacks acceptable in most areas of the City. There were no objections to the plan as proposed. The City Planner will notify the Chants and they will probably file a formal request for hearing. 7. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 9:00 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR SEPTEMBER 12, 1995 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair Schlawin. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Strachan, Schlawin. Members Absent: Thelen. Also Present: City planner Tooker. 2. The Chair asked for comments on the minutes of August 8, 1995. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to approve the minutes of August 8, 1995 as presented. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. o 3. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:00 P.M. as requested by Gordon and Twyla Chant of 621 Oak street to secure front and side yard variances to build a deck and steps to the kitchen entrance. The deck variance is complicated because of the deep setbacks along Seventh Street in this block. In essence, the existing setback is 30 feet for this block, whereas the minimum setback in new residential neighborhoods is 20 feet. The steps will extend three feet into the side yard. Member Gramentz was interested in the materials that will be used and the timing of improvements. The Chants described the materials as being consistent with the architectural character of the house and that the kitchen addition will be built this year followed by the deck improvement next year. Member Strachan wanted some assurance that the deck variance would observe the spirit of the Zoning Ordinance. Members agreed that the improvements in the older part of Farmington required some flexibility in interpretation. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Schlawin to approve the requested front and side yard variances as illustrated in the submittal site plan. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:15 P.M. as requested by Robert Hyde of 719 Centennial Circle to move a garage from the Twin Cities airport expansion site to his property. The action, if approved, will allow replacement of a single stall garage for a two stall garage. Mr. Hyde said that the garage will be resided with the same materials that are used on the house. The City Planner said that the garage is of a size that will fit between the existing pool deck and the required twenty foot front yard setback line. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Gramentz to approve the relocation of the garage as requested subject to submitting $5,000.00 cash for security, provision of a certificate of insurance issued to the building mover, and a commitment on the part of the landowner to have the exterior of the building complete within sixty days following its move to this site. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. City Planner Tooker discussed a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding setbacks along arterial streets. The need for a clean up of language relates to current discussions on the relocation of County Road 31. Some wording changes were suggested by the Planning Commission resulting in a recommendation to forward a new paragraph under 10-4-1(J) to the City Council as follows: [] (J) The minimum front yard setback for all new construction in all districts adjacent to minor arterial streets included in the Thoroughfare Plan of the Farmington Comprehensive Plan shall be fifty feet (50') from the planned right of way line. () ..__J MOTION by Strachan, second by Larson to forward the above wording to the City Council with a recommendation that it be approved. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. The Commission then discussed a draft of Assets and Liabilities and Housing Characteristics which will be included in a revised Comprehensive Plan. The principle comment suggested that multiple housing is more acceptable near activity centers like the downtown where there are more employment opportunities and things to do for entertainment. 7. Tony Joslyn of Flagstaff Avenue requested that the Planning Commission discuss their thoughts on allowing used car sales as a permitted use in the Agricultural Districts. The Commission suggested that he find space within existing business zoning districts. 8. The Commission was asked to consider a change in location for the Hed house, currently owned by Roger Randall. The Members agreed that the Dallas Haas property would be suitable. 9. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.. Submitted by, () Charles Tooker City Planner Approved o o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR OCTOBER 10, 1995 1. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Thelen. Members Absent: Strachan. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. Chair Schlawin asked for comments on the minutes of September 12, 1995. MOTION by Larson, second by Gramentz to approve the minutes of September 12, 1995 as distributed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing requested by Dakota County for a Wetland Alteration Permit for the wetlands impacted by the reconstruction of County Road 50 between the Lakeville city line and the bridge over the Vermillion River at Rambling River Park. The information provided showed the impacted wetland, the mitigation area on the stella Hammer land, and the City Engineer's recommendations on improvements which were forwarded to the County on September 15, 1995. The Commission asked for clarification of specific points and were satisfied by the responses. MOTION by Thelen, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Thelen to approve the wetland alteration permit subject to the implementation of all comments made by the City Engineer on September 15, 1995. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. o 4. City Planner Tooker presented the request from Heritage Development to replace the 4 unit townhouse building with 4 duplex buildings for a net increase of 4 dwelling units. The Planner suggested that units 3 and 4, and units 7 and 8, be turned and offset up to 10 feet to cut the "row house" effect which could be observed along Pilot Knob Road. Chair Schlawin requested that the cul-de-sac be redesigned to include a central grass panel to cut down on the large expanse of pavement in the cul-de-sac. Member Larson requested a minimum height of five feet for the berm along pilot Knob Road. Member Thelen requested substantial plantings in all of the yards fronting along public streets. The Planner explained that the draft Comprehensive Plan includes medium density development over the entire site and that the developer now understands that there is a demand for higher density development in the northwest area of Farmington. A prime consideration for the request is that a homeowners' association of eight units is more likely to succeed than one including only four units. It has also been illustrated in Farmington that duplex units can be sold more readily than the "middle" units in townhouse clusters. MOTION by Larson, second by Thelen to recommend a change in the PUD plan by replacing four townhouse units with eight duplex units at the intersection of pilot Knob Road and Euclid Path in Nelsen Hills Farm Third Addition subject to: a. modification of the cul-de-sac to include a central grass panel; b. reorientation of units 3 and 4, and units 7 and 8; c. construction of a five foot berm adjoining pilot Knob Road; and d. development of a planting plan emphasizing deciduous tree planting in all front yards. D VOTING FOR: Gramentz, Larson, Thelen. ABSTAIN: Schlawin. MOTION CARRIED. 5. City Planner Tooker reviewed the request from Kwik Trip to reorient the proposed service center building at the northwest corner of the Elm and Third Street intersection without going through another conditional use hearing. The Members had (~') no problem with eliminating a hearing provided that some changes are made in the 'j proposal, including: a. including red brick facing on three sides of the building; b. creating a planter rather than stripped paving at the southeast corner of the building; c. submission of a lighting plan for the site; d. submission of a revised planting plan following suggestions by the City Planner including boulevard trees along Elm and Third Streets. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Thelen to advise Kwik Trip that a conditional use hearing is not required provided that the company can follow the recommendations outlined in the above discussion. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. City Planner Tooker discussed the housing plan information provided in connection with the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act and a proposal by Dakota County HRA to prepare a five year action plan for all participating communities in the County. He suggested that since no one had an information packet in advance of the meeting, it might be better to hold a discussion during a special meeting on October 24, 1995 at 7:00 P.M.. The members agreed to hold a special session on housing issues. 7. City Planner Tooker presented the proposal of Moleski Associates for a fence design to be installed adjoining the More 4 service court to protect the adjoining neighborhood from the loading area. A fence was included in the site plan but not implemented when the store was built. The Commission agreed that the proposed fence is acceptable. 8. City Planner Tooker presented a Fire Department request to extend the driveway width an additional 24 feet bringing the opening onto County Road 31 to 84 feet. The Commission agreed that a planter separating the proposed new driveway from the existing would not be workable and that they would accept a variance request. 9. Member Gramentz asked about two projects that have not been completed. The first includes the Utin shed" owned by Dave Finnegan which has not been converted to an apartment building and the second includes Lamperts, which has never attempted to follow an agreed upon site plan. City Planner Tooker was instructed to forward letters to both requesting that these issues be resolved. 10. There being no .further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 8:45 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City planner Approved C) o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL NOVEMBER 1, 1995 1. Chair Schlawin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Schlawin, Thelen. Members Absent: Strachan. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. The Chair opened the public hearing scheduled for 7:00 P.M. to discuss the request from Roger Randall to move the ~Hed" house from its temporary location south of Spruce Street to property owned by the Dallas Haas estate, approximately 100 feet to the south. The house will remain in the neighborhood where it was built and, therefore, meets all of the criteria listed in Section 10-8-~ of the City Code. The City already holds surety from the previous hearing when a move was approved into East Farmington. Dennis Gramentz asked about timing of the move and improvements that will be made. Mr. Randall responded that the blocks for a basement will be laid immediately after closing and a move would be completed before the end of the year. He indicated that he would be using the rest of the winter to have interior work completed. The discussion of on site landscaping evolved to a point where a plan needs to be developed prior to December 1, 1995 and implemented by June 1, 1996. However, the Commission would consider an extension of the implementation deadline if asked. MOTION by Thelen, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Thelen to approve relocation of the former \\Hed" house to the Dallas Haas property as indicated on the site plan reviewed during the meeting subject to: ~. the development and implementation of a landscape plan; . a certificate of insurance from the house mover; and . the City retaining the surety until the house is moved and the landscaping has been installed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Chair Schlawin recognized Tim Giles who is interested in purchasing three quad home lots in Dakota County Estates 9th Addition, but wishes to increase the density from 12 to 20 units. City Planner Tooker outlined the procedure for a major amendment to the PUD which involves a public hearing before the City Council. Several options were discussed and, since Mr. Giles was interested in securing input from the Commission, the members present indicated that they would consider increasing the density by four units but not eight. Mr. Giles said he would develop a plan for later discussion. 4. City Planner Tooker presented the request from Emma pohl to extend MUSA to her lot on the east side of Trunk Highway 3. The request involves a minor amendment to the Comprehensive Plan which must be reviewed by the Metropolitan Council. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Schlawin to forward a recommendation to the City Council for O.'iJProval of an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan by extending MUSA by one lot ;..\""ct to approval by the Metropolitan Council. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Planning Minutes - 11/1/95 (Special) - Page 2 5. City Planner Tooker reviewed the material developed during the past two months regarding housing as background for the Housing Goals Agreement required for participation in the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act. The Housing Goals Agreement is being recommended to cover 5 years rather than the 14 indicated to make it correspond with the city's 5 Year Capital Improvement Program. He reviewed the actual goals as outline in the October 25, 1995 memo to the City council on the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act. After a general discussion of housing activity and the challenge offered by this program, the following motion was introduced. MOTION by Schlawi~, second by Thelen to recommend approval of the Housing Goals Agreement and proposed resolution electing to participate in the Local Housing Incentives Account Program under the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. (~) '.......__.....-/~ 6. City Planner Tooker described to the Commission the request from John Tschohl to speak directly to the City Council regarding an appeal of the City Planner's decision that his request to further divide the Southeast Quarter of Section 25 constituted a premature subdivision as described in the City code. Chair Schlawin said that this discussion has gone on for a very long time and, while the proposal is slightly different from previous requests, it is still contrary to the intent of the current implementation programs of the comprehensive plan. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Thelen to recommend against additional divisions of the Tschohl property until utilities can be made available. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 8:30 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City planner Approved i"'---... L) o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR NOVEMBER 14, 1995 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair Schlawin. Members Present: Larson, Schlawin, Strachan, Thelen. Members Absent: Gramentz. Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. The Chair asked for comments on the minutes of meetings held on October 10th and November 1st. MOTION by Thelen, second by Larson to approve the October 10, 1995 minutes as distributed. VOTING FOR: Larson, Schlawin, Thelen. ABSTAIN: Strachan. MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Thelen, second by Larson to approve the November 1, 1995 minutes as distributed. VOTING FOR: Larson, Schlawin, Thelen. ABSTAIN: Strachan. MOTION CARRIED. o 3. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing advertised for 7:00 P.M. as requested by the Farmington Fire Department for a variance to extend an existing driveway access of 60 feet width to 84 feet to accommodate the new stall added to the fire station on Denmark Avenue. The staff recommended the addition of landscaping to the site plan, particularly on the north side of the building to compliment the mature plantings on the south and east side. Fire Chief Kuchera indicated that he did not have a problem with this request. MOTION by Thelen, second by Strachan to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Thelen to approve the variance allowing an 84 foot wide access on the west side of Denmark Avenue, contingent upon the development and implementation of a planting plan introducing "foundation" materials adjoining the north side of the building as well as two additional deciduous trees in the yard north of the building and east of the drainfield. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Chair Schlawin opened the hearing requested by Dennis and Edna Sue Perro for a variance which would allow them to retain an 11 1/2 foot high storage shed which was built in their backyard before they were made aware that the maximum height is 9 feet. The Commission was provided photographs of the lot and building by Mr. Perro, together with an analysis of the site emphasizing the large lot, mature trees which screen the yard, and the low elevation of this yard compared with the new housing units in Silver Springs. MOTION by Thelen, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by Thelen to approve the requested variance based upon the relatively low elevation of the Perro lot compared with the lots to the rear, the ability of existing trees and shrubs to screen the storage shed, and the relatively large size of this lot compared with adjoining uses. APIF, MOTION CARRI:ED. o 5. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing requested by Donald and Brenda Hunter for a variance to extend an existing garage four feet into a utility easement and within one foot of the east property line. Mr. Hunter indicated that the utility easement is not in use and the church next door has no planned use for the area adjoining his lot. City Planner Tooker said that if the Commission is sympathetic to the request, the Church would need to agree with a shift of the easement five feet to the east and a grand total of ten feet of church property dedicated as an easement [or future utility use as needed. MOTION by Larson, second by Thelen to close the Planning Minutes - 11/14/95 - Page 2 public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Thelen to approve the requested variance provided that there is no existing use of the easement and that the ten foot easement is shifted entirely onto the church property. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Following approval there was a discussion as to what would be an acceptable method of moving the easement. City Planner Tooker suggested the need for a survey of the easement and a vote by the church board giving up for public use a ten foot wide utility and drainage easement along the Hunter property line and, possibly, a Gopher One Call to clarify that there is no use of the present easement. At some future time, the City Council would be able to vacate the existing Hunter easement. (~ ,-------. 6. Chair Schlawin opened the public hearing requested by South River Homes, Inc. for a variance to allow the home at 18444 Eldorado Way to stay, as placed, five feet from the west property line. City Planner Tooker indicated that a survey mistake placed the house five rather than the required six feet from the side lot line. Member Larson was concerned about this mistake and would not like to see the request repeated by this or any other builder. MOTION by Strachan, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Larson, second by Strachan to approve a one foot variance to allow the house on Lot 7, Block 5 of Dakota County Estates 8th Addition to remain as constructed at 5 feet from the west property line. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. City Planner Tooker presented the request' from Warren Israelson to expand the MUSA boundary in Section 13 by ten acres in order to complete the PUD as originally planned. The actual area involves 17 acres but 7 acres in the second addition is actually a ponding area and could be transferred to keep the requested expansion to a minimum. MOTION by Schlawin, second by Thelen to recommend that the City Council C.- request a 10 acre increase to the MUSA boundary within Section 13 to allow the --- Developer the right to complete the platting of prairie Creek PUD. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 8. There being no further business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 8:15 P.M.. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved CJ o MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR DECEMBER 12, 1995 1. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Thelen at 7:00 P.M. Members Present: Gramentz, Larson, Strachan, Thelen. Members Absent: Schlawin (arrived at 7:15 P.M.) Also Present: City Planner Tooker. 2. Vice Chair Thelen asked for comments on the minutes of November 14, 1995. MOTION by strachan, second by Larson to approve the minutes of November 14, 1995 as distributed. VOTING FOR: Larson, strachan, Thelen. ABSTAIN: Gramentz. MOTION CARRIED. c 3. Vice Chair Thelen opened the public hearing advertised for 7:00 P.M. as requested by Tim Giles to amend the PUD for Dakota County Estates on Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 3, of the 9th Addition by increasing the number of housing units from 12 to 16. City planner Tooker indicated a need for a site plan with more detail since the City Engineer had raised questions about stormwater ponding, the lack of a drive through access that can be used by City vehicles responsible for trash collection and separation of driveway intersections from public street intersections. Tim Giles raised questions about the need for NURP ponds if the density is not changed, or going to another building type which would involve two eight unit buildings rather than 4 four unit buildings. The Commission agreed that there appeared to be too many options still being considered for them to reach a decision. Mr. Giles indicated that he wanted to question the City Engineer regarding the need for an on-site stormwater management detention pond. MOTION by Larson, second by Schlawin to continue the public hearing until January 9, 1996 at 7:00 P.M.. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Vice Chair Thelen opened the public hearing advertised for 7:15 P.M. as requested by Guy and Michelle Kinney of 5311 Upper 182nd street to retain a storage shed which is both too tall and too close to the side lot line. The Commission was impressed by the quality of the shed, but did believe it interfered with an adjoining property both because of the height and closeness to the property line. Member Strachan suggested the need for administrative review of each storage shed since most variance requests concerning sheds are filed because the applicant was unaware of the height limit. Member schlawin agreed, since the Commission only acts on those non-complying sheds that are noticed. There are many others that possibly do not meet code requirements, but have had no complaints. Mr. Kinney said that he would be able to move the shed relatively easily, but that removal of the top two feet could become very expensive. MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Strachan, second by schlawin to require Mr. Kinney to move the storage shed at least two feet further from the west property line and to regrade the new site so that the building floor level is at least one foot lower than it is at the present time. The new location and elevation shall be accomplished by June 1, 1996. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Member Strachan asked if there would be general support on the commission for a new procedure that would require all storage shed o requests to be reviewed by City staff and the addition of a nominal cost for such a review. There was a consensus that the staff should investigate the proposal. 5. City Planner Tooker announced that the City Council would like a volunteer from the Planning Commission to serve on the Joint Planning Board with Empire Township. Member Schlawin indicated that he would volunteer, but encouraged others to also do so. No other volunteers emerged from the discussion. 6. City Planner Tooker presented a concept plan for the remainder of the undeveloped land adjoining TroyHill. He said that the Developer has decided to prepare a PUD for the site area which has not been developed. The POD would likely be ready for presentation at the meeting on January 9, 1996. 7. City Planner Tooker reviewed a memo prepared for the City Council which outlines MUSA needs for approximately ten years into the future. Questions from the Commission ranged from the advisability of establishing a 300 housing unit per year cap and how such a cap would be administered; to why the Planning Commission was not invited to provide its input into this policy. The Commission was particularly interested that current MUSA includes only a three year land supply. 8. There being no additional business, the Commission agreed to adjourn at 9:05 P.M. Submitted by, Charles Tooker City Planner Approved